The Texas Longhorns have always been one of the most storied programs in college football, with a tradition of success and a passionate fan base that spans the nation. But recently, the Longhorns’ program has found itself embroiled in a controversy that threatens to overshadow their impressive on-field accomplishments. A no-call scandal has rocked the college football world, and fans—particularly those from Arizona State University (ASU)—are demanding justice.
This incident revolves around a controversial moment during a high-stakes game between the Texas Longhorns and ASU, a match that was expected to be a marquee matchup between two of college football’s elite programs. However, what was supposed to be a battle of gridiron giants quickly devolved into a heated dispute after a series of crucial no-calls by the officiating crew. While these situations are not unusual in the unpredictable world of college football, the sheer magnitude of this no-call has sparked outrage, specifically from ASU fans and analysts who claim the officiating played a pivotal role in Texas’s 35-31 victory.
### The Game That Shocked College Football
The matchup between Texas and ASU was one of the most anticipated games of the season. Both teams had been playing well, and expectations were high for a showdown that could potentially shape the playoff picture. As the game wore on, it became clear that this was not just another typical football game. Fans, coaches, and analysts were all glued to the action as the two teams exchanged punches, with the game eventually heading into the final minutes tied at 31 apiece.
It was during these final moments that the controversial no-call occurred. With Texas leading by four points, ASU was driving down the field with less than a minute left, desperately trying to tie or take the lead. On a pivotal third-down play, ASU’s quarterback attempted a pass to his receiver, who was clearly interfered with by a Texas defender. The pass was incomplete, but the contact was blatant, and many observers believed it should have been called as pass interference.
However, no flag was thrown, and the game continued. ASU had to settle for a fourth-down attempt, which ultimately failed, sealing the victory for Texas. The no-call, or more accurately, the refusal to call pass interference, sparked outrage from ASU fans, who felt that the officiating had robbed them of a legitimate shot at winning the game.
### A Pattern of Controversy?
While one bad call (or no-call) might be seen as a simple mistake, the controversy surrounding this game has led many to question the broader integrity of the officiating. Fans and analysts have pointed to similar no-calls in games involving the Longhorns in recent seasons, suggesting a pattern of favorable treatment for Texas. Some argue that Texas’s high-profile status in college football—combined with the program’s immense financial and recruiting power—has led to an imbalance in officiating. These conspiracy theories, while largely speculative, have nonetheless fueled the flames of frustration.
For ASU fans, the lack of accountability for the officiating crew and the failure to reverse the no-call in post-game reviews have only deepened their belief that something was amiss. They claim that the NCAA has shown little interest in addressing the mistake or offering any form of reparation, which has only added fuel to the fire.
### Steve Sarkisian’s Role in the Scandal
At the heart of the controversy is Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. While Sarkisian himself has not been directly involved in the officiating process, his program’s handling of the situation has raised eyebrows. Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator at Alabama and USC, has been praised for his offensive mind and his ability to develop quarterbacks. However, this controversy has cast a shadow over his leadership and his program.
Sarkisian’s post-game comments following the win did little to quell the growing discontent. In his press conference, he largely deflected any questions about the controversial no-call, focusing instead on his team’s performance and the emotional highs of securing the victory. While his comments were not malicious, they were seen by some as tone-deaf, especially given the passionate outcry from ASU supporters who felt their team had been robbed.
Many felt that Sarkisian, as the leader of the Longhorns, should have at least acknowledged the controversy or even called for an investigation into the officiating. His refusal to engage with the issue raised questions about his priorities and his commitment to fair play.
While the Longhorns’ coach may not have had any control over the officiating, his silence has been interpreted by some as tacit approval of the result, which only added to the bitterness among ASU fans. For them, this no-call was not just an isolated incident—it was a symptom of a larger issue, one that they believed had been ignored by the Texas program and the NCAA as a whole.
### The Aftermath: Fans Demand Justice
The fallout from the no-call scandal has been swift and intense. ASU fans, who had already been simmering with frustration over what they saw as a missed opportunity for their program, have now mobilized in full force. Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #JusticeForASU and #FixTheCall, demanding that the NCAA take action and punish those responsible for the erroneous officiating.
In addition to the outcry from ASU’s fan base, there have been calls for a formal investigation into the officiating crew’s performance during the game. Some have even suggested that the game’s outcome should be reversed, or at the very least, that Texas should forfeit the victory. While these calls for drastic measures are unlikely to result in any immediate change, they reflect the depth of anger felt by those who believe ASU was unfairly denied a chance to win.
Moreover, several high-profile sports media figures have weighed in, with some questioning the legitimacy of Texas’s victory and others calling for the NCAA to implement stricter oversight of officiating. Critics argue that this incident is indicative of a larger issue within college sports, where top programs like Texas are often afforded favorable treatment by officials, whether intentionally or not.
### The Road Ahead for Texas and ASU
As the controversy continues to simmer, both Texas and ASU are left to deal with the fallout. For Sarkisian and the Longhorns, the focus will likely shift back to the field, where they will continue their quest for a national championship. However, the shadow of this scandal will loom over the program until some form of accountability is reached.
For ASU, the road to recovery is more complicated. The team’s fans, many of whom feel their program was wronged, will need to find a way to move on from the injustice they perceive. The NCAA, for its part, will need to take a hard look at how to improve the accountability of its officiating crews and restore faith in the fairness of the game.
In the end, the Texas Longhorns’ victory over ASU may go into the record books, but it will forever be remembered as one of the most controversial outcomes in recent college football history. Fans will continue to demand justice, and the debate over the no-call scandal will undoubtedly fuel discussions about the integrity of college football for years to come.
