Are marquee non-conference games worth it anymore? Ohio State, Oregon and Oklahoma left to ponder

As football's marquee non-conference matchups come under scrutiny, Ohio State, Oregon, and Oklahoma find themselves in a quandary. The decision to schedule games like these is now being questioned.

Oklahoma State's victory over Oregon, a team not deemed a marquee opponent initially, has left fans wondering if such games are truly worth the effort. The Cowboys, who had been struggling the previous year, were part of a deal that the Ducks made in 2018 when Oklahoma State was a big name.

College football's shift towards the College Football Playoff has added a new layer of complexity to the decision. Programs that might have once been willing to take on the risk of scheduling tough non-conference games are now reconsidering.

Brent Venables of Oklahoma understands the desire for these games, citing recruiting benefits and preparation, but acknowledges that the pressure and risk might be too much for some teams. "I would guess there's less and less teams wanting to do that, playing (tough games in) non-conference," he said.

The consequences of playing such games are evident. Texas, for example, lost a game to Ohio State earlier in the season and found itself on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Ryan Day of Ohio State now faces questions after a hard-fought victory against the Longhorns.

As for the teams involved, each now has to weigh the potential rewards against the risk of losing a highly anticipated game. The outcome of non-conference games could be a deciding factor in the College Football Playoff committee's selection process.