Ohio State Considering an Offer to Play in Pigskin Classic

After failing to lure Nebraska, organizers of the Disneyland Pigskin Classic have targeted Ohio State for the Aug. 29 college football game at Anaheim Stadium.

The Big Ten co-champion has been offered a spot to play Fresno State, but whether the Buckeyes accept is up to Coach John Cooper and the team, Athletic Director Jim Jones said Thursday.

Don Andersen, executive director of the Orange County Sports Assn., which stages the game, is optimistic.

“It’s not a done deal, but it’s a definite possibility,” Andersen said. “We’ve never had a Big Ten team . . . this would be a real plum for us.”

Previously, Andersen believed he had an agreement with Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Byrne to have the Cornhuskers participate. But lack of team approval torpedoed the invitation.

Andersen said a commitment from Ohio State “would put that all behind us.” He expects a decision within a few days.

“Ohio State has a great football tradition,” Andersen said, “and the fact that they represent a market with a huge number of television homes is also a real plus.”