Behind the television timeout stick: first-person experience of operating timeouts at Ohio Stadium

Nathan Snizik, an AVS student assistant and fourth-year in politics, philosophy and economics and information security holding up the television timeout stick. Ohio State lost to Oregon 41-28 on Nov. 7, 2026. Credit: Cassandra D’Angelo | Sports Photo Editor. Second and 19. Ball on the 12-yard line at Ohio Stadium. It is Aug. 30, 2025, and Ohio State is opening its national championship defense against then-No. 1 Texas in the Horseshoe. Deep in Buckeye territory, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin takes the snap and throws a screen pass to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who catches the ball and turns upfield before three defenders chase him out of bounds at the 15-yard line. Standing nearby, I have my own problem. I am making my debut as the television timeout stick operator on the sideline of the stadium, and I have not quite figured out how to get out of the way without getting run over by players in motion.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.