Is it possible that the Buckeyes make the college football playoff? If you are feeling optimistic you wouldn’t be alone.
After dismantling the Wolverines 62-39 this past Saturday the college football world took notice. Hopefully, the college football playoff committee took notice as well. The Buckeyes will need help in order to crack the top four in the rankings as it seemed since the news broke about Urban Meyer receiving a suspension they have faced an uphill battle in the rankings.
Ohio State started their spot in the CFP rankings at #10 after losing to Purdue in horrific fashion just weeks before. While the initial ranking was merited, the following rankings have seemed to depict how the committee feels about the Urban Meyer led Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have failed to move up in the rankings despite numerous teams ahead of them losing. Week 10 the Buckeyes were leap-frogged by West Virginia. Week 13 they were leap-frogged by UCF who beat Cincinnati convincingly as OSU barely escaped defeat against Maryland.
This week should be different. The committee has demonstrated this by promoting teams who beat teams that were ranked in their top 10. Ohio State’s demolishing of a top 4 opponent should receive a similar reward as they have dealt out to teams with impressive wins over top-ranked teams. ESPN’s playoff predictor has Ohio State listed with the fourth best odds to make the college football playoff and the Coaches and AP polls have them listed at 6th before the championship week begins this weekend.
Despite these numbers looking favorably on the Buckeyes, they will still need to soundly defeat Northwestern in the Big 10 title game and also have one of the following scenarios to play out:
Alabama, Texas and Clemson Win
With Alabama defeating Georgia in convincing fashion it will clear the way for a debate between OSU or OU as the last team in the top four and if Texas defeats Oklahoma in a typical Big 12 matchup devoid of defense, the committee could decide that OSU vs Alabama would be a more competitive and lucrative (always follow the money) matchup.
Alabama, OU and Pitt win
With Clemson losing to Pitt and Alabama defeating Georgia the committee may stick with their precedent of years past and select two one-loss conference champions over one-loss (Clemson) and two-loss (Georgia) non-champions. This would allow four of the most historic schools in college football history a chance to clash all while making plenty of dollars and sense.
Alabama, OU and Clemson win
This is the most likely scenario to happen and the one that could force Ohio State out of the playoff. However, the committee may look at the body of work, eye test and non-conference wins of both OSU and OU and award the fourth spot to OSU. The argument most likely to win the last spot for Ohio State would be its statement against Michigan and a subsequent convincing defeat of Northwestern in the Big 10 title game as proof of an improved defense and the best team to possibly Alabama. This scenario would also require Oklahoma’s win over Texas to be unconvincing or lackluster.
Any of these scenarios could be undone with Georgia narrowly defeating Alabama and Clemson winning convincingly to leave OU and OSU on the outside looking in. Georgia, Clemson, Notre Dame
While the outlook may be grim or rosy depending on the glasses you’re wearing there seems to a legitimate shot for the Buckeyes to make it to the playoff.