While the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Ohio State is in. The real question now is, who will they face in the playoffs? After a solid season, the Buckeyes find themselves in a favorable position, despite a couple of stumbles that left fans feeling a bit uneasy.
Ohio State’s Season Overview
Ohio State wrapped up the regular season with a record of 10-2, a performance that, while impressive, felt somewhat underwhelming. The Buckeyes suffered a narrow defeat to Oregon in October and ended their season with a heart-wrenching 13-10 loss to their arch-rivals, Michigan. However, in between those losses, they showcased their dominance, defeating teams like Penn State and Indiana convincingly. A 20-13 victory over Penn State on the road and a 38-15 thrashing of Indiana at home were pivotal moments that solidified their place in the CFP.
CFP Field and Matchup Predictions
So, what does the CFP landscape look like for Ohio State? The four champions who will receive byes are Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State. Clemson, despite their ACC championship, will be seeded lower than Arizona State, landing them at the bottom of the 12-team bracket. They are set to face Texas, a team with a solid resume just outside the automatic qualifiers.
In addition to Ohio State, other teams vying for playoff spots include Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, and Indiana. This creates an intriguing scenario where one final spot is up for grabs, likely between SMU or Alabama. The last team in will probably face Notre Dame, which, like Ohio State, had a week off to prepare.
Potential Matchups for Ohio State
This leads to some exciting possibilities for the Buckeyes. With four spots available for three Big Ten teams, a matchup within the conference seems inevitable. The most likely scenario is that Ohio State and Penn State will get the hosting nods. Two-loss Penn State is likely to remain ahead of two-loss Tennessee in the seeding, setting up potential matchups of OSU versus Tennessee and Penn State against Indiana.
Interestingly, Penn State did not face Indiana this season, while Ohio State had a dominant performance against them just weeks ago. This could play a significant role in how the matchups are determined. However, when considering seeding, the opposite might hold true. Indiana is likely to be ranked lower than the other teams, with Ohio State positioned at the top.
Deja Vu for Ohio State
For Ohio State, this scenario feels like déjà vu. The Buckeyes are likely to face Indiana once again, this time in Columbus. While this matchup may not excite Ohio State fans, it puts Indiana in a precarious situation. After an incredible season, the Hoosiers might see their playoff dreams dashed against the very team that ended their remarkable regular-season run.
Looking Ahead: A Path to the Semifinals
Long-term implications of this playoff setup suggest that Ohio State could be on a collision course with Boise State in the quarterfinals. This presents a promising path for the Buckeyes as they aim for a shot at the national semifinals. Meanwhile, other Cinderella teams will be looking to make their mark and challenge the traditional powers of college football.
Final Thoughts
As the playoff picture continues to take shape, Ohio State fans have much to be excited about. With a strong season behind them and a favorable path ahead, the Buckeyes are poised to make a significant impact in the CFP. Who do you think they should face in the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The upcoming weeks promise to be thrilling as the Buckeyes prepare for their next challenge. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Ohio State is ready to prove they belong among the elite in college football. The journey is just beginning, and fans can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds!
