Ohio State football: Previewing Potential Playoff Foes

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Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Corey Coleman (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention:

Michigan State Spartans

Two Big Ten teams in the playoff? More conceivable than you think.

Experienced senior quarterback and Heisman dark horse Connor Cook will be the deciding factor as to if the Spartans make or miss out on the postseason fun. There’s an abundance of talent to help Cook out in spite of the loss of key playmakers like Jeremy Langford and Tony Lippett. Some of the country’s best defensive and offensive lines should also be more than enough reason to believe in Sparty.

In the face of a tough schedule, Michigan State could potentially lose a close one to Ohio State and still make the playoff. However unlikely, the Spartans remain a real contender.

Baylor Bears

Another team left out of the playoff last season, expect Baylor to be knocking on the door again. Productive passer Bryce Petty may have moved on but there’s no shortage of talent on this Bears team.

Electric leading rusher Shock Linwood is back, as is the most lethal one-two wideout combo in Corey Coleman and K.D. Cannon. Junior Seth Russell is the man at quarterback and is expected to step in almost seamlessly for Petty. Sensational 6-9, 280 pound Shawn Oakman returns to the defensive line to headline what should be an all-around improved defense.

The Big 12 title, and Baylor’s playoff chances, may hinge on their late season road test at TCU. A thrilling 21-point comeback that saw the Bears walk away victorious was the result of last year’s contest between the two. Plan for more of the same in 2015.

Oregon Ducks

Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Marcus Mariota might be gone, but there’s still plenty to love about the Oregon Ducks. An overwhelming amount of seniority and talent should keep the Ducks in the playoff hunt sans Mariota.

The offense is stacked at skill positions. Thomas Tyner and Royce Freeman form a ridiculous two-headed attack at running back, while Byron Marshall leads a deep receiving corps that’ll help make any quarterback look like Mariota. Oregon will rely on defensive end DeForest Buckner and the front seven to anchor a defense with an unproven secondary.

So, who will start at quarterback? Perhaps Jeff Lockie, a junior that has only played in garbage time moments during blowout games. Or maybe it’ll be FCS All-American grad-transfer Vernon Adams. He put up eye-popping numbers at Eastern Washington and might be more of an immediate answer at quarterback given his experience as a three-year starter. No matter who it’ll be, Oregon should remain relevant in playoff talks.

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