Ohio State Football: First College Football Playoff rankings meaningless
Ohio State fans shouldn’t be overly concerned with the initial College Football Playoff rankings.
The College Football Playoff Committee announced its first ranking and Ohio State sits at No. 6.
An argument can be made that the Buckeyes deserve to be in the Top Four, but this position feels right at this point in the season.
We know that the next five weeks will disrupt the standings, so week one is about being in position to make the final group of four.
Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield argued that his Sooners should be ranked ahead of the Buckeyes. I agree with him. He came into the Horseshoe and solidly beat the Buckeyes. Unless Oklahoma collapses, I believe they will make it back to playoffs.
Given the head to head match ups remaining, teams that realistically have a shot right now are Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Washington, TCU, Penn State and Ohio State.
November is about rounding into championship form. I feel like we know the strength of every team except Alabama.
Ohio State will finish in the top four if they win out. It is that simple and here’s why.
Even if Georgia and Alabama enter the SEC Championship game undefeated, there is no way both will get into the playoff unless there is mass carnage in the other Power Five conferences.
I know there are delusional SEC fans that believe both have a shot. Their egos prevent them from understanding reality. The Committee’s job is to get the best four teams and the championship game is an elimination game.
Notre Dame is a wild card that could stay among the top four and deny Ohio State a chance for a third playoff appearance, but the lack of a championship game will eventually kill their bid, especially if Alabama beats Georgia.
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Clemson deserves the most latitude since it is the defending champion. Another loss and they are out, but I feel the Tigers will win the ACC and make it back
Oklahoma stubbed its toe against Iowa State, but will end up getting revenge in the Big 12 Championship game.
The other teams in the mix will not leap Ohio State should the Buckeyes win out and win the Big Ten.
For Ohio State, it just needs to exercise its will in the next five games. Playing at Iowa is never easy, Michigan State has been a thorn in the Buckeyes side since Urban Meyer took over, the Game will be challenging even if the Wolverines’ offense is anemic and the Badgers will be undefeated and playing for playoff bid.
The team passed a huge test last weekend. The Buckeyes found their championship resolve while digging out the hole in the comeback win over Penn State.
Next: H back unit rounding into one of Urban’s best
Both sides of the ball are playing well. If Meyer can fix the special teams issues, there is no reason to expect anything but a Big Ten Championship and a third trip to the playoff.