Scarlet and Game
Fansided

Ohio State Football: Evaluating the AP Top 10, contenders or pretenders?

By Blake Biscardi

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Urban Meyer head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes react to a play in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Urban Meyer head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes react to a play in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 15: Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to make a catch against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Notre Dame Stadium on September 15, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt 22-17 (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 15: Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to make a catch against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Notre Dame Stadium on September 15, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt 22-17 (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish began their year with a headline win against Michigan; and one they needed if they wished to reach the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame’s offense was methodical with Brandon Wimbush under center, so Brian Kelly made the switch to Ian Book who has been lighting up the scoreboard.

Notre Dame has also already completed the toughest portion of their schedule and barring a major upset should cruise to an undefeated regular season. The Irish are a difficult team to gauge though.

I believe they are a real contender for earning a berth in the playoff, however, once they get there I do not think they are on a level playing field with the rest of the top teams.

Pretender

No. 3 Clemson Tigers

Clemson has also undergone a change at the quarterback position as Trevor Lawrence is now in the starting role after beating out soon-to-transfer Kelly Bryant. The Tigers have not looked as impressive as in years past, but they have shown flashes of brilliance. Clemson also has a lot of experienced coaches and players who are used to playing in big games..

Head Coach Dabo Swinney has proven he can win on the biggest stage and maintain his program atop the rankings. In a weakened ACC, there are a limited amount of teams who could upset the Tigers, let alone contend for the conference championship. Clemson should roll to another playoff berth.

Contender

Home/Ohio State Football