Ohio State Football: CFP for OSU and OU but not ND?

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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 24: Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes outruns Brandon Watson #28 of the Michigan Wolverines for a 24-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Following a dominating performance against Michigan, the Ohio State football team inserted themselves into prime position for another playoff berth.

Playing out hypothetical scenarios for the College Football Playoff has become the latest and greatest pastime of this new era. Analysts, writers and fans alike all attempt to give their take(s) on what the thirteen person committee may or may not be thinking.

As the season wears on, the hypotheticals become more and more clear and the possibilities are limited to just a few options. Similarly to the present, after much debate and a full regular season of football games, the race for the playoff is seemingly between six teams. Maybe seven if UCF is included.

Since 2014, the college football world has asked for consistency from the changing committee but we have received anything but that. Subjectivity has reigned supreme and wondering if conference championship games matter has become the biggest conundrum.

In 2014, we saw Ohio State get the nod because of playing a thirteenth game and the eye test. 2015 brought debate between arguably the most talented roster in the country in Ohio State missing out because of a field goal loss to Michigan State as time expired.

2016 saw non-conference champion Ohio State receive an invitation based on resume and strength of schedule. While 2017 entailed the same scenario for Alabama, the CFP Committee added a second SEC team although their resume was not nearly as strong as Ohio State’s was in 2016.

What will this year bring? Will it be the eye test that matters? Can 12-0 Notre Dame crash the party or do conference championships mean something again? For the sake of this argument, let’s assume Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oklahoma all win on Saturday.

The committee will have quite the debate on their hands between those four powerhouses and undefeated FBS Independent Notre Dame. Alabama and Clemson are in with a win, but now it comes down to three teams for two spots. So, who’s in?

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