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Ohio State Football: Can teams challenge OSU, OU and Bama?

By Blake Biscardi

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Justin Fields #1 and Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a touchdown in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Justin Fields #1 and Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a touchdown in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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<> at Ohio Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio.
<> at Ohio Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. /

The Ohio State football team has impressed so far along with Oklahoma and Alabama. Can anyone in their respective conferences challenge this elite trio?

Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Alabama have all opened the season with stellar weekly performances. Their opponents can’t hang with them and they appear to be head and shoulders above their conference competition as well.

In this week’s edition of 4th and Short, I explain if the Buckeyes, Sooners and Crimson Tide can be challenged as well as look around their respective conferences.

Let’s jump right in and start with the team that’s been most dominant through four weeks, Ohio State.

Q: Who can challenge Ohio State in the Big Ten? 

As it currently stands, the only team who appears to be able to challenge Justin Fields and Ohio State is Jonathan Taylor and Wisconsin. Not saying there aren’t any other teams who can or will emerge, but after four weeks the Badgers are the lone survivor in the challenger’s corner.

However, Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State are all rivals and will all play Ohio State tough so these teams are not to be ruled out by any means, so no disrespect. They will just need to improve in various areas before I’d label them as a true contender in the Big Ten.

Q: Michigan got smoked by Wisconsin…if they lose to Penn State, Michigan State, and/or Iowa does the administration clip Harbaugh mid-season?

I cannot imagine Michigan firing Jim Harbaugh mid-season for two main reasons:

  1. It would be embarrassing that the “Savior” of Michigan football would be let go with games remaining on the schedule. It would embarrass the Athletic Director, boosters and program.
  2. Who else do you hire? Honestly speaking, Harbaugh was supposed to be the guy. He’s still a better football coach than the majority of the men perusing the sidelines at other universities. But he hasn’t produced in big games so they’re between a rock and a hard place in Ann Arbor if he loses more big games this season.

The fear of firing him is real, but a loss, especially to Michigan State, before the Ohio State game would make his seat scolding hot. Moreover, another loss to the Buckeyes will hold the same effect.

Q: Nebraska barely squeaks by a mediocre Illinois…do you still think Nebraska is elite (enough to win the West)?

I do not believe Nebraska is an elite football team. They are good with the potential and talent to be great, but not quite elite. The Cornhuskers can certainly contend and even still win the West and I expect them to challenge the Buckeyes for a little bit on Saturday night too.

A loss to Ohio State means Nebraska would have to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers which also seems like a tall order given their performance last week against Michigan and the two games prior.

Now a look at the situations of powerhouse teams in two other conferences.

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