Ohio State football: Buckeyes may not face toughest opponent in Big Ten

Ohio State is clearly the dominant team in the Big Ten, but they might not have to face the only team that could possibly give them fits.

The Buckeyes have done an excellent job in the first two weeks of the season taking care of business. They have beaten Nebraska and Penn State with relative ease. It’s clear that Ohio State is the best team in the conference, but they might not even have to play the second-best team.

Wisconsin is that team. They will now have their second game in a row canceled this week as they won’t be playing Purdue. This comes a week after they had to cancel their game against Nebraska. Both games were canceled because of a large amount of COVID-19 infections.

Wisconsin’s team is now up to 27 positive cases. If they can’t get their infections under control, they won’t be eligible for the Big Ten championship game. In order to qualify for that game, the conference set a minimum threshold of six games played.

If the Badgers aren’t able to play Michigan next week, their season is essentially over. They have no shot to play for a conference championship, which ends their chances to make the College Football Playoff. Ohio State would be the team standing in their way.

Ohio State might luck out in not having to play Wisconsin. They are the only team that looks like it could hang with the Buckeyes, and even that is uncertain. Either way, this COVID situation could give Ohio State an easier path to the College Football Playoff.

This is a warning for everyone in the Ohio State football program to keep themselves healthy. The only thing that can keep the Buckeyes from making the Playoff is the disease. If Ryan Day can keep his team healthy, this team has all the tools to win a national title.