Can COVID still keep Ohio State out of the playoff?

With Ohio State being ranked in the top four of the first CFP rankings, it begs the question; can COVID still keep the Buckeyes from making the playoff?

Ohio State has dealt with COVID very well so far this season. They still have not had a single person test positive within the program. Even though the Maryland game was canceled due to COVID, it wasn’t because of them. It was all Maryland’s doing.

With that being the case, Ohio State has now played four games and is still undefeated. They have looked dominant in all but one of their games. They are ranked fourth in the first CFP rankings. Everyone behind them either has a loss or is not in a power conference. Can COVID still trip them up?

Even if the Buckeyes lose more games due to COVID cancelation, it’s unlikely that the committee decides to leave them out of the playoff. Not only have the Buckeyes been one of the top four teams in the country so far, but they also bring in massive ratings. Believe it or not, that matters.

The only way this would get hairy for the Bucks is if Northwestern continues to go undefeated and don’t have to play Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game. Then that creates a very large debate. I’m not anticipating anything like that happening, but it’s still possible.

While I don’t think COVID can de-rail the Buckeyes’ chances of making the playoff anymore, it’s still better to play it safe. They should still be as diligent as ever. Keep winning and stay healthy. Those are the two things that will allow them to leave no doubt in the committee’s eyes.

It all starts with a win against Illinois this Saturday afternoon. Ohio State just needs to stay focused on them.