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Ohio State Football: Top Playoff Contenders in 2021

By Blake Biscardi

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) catches a touchdown pass against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) in the third quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) catches a touchdown pass against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) in the third quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners scrambles against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners scrambles against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

I believe these four teams have the next-best chances to earn a trip to the College Football Playoff. The paths will vary, but any of the four teams below would be worthy of a playoff bid if they get into position.

  • Iowa State Cyclones
    * Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 (11-2)
    * SOS: #29
    * Postseason Projection: Playoff Bubble
    * Key Matchups: Iowa, @Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas, @Oklahoma

Matt Campbell is doing big things in Aimes and this team believes in him. The Cyclones’ chance of getting to the next level rests on their ability to defeat Spencer Rattler and Oklahoma. A matchup we should get blessed with not once, but twice this season.

  • Texas A&M Aggies
    * Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1
    * SOS: #44
    * Postseason Projection: Playoff Bubble
    * Key Matchups: Alabama, @Ole Miss, @LSU

Jimbo Fisher has recruited well in College Station and we will see the fruits of his staff’s player development skills. The talent is present and the schedule is favorable for a playoff run for the Aggies.

  • Georgia Bulldogs
    * Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 (11-2)
    * SOS: #60
    * Postseason Projection: Playoff Bubble
    * Key Matchups: Clemson, @Auburn, Florida

Georgia opens the season with Clemson, so if the Bulldogs find a way through that game they should not have a ton of trouble running the table and making a strong case for a bid even with a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game.

  • Oklahoma Sooners
    * Projected Reg. Season Record: 11-1 (12-1)
    * SOS: #51
    * Postseason Projection: Playoff
    * Key Matchups: Nebraska, @Kansas State, Texas, Iowa State, @Oklahoma State

The Oklahoma Sooners will be the fourth team to join Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State in this year’s College Football Playoff.

Spencer Rattler is my choice to win the Heisman as he should put up monstrous numbers with the talent on the perimeter and a favorable schedule. Again, Iowa State-Oklahoma parts I and II will be very telling for the Big 12 getting a representative in the field of four.

J.T. Tuimoloau cancels Alabama visit. dark. Next

Stay tuned for my annual season preview which is set to release next month. It will feature my preseason Top 25 teams, a brief breakdown of each team as seen above, and a handful of season predictions.

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