Can the Ohio State Football team still make the Playoffs?
By Alex Austin
The Pac-12 and Big 12 are going to be influential in potentially keeping the Big Ten out.
The Pac-12 seems to be Oregon’s to lose. If Oregon wins the Pac-12 with one loss or less they will be ranked above the Ohio State Buckeyes. A team that is able to beat Oregon may be viewed as better than Ohio State as well by comparing their similar opponents.
In a weird turn of fates, if Oregon can go undefeated, the Ohio State loss will be viewed more favorably. In an era of defining good losses, an undefeated Oregon at the end of the season is about as good as it gets.
The Big 12 have a few teams that are vying for the Playoffs, losses outside of their conference good doom most of the teams. Texas and Iowa State both saw their perfect records ended which means they will have to win out.
Oklahoma is still the best bet, but I think at best the conference winner ends up with one loss. Depending on who they lose to will greatly affect their final placement, but there is a good chance Ohio State can end up above the winner of the Big 12.
Ohio State’s best shot is that Oklahoma loses a game in the regular season and doesn’t play a ranked foe in the Big 12 Championship. The Sooners didn’t look good in Week 1, so there are some flaws that can be taken advantage of.