Ohio State Football: Playoff Picture Heading Into November

This season has been exciting and unexpected thus far, so how will the Ohio State football team fare down the stretch playing its best football? Where do the Buckeyes stand in the CFP picture heading into November?

The games you remember are played in November. The Ohio State football team is playing its best football at the right time ahead of the College Football Playoff committee’s initial rankings for the 2021 season.

So far, the Buckeyes have had tests against Minnesota, Oregon, and Penn State and have matchups against Nebraska, Purdue, Michigan State, and Michigan all remaining.

The back half of the schedule certainly had the makings difficult, and it will be just that for the Scarlet and Gray. But where much is given, much is required. If Ohio State wants to keep itself in the playoff picture, there are multiple opportunities to strengthen its resume and impress the committee.

Depending on who you ask, Ohio State could be slated anywhere between second and seventh in the country on Tuesday night. The latter is more likely than the former, but I expect the Buckeyes to hold a tight spot in the middle of the Top 10.

Outside of Georgia, which is an undisputed No. 1, try ranking teams 2-7 based on SOS, the eye test, and who would beat who on a neutral field. All three rankings would look different, albeit still similar.

Regardless, this is why we play the games and why it is not worth getting worked up over for five weeks. I should listen to my advice, but the debates are fun and make this time of year the best.

Georgia will be the No. 1 team in the country until it loses, which is no guarantee with a defense that has only given up 46 points through eight games. Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Michigan State, and Wake Forest are the remaining unbeaten schools within striking distance of the CFP.

However, I believe 1-loss teams like Alabama and Ohio State are better football teams and would beat those opponents on a neutral field.

The rankings will most likely not reflect the sentiments of analysts and me, but everything will be sorted out over the next five weeks. I expect the margins between 2-7 to be razor thin and likely change each week, but do not be surprised to see Ohio State behind Oregon due to the head-to-head loss earlier in September.

The Buckeyes have far more opportunities to enhance its case than the Ducks, which will be more of a frustration point and formality at this point. I have Ohio State ranked third and believe it is justifiable, but I understand the head-to-head argument if it reaches that debate in the clusters.

The committee’s rankings will most likely look like this:

1. Georgia
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. Michigan State
5. Cincinnati
6. Oregon
7. Ohio State

I do not necessarily agree with these rankings, but I respect them and understand they will change dramatically in the coming weeks. This college football season is reminding us each week why it is the best sport in the world.

The pageantry, the fans, and the passion are unrivaled, and as the weather begins the cool, we will witness some exciting rivalry games with everything on the line.

It is not about how you start. It is about how you finish, and for the Ohio State football team, the loss to Oregon will only hold the Buckeyes back for a few more weeks if it takes care of business down the stretch. Ohio State will undoubtedly have a spot in the final four if it wins out.