Ohio State Football: Do the Buckeyes have outside shot at CFP?

The Ohio State football team is ranked 7th in the penultimate rankings and, despite not playing this weekend, potentially have an outside shot at a berth in the CFP.

Let’s call a spade a spade. It’s wishful thinking for the Ohio State football team to appear in this year’s College Football Playoff. However, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibilities as long as the Buckeyes get the right help.

Ohio State checked in at No. 7 on the heels of a heartbreaking loss to TTUN in the latest edition of the rankings behind Oklahoma State and Notre Dame, both of which are on the outside looking into the four-team field. Interestingly, Ohio State’s position is that they are essentially ranked sixth if Gary Barta foreshadows potential chaos scenarios involving the Fighting Irish this coming weekend.

Brian Kelly abruptly took the LSU job and left his beloved program coachless for the postseason. Taking unavailable players or coaches that can affect the outcome of a future game is a criterion of the Selection Committee. If 2 + 2 = 4, I believe the Irish may have hit its ceiling at No. 6.

Now the Ohio State football program needs to root for Georgia to take care of business against Alabama, preferably by more than a touchdown, but beggars can’t be choosers. Next, the Buckeyes would need to see Baylor upset Oklahoma State coming off of an emotional win in Bedlam. This matchup feels like a letdown spot to me for the Cowboys playing against Dave Aranda’s creative defense and backup QB.

Lastly, rooting for Houston is likely in the Buckeyes’ best interest to ensure enough spots open up. The Cougars could give Cincinnati fits, and it’s fair to wonder what will be going through the mind of Luke Fickell, who is being tied to the Notre Dame vacancy. Regardless, Fickell has expressed his desire to finish the season with the Bearcats, and Irish AD Jack Swarbrick openly stated he would not rush and name an interim or replacement for Kelly.

Suppose Georgia and Michigan both win and one or both of Oklahoma State and Cincinnati lose. In that case, the Buckeyes could sneak its prolific offense into the final playoff field next Saturday almost by default.

Time will tell if the 2021 season remains on brand and mass chaos ensues on championship weekend. Whether it does or not, I do expect an upset or two to take place on Saturday. But will it be enough to vault Ohio State into the College Football Playoff is the question.

It’s a reach of wishful thinking that may not be as far-fetched as we all think because, if this season has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.