Ohio State lost the first game it played without Julian Sayin. It was a very disappointing effort that the Buckeyes showed against the Trojans, even with a backup quarterback. Luke Fahey wasn't the reason they lost this game. However, Ohio State fell from second in the AP Poll to 11th.
In the first College Football Playoff rankings, the CFP Committee decided to put the Buckeyes 12th. That would leave them as the first team out of the CFP because Boise State would leap them. It's clear with this first ranking that the Buckeyes have to overcome a lot of stupidity in that room.
Ohio State's first ranking shows they have to leave no doubt with the CFP Committee
With this first ranking, Ohio State now has to leave no doubt. With the final four games of the season, Ohio State has to win those games. Not only that, but the Buckeyes have to get the defense to look better. According to the chairman of the committee, Hunter Yuracek, there were people in the room who hated what the defense did against USC.
The defense certainly didn't play well against the Trojans. However, the Committee doesn't seem to be using the same criteria for all of its teams. Ole Miss has allowed 10 plays of 40+ yards this year, and they are ranked 10th. IU is ranked fourth, and yet Ohio State held them to 15 points and beat them in Bloomington.
Alabama is somehow ranked fifth despite the fact that they got waxed by Tennessee. Notre Dame is 11th even though they have just one loss. UCLA is undefeated and ranked eighth. The Committee is not making any sense with how they are ranking teams right now.
This is just the first ranking of the year, so the Buckeyes don't need to stress too much about this. They do have one more opportunity to beat a ranked team, and that will be this weekend against the Ducks. If they win that game, they have a shot to move into the top 10.
Ohio State must leave no doubt moving forward with its wins
The Buckeyes are struggling to figure out how to right the ship after a poor showing against the Trojans. It's clear the defense needs to play better, and the offense needs to have a higher ceiling. Ryan Day understands that, and he has to get his team to rally together to play better.
Ohio State's fate is still in their hands. If they win out, they will be in the College Football Playoff. They still have a chance to play for a Big Ten Championship, as well. The Buckeyes still have a lot of talent on the roster. There is no reason why they can't win out, even with a backup QB.
Figuring out a way to help Fahey to the point that Ohio State can win ugly games is paramount. Matt Patricia had the worst performance he has had since becoming a defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. If he doesn't get his unit to play better, the team is in trouble.
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