At this time last week, there was a ton of concern that the Ohio State football team was going to get slapped in the face with the first College Football Playoff rankings. Luckily, that wasn't the case, as the committee rightfully put the Buckeyes at No. 1.
Ryan Day raises the standard for the Ohio State football team in a massive way
However, countless haters were bashing the Buckeyes, claiming that Indiana deserved the top spot - that didn't happen, with the Hoosiers and Fernando Mendoza coming in at No. 2. Texas A&M was at No. 3. Before the weekend, plenty of people were still pushing for justice to arrive and for Ohio State to take a fall.
That didn't happen, as the new rankings just dropped and Ohio State is No. 1. After Saturday's action, this was something Ryan Day and Co. knew was going to be the case, and they have Penn State to thank for that? We think so, as while the Buckeyes demolished Purdue, Indiana barely escaped against the Nittany Lions, needing a late miracle to win. This is something the committee clearly took notice of.
Ohio State football was the obvious choice to be No. 1 in the CFP rankings
Some Hoosiers fans are still making the case that Indiana should be No. 1, as the upset win in Eugene over Oregon is 'more impressive' than anything the Buckeyes have done this season. Sorry, that's not a valid argument. Ohio State took down then No. 2 Texas to open the year and they've been perfect in every game since.
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith have emerged as serious contenders for the Heisman Trophy, while Matt Patricia replacing Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator has proven to be an incredible blessing in disguise. Ohio State is the favorite to win the natty and this team's confidence is high.
Come this weekend, Ohio State will host UCLA and the Buckeyes defense is going to want to give Nico Iamaleava another nightmare at The Shoe. Last season, Iamaleava made his way to Columbus while still with Tennessee and OSU owned the night.
As for Indiana, it's going to want to remind people of how electric it can be, but they won't be doing so as the No. 1 team in the CFP rankings. That honor still belongs to Ohio State and there's no question that's the way that things should be.