Ohio State football fan viewing guide for Championship Saturday
The Ohio State football team won't be playing for a Big Ten title thanks to their loss in The Game. Because of that, Buckeye fans are in a position to root for certain things to happen on Saturday. We have you covered with a proper rooting guide.
Big 12 Championship Iowa State vs. Arizona State
This game doesn't affect Ohio State's playoff odds much because both teams are behind Ohio State in the College Football rankings. I am thinking of a big picture with this game, though. If Ryan Day gets fired, Matt Campbell would be my top choice to replace him.
Campbell and Iowa State winning a Big 12 title would be a good showing for his program. Campbell could be Ohio State's next football coach so getting a Big 12 championship would help build confidence in Campbell as the next Ohio State coach. Also, Iowa State has had a good year, but I think Arizona State is a better team led by running back Cam Skattebo. I think Iowa State is the weaker team, so winning would lead to a weaker team going into the playoffs.
SEC Championship Georgia vs. Texas
Georgia is currently ranked 7th, one spot ahead of Ohio State at the 8th spot. Texas is currently ranked second and only has one loss. Ohio State fans should be rooting for Georgia because if Georgia loses, that be their third loss, and they could drop behind Ohio State in the rankings.
Ohio State would like to be moved up as much as possible to have a chance at playing an easier opponent in the first game. If Georgia loses, there is a chance they will fall behind the Buckeyes, so go Longhorns.
ACC Championship Clemson vs. SMU
Imagine if Clemson wins this game and they are matched up with the Buckeyes. It would be great to watch Dabo Swinney in the Shoe, and the fans would get into it as well. Clemson and Ohio State have played 4 times against each other since Dabo took over, with Dabo winning three of the games.
He also famously ranked Ohio State 11th in 2020, so I am sure the fans would remember that as well. This might be a far-fetched game but there is a chance it could happen. All jokes aside, if Clemson wins, they will steal a bid from someone and it could lead to SMU making it or Alabama staying in the playoffs. Clemson is a very flawed team, so winning the ACC would lead to a weaker team in the playoffs, so go Clemson.
Big Ten Championship Oregon vs. Penn State
Yes, this game makes me sad because I wish the Buckeyes were playing in this game, but they are not, so Go Ducks. Oregon is locked into the top seed if they win. If they lose, they will fall out of the top 4, but probably be the 5th seed. Now, if Penn State lost, they could fall behind Ohio State, especially if Oregon handily beats Penn State.
manual
With Ohio State beating Penn State already, a second loss could drop the Nittany Lions behind Ohio State in the college football rankings.