The Ohio State football program has been sitting at home since losing at home in the Big Ten Championship. They learned that they were the second seed in the College Football Playoff, meaning they were going to get a bye. Last season, they did not get that luxury.
After everyone cried about how the bye might be bad for teams, this year's CFP has proven that getting a home playoff game might not be great. Instead, both road teams have won the first two matchups in the CFP. That includes the foe who will now face the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Hurricanes of Miami were able to win in College Station in a gross game, winning 10-3. That means that they will travel to Texas to face the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. Vegas seems to think that the game won't be an issue for Ohio State, as they have opened up as massive favorites.
Ohio State football team heavily favored to beat Miami in the Cotton Bowl
After Miami managed just 10 points against the Aggies, Vegas doesn't have much faith in them. According to FanDuel, the Buckeyes are 10.5-point favorites. Ohio State has looked like the best team all year, with its only blemish being against the Hoosiers.
A&M's defense was nothing compared to what Ohio State's defense can do. They are the best defense in terms of points per game, passing yards per game, and total yards per game. Carson Beck was terrible, and he should be even worse against Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have to feel great about their chances of advancing to the semifinals after watching that abomination of a game. The preparation they have already done should help them now that they know which opponent they will be facing.
Jeremiah Smith will get to face his hometown team. Miami's fanbase keeps trying to get Smith to transfer to Miami, but he has shut them down every year. A win against them would be the ultimate middle finger to them.