This weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes try to save their season. They have no more room for error this season, especially after an absurd ranking in the first College Football Playoff rankings. With two losses already, it's clear that they cannot afford another one.
Oregon comes to town, and they are the only ranked team that Ohio State has left on the schedule. They are also fighting for their lives. However, the Ducks have injuries and off-the-field problems that are going to help Ohio State in this game.
Ohio State is going to take advantage of Oregon's struggles
Several things are going against the Ducks in this game. Two receivers have been arrested for evading the cops. Evan Stewart was charged with DUI after he ran from the cops. Freshman Messiah Hampton was also arrested on two felony charges, as well.
Jeremiah McCllelan has a broken foot, so he likely won't play in this game, either. Running back Jordon Davison will also miss this game on Saturday afternoon, further giving Ohio State an advantage when it comes to personnel. Most of these issues affect Oregon's offense.
That's good news for a defense that was eviscerated by an underwhelming USC offense last weekend in Los Angeles. It was by far the worst performance from defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and something that he needs to fix if Ohio State wants to make the CFP.
All of these issues that Dan Lanning is having with his program are happening at the perfect time for the Buckeyes. They really have no excuse not to beat the Ducks now, even with Luke Fahey starting. Oregon still won't have Dante Moore for this game, either.
Ryan Day has been able to keep his players out of trouble for most of his tenure as head coach. Lanning is struggling to do that with a bunch of players who got paid a lot of money out of high school. Now, it could cost them more games.
Ohio State is now a desperate team moving forward
The Buckeyes have to win out in order to make the CFP. If they lose one more game, this would be considered the most disappointing season in the Day era. This was a team that was the preseason number-one team in the country. Missing the College Football Playoff completely would be unacceptable.
Of course, losing Julian Sayin to injury was not part of the plan. Had he not been knocked out against the Hoosiers, a national championship would still be a realistic goal. As things stand, it looks like they don't have much of a shot to make noise in the CFP, even if they do make it.
Beating Oregon in the Shoe is the first step to changing that narrative. If they can get this win, the Buckeyes should be in the CFP picture during next week's rankings. A loss would effectively end their season and likely lead them to see what Tavien St. Clair has in terms of a future with the program.
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