The 3 biggest hurdles to a national championship for the Ohio State football team

The Ohio State football team is one of the best teams in the country this year. There are still hurdles they must get over in order to win it all.
Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) and defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) talk to defensive line coach Larry Johnson on the bench during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State lost 30-24.
Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) and defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) talk to defensive line coach Larry Johnson on the bench during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State lost 30-24. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA
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2. Ohio State has to beat Oregon in Eugene

One of the other teams in the Big Ten is also one of the best teams in the country. That is the Oregon Ducks. They bring back a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, even if Bo Nix is now in the NFL. The Buckeyes have to take on one of the new teams in the Big Ten in their first year.

It wouldn't be so bad if this game was at home in the Shoe. The problem is that the Ohio State football team has to travel to Eugene to take on the Ducks. This Oregon team could be a top-three team when the preseason polls come out at the end of July. They're a great team.

What concerns me about this Oregon team specifically is the defensive line. As we already discussed, the offensive line is likely the worst unit the Buckeyes have. How is Will Howard going to do if he has to run around for his life in the pocket?

Because it's a new 12-team CFP format this year, the Buckeyes can likely survive one loss. This is the game that is most likely to be that loss. If it is, it's not a horrible loss to have. On the flip side, it would be a fantastic win to put on the resume and would give Ohio State a great shot to play for a Big Ten title.

With the Big Ten doing away with divisions, it's just the top two teams that get to play for a Big Ten Championship. There's a good chance that these two teams play a rematch in Indianapolis when the regular season is over. That is, if the Buckeyes can get over this final hurdle.