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Three must-win games for the Ohio State football team

The Ohio State football team doesn't need to go undefeated to make the CFP, but they do have to win these three games.

By Ryan Stano

Wisconsin linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) tackles Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Ohio State beat Wisconsin 24-10.
Wisconsin linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) tackles Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Ohio State beat Wisconsin 24-10. / Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Ohio State football program doesn't need to go undefeated to make the new 12-team College Football Playoff. In fact, they can probably go 10-2 and still get in, although that's a bit dicey. 11-1 would certainly get them in and give them a shot at playing for a national title.

Just because they don't need to go undefeated anymore doesn't mean that they can just start losing all kinds of games. There are still certain games that they have to win. In fact, there are three games on the schedule this year that qualify as must-win games for the Buckeyes.

If the Ohio State Buckeyes don't win these three games, Ryan Day's job is in peril. He has an excuse to lose two of the games on their schedule. The other games need to be won. The first of those games is actually a game that comes right before the toughest game on their schedule.

The three must-win games for the Ohio State football team

1. Iowa

Ohio State can't lose to a team that had the worst offense in college football a year ago. Kirk Ferentz tried to fix that by getting a QB in the transfer portal and got suspended for it. Either way, there's no excuse to lose to a team whose best player was their punter last year, even if the offense is a bit better.

2. Nebraska

The Cornhuskers have been one of the worst Big Ten programs in the last few years. They will travel to the Shoe this year to take on the Buckeyes. Their quarterback will not have a good time and Ohio State's own offense should be able to score at will. Losing to this team would be a really bad mark on the Buckeyes' resume.

3. Michigan

This is the biggest must-win of them all. Losing three straight games to TTUN is unacceptable. Losing four would get Day fired. Ohio State football fans would not stand for another loss to Michigan, especially at home. The Buckeyes are by far the more talented team and actually have a coaching staff that remains intact.

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Day knows that this game is a must-win and is feeling the pressure. A loss in that game would also mean a loss in his job. Ross Bjork isn't playing around.

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