There are very few programs across the country with a higher floor than the Ohio State football program. The Buckeyes haven't lost more than two games in a single season since the 2011 season, when they had Luke Fickell coaching the team. That's how good they have been.
Every year, the Ohio State Buckeyes usually have a premier non-conference opponent on the schedule, as well. That makes what they have done over the last 15 years even more impressive. This record also includes what they do in bowl games, as well.
This season, the Buckeyes have one of the toughest schedules they have had in recent years. Taking on Texas, IU, and Iowa on the road is no joke. They also have to host Oregon, USC, and TTUN. Quite frankly, it's a grinder of a schedule. Yet, their worst-case scenario season could see them still make the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State can still make the CFP with three losses this season
The worst season the Buckeyes can have this year is losing three games this year. Losses against Texas, Oregon, and Indiana are the three losses that Ohio State is most likely to accumulate. Two of those games are away from the friendly confines of the Horseshoe.
With how hard the schedule is, the Buckeyes could still make the CFP if they lose those three games. They would still own wins over USC, TTUN, Nebraska, and Iowa. All of those are quality victories. Last season, Ohio State had the 20th-ranked strength of schedule in the country.
This year, I would venture that number would be in the top five. The Big Ten has established itself as the best conference in the country. If Ohio State is able to get through the conference with just two losses, that would still put them in the conversation of getting an at-large bid.
Ohio State is still aiming to go undefeated
Of course, the Buckeyes want to win every game they have ahead of them. They don't want to leave their playoff hopes in the hands of the committee. They also don't want to be at the mercy of how other teams around the country play. Getting in with three losses has never happened before.
In order for that to occur, a lot of other teams in the SEC and the Big Ten need to be average. It would also require the ACC and the Big 12 to only have one clear-cut team. Otherwise, the Buckeyes would be on the outside looking in. Winning all of their games negates that challenge.
Oddsmakers don't love Ohio State's chances of doing so, as their preseason over/under is just 9.5. That's the lowest total that the Buckeyes have had in quite some time. Still, the offense returns quite a bit of talent from a year ago, including Heisman Finalist Julian Sayin and the best player in the country, Jeremiah Smith.
Losing three games would be surprising in any scenario. This team simply has too much talent for that to happen.
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