Ohio State’s College Football Playoff Path: A Glimmer of Hope After Michigan Loss

Purnima Sharma November 29, 2023

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Ohio State’s dreams of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff took a hit with their narrow loss to Michigan, but the Buckeyes are not entirely out of contention. The updated College Football Playoff Rankings have them at No. 6, leaving a glimmer of hope if certain scenarios unfold in their favor.

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The path for Ohio State is contingent on a specific set of outcomes:

Florida State’s Defeat: No. 4 Florida State must lose to No. 14 Louisville in the ACC Championship Game. A one-loss Florida State without a conference championship and an injured quarterback would likely not surpass Ohio State in the rankings. The Buckeyes need the Seminoles to stumble.
Washington Over Oregon: No. 3 Washington must secure a victory over No. 5 Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Ducks have two losses, both to the undefeated Huskies, and a win for Washington strengthens Ohio State’s case. Despite odds favoring Oregon, the head-to-head result from the regular season may influence the committee.
Texas Falls to Oklahoma State: No. 7 Texas needs to lose to No. 18 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game. Although a long shot, the Cowboys, led by Doak Walker Award finalist Ollie Gordon II, could present a challenge. Texas is the favorite, but Coach Mike Gundy’s teams have a history of surprises.
Georgia Tops Alabama: No. 8 Alabama has to be defeated by No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs are 5.5-point favorites in a rematch of the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. A loss for Alabama further opens the door for Ohio State.

While the Buckeyes’ path is reliant on other teams faltering, it is not an insurmountable challenge. Ohio State fans will be closely watching the outcomes of these key matchups, hoping for the necessary dominoes to fall in their favor. The unpredictability of college football ensures that surprises are always possible, and the Buckeyes are banking on the odds tilting in their direction.

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