While it likely won’t happen, if the worst-case scenario becomes a reality, are the Ohio State Buckeyes still a top-four team in the nation? Do they still get into the College Football Playoff?
There are multiple “worst-case” scenarios, and they all start with Ohio State losing the Big Ten Championship Game. While I don’t believe Wisconsin will have a chance in the two teams’ rematch, it could be closer than many expect.
The Buckeyes, if they lose in Indy, would then be 12-1 with dominant wins over Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the latter two by over 25 points each.
That’s impressive.
In a worst-case, Georgia wins the SEC, Utah wins the Pac-12 and Oklahoma wins the Big 12. Georgia and Clemson would be the two automatic bids then.
LSU and OSU would both lean on its dominant regular seasons to get in. However, Oklahoma and Utah would both also have just one loss and would also have a case for inclusion into all the fun.
All four would have one loss and Oklahoma/Utah would have their conference championship, which we know the committee values. The committee looks at the full body of work, but still, that’s a feather in the cap the Buckeyes would not have.
But the body of work is what helps Ohio State.
The Committee has also historically valued bad losses, which Oklahoma has. While Utah lost to USC, the Trojans are now a top-25 team according to the committee, a boost to the Utes resume to be sure.
If this scenario somehow turns to reality, it’s still difficult to see Ohio State out. With as complimentary as the College Football Committee has been on the Buckeyes and Tigers, it’s hard to see either one of them being left out, even with a loss.
Clemson would be in as an undefeated Power Five Conference Champ, then it would all boil down to Utah and Oklahoma most likely for that final spot. Then again, we’ve all been surprised by what this committee does, so hold the phone I guess.
Let’s just hope that even in this worst-case scenario Ohio State still makes it.
