COLUMBUS, Ohio _ To heck with style points.
So what if the passing game has struggled the past two weeks.
Forget about the fact the Buckeyes are not playing in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Ohio State has turned the College Football Playoff selection process on its ear.
It might not be the way the system was designed. But after No. 2 OSU's instant classic, a 30-27 double-overtime victory over No. 3 Michigan on Saturday in Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes showed they are one of the nation's top four teams and deserve the chance to play for the national title.
By virtue of its 45-12 victory over Michigan State hours later, No. 7 Penn State will represent the Big Ten East next Saturday, facing No. 5 Wisconsin for the league championship in Lucas Oil Stadium.
But for the College Football Playoff committee, that shouldn't matter. Three of its four selection criteria, which includes championships won, are stated for tie-breaking use.
For Ohio State, not going to Indianapolis is a blessing in disguise, the Buckeyes spared possible injuries in another physical fight with the Badgers. It gives OSU quarterback J.T. Barrett time to rediscover his accuracy and develop some trust in his receivers.
