After totally dismantling Maryland this past week in a 73-14 win, does it still warrant Ohio State being ranked No. 1 this week in the College Football Playoff rankings? On Saturday Ohio State put up the most points against any Big Ten team since 1950. That — in itself — is quite impressive.
But the Buckeyes weren’t the only team that put on an impressive showing.
With the huge win against Alabama and four top 25 wins, LSU has a good argument to be number one when the rankings come out Tuesday night. The Tigers’ resume that includes high caliber wins is tough to argue, but it poses the question of what the committee values the most? Pure dominance or wins against ranked opponents? In other words, is it best resume, or most dominant and impressive team via the eye test and metrics?
We digress and discuss …
Next … LSU’s case
Let’s discuss LSU
LSU currently has the most wins against top 25 teams and Ohio State is right behind them at three. The wins alone and an undefeated record speaks for itself. However, the aspect of not having a dominant defense would be a factor the committee will deliberate on when it comes to being a complete team. While LSU does have a great resume they do show weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball.
There is no denying that. The defense can’t hold its own water when comparing it against the Buckeyes.
Then there’s the current state of things for LSU. Ohio State is currently already sitting in the catbird seat and the committee might be hesitant to knock it off that perch without a loss or close win.
Still, it’s supposed to be a start-from-scratch affair when the committee comes together, so that win over Alabama is a pretty big feather in the Bayou Tigers’ cap when you look at this new body of work.
Next … About the Buckeyes
Let’s discuss Ohio State
Knowing that LSU won in Tuscaloosa against a team the committee will most likely think very highly of, what then does Ohio State have in it’s favor to keep it at the top?
Absolute pure dominance has been the modus operandi of Ohio State this year. With the offense averaging 51 ppg, and the defense only giving up 8.5, it’s hard to argue against Ohio State being the most complete team in the country statistically. In fact, most metrics have the Buckeyes head-and-shoulders above everyone else. Let’s not forget to mention that special teams have been solid this year with a highlight onside kick on Saturday.
While Ohio State doesn’t have four wins against top-25 teams like LSU, it does have three which is the second most of any team in the country. It’s strength of schedule also compares nicely to any team you want to compare it against in the top ten, including LSU.
The reality is that this all comes down to the “eye test.” Will the committee pick LSU who has better wins, or pick Ohio State who has absolutely looked flawless this year? We will all have to eagerly wait for Tuesday night for the second College Football Playoff rankings of the 2019 football season.
