Well, we should be watching Ohio State face Michigan today, but unfortunately, the Wolverines decided to take a year off from their annual beatdown. So what are Buckeye fans to do on another Saturday with no football in scarlet and gray?
Even though the Buckeyes won’t be taking the field, there are plenty of other games taking place today and next week that could affect how the College Football Playoff rankings will all shakedown.
We thought we’d give you some insight on who fans should be rooting for both today and next week, which will help bolster the Ohio State football resume for the playoff committee.
First up: Roll Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide
I know, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit too. But nonetheless, if we want to see Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes need Alabama to win out.
The Crimson Tide has been seen for most of the year as the best team in the nation and unless they were to get blown out by Florida or get beat by Arkansas, Nick Saban’s team is most likely in, even with one loss.
I don’t expect the Tide to have much trouble with the Razorbacks, but we’ve seen stranger things happen. However, it’s next week’s SEC championship game against Florida where things could get dicey.
If Florida could pull off the upset, the SEC champion Gators are in which might force the committee to invite two teams from the Southeast Conference. And we know how much the committee loves inviting the cool kids to the party.
So say it with me in your best southern draw… Roll-Tide!
Next up – Irish eyes need to keep smiling
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Another tough one for Buckeye fans everywhere. Outside of Michigan, Notre Dame may be a close No. 2 on the list of most hated college football teams. But for the next two weeks, fans of Ohio State need to cheer on the Golden Domers.
The ACC is doing it’s best to be assured of one playoff team and trying real hard to get a second team in the CFP. The conference effectively eliminated Miami when they announced that the Notre Dame game against Wake Forest was being canceled and that Clemson would not have to make up a game against Florida State.
Now the Irish and Tigers will face off for a second time this season in the ACC championship game. Dabo Sweeney is lobbying hard to get into the playoff even if his team loses again to Notre Dame. Sweeney made comments earlier this week that saying he didn’t think six games should be enough to be invited to the playoff. That right there should be enough reason for Buckeye fans to hope that Brian Kelly’s squad embarrasses Clemson.
However, Clemson was without Trevor Lawrence when they lost a double-overtime game in South Bend the first time around earlier in the season. If Clemson wins, both Notre Dame and the Tigers are in.
So here we go… hold your nose and wake up the echoes – Go Irish!
Next on the list – The Fighting Pat Fitzgeralds
Northwestern Wildcats
Okay, so this one isn’t so bad and it’s only for one week. Ohio State needs to play the best possible opponent it can, considering the Buckeyes only have one quality win on their resume and the Wildcats are the last hope.
Northwestern faces rival Illinois today which should be an easy win for the ‘Cats. But it seems like we’ve seen this story before, just a couple of weeks ago when Pat Fitzgerald’s team laid an egg against a really bad Michigan State squad.
Ohio State fans want Northwestern to win and win big over the Illini today. But as soon as that game is over, the Wildcats become public enemy No. 1.
Here we go. Say it loud for those in the back row – Go Wildcats!
Final on our list – a spurnned Big Ten neighbor
Indiana Hoosiers
Finally, Ohio State fans need to cheer and cheer loudly for the Indiana Hoosiers. While their game against Purdue was canceled this week due to COVID-19 concerns, the Hoosiers still have another game to play next week against the second-place team in the Big Ten West. That team will presumably be the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Buckeye fans should be pulling for the Hoosiers to win out for a couple reasons. For one, this is the only team that Ohio State has on its record that has ended up being a quality opponent. The better Indiana fares, the better the look for Ohio State.
The second reason Buckeyes should be the biggest of Hoosier fans is this: Ultimately, Indiana took one on the chin for Ohio State. Yes, even though the Buckeyes beat Tom Allen’s squad head to head, the rules that everyone agreed to had to be changed to get Ohio State to Indianapolis. It was the right move on the Big Ten’s part, but imagine being Indiana. And the Hoosiers have been gracious throughout the entire process.
So find some Crimson and Cream candy stripe pants and “Hail to Old IU”!
There you have it Ohio State fans. With no OSU football this weekend, be sure to cheer loud and maybe not so proud for the teams that can help our Buckeyes have a chance for a National Championship.
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