Can Ohio State still compete for a title?

September 17, 2021

Before the 2021 season began, Ohio State was a team that was very likely to make the College Football Playoff if they went undefeated. However, a shaky week one win and a loss in week two proves that this team may not be as strong as we once thought. They have several players without much experience and a first year starting quarterback. However, this is still Ohio State football, so of course they were projected to be good.

Oregon vs. Ohio State: CJ Verdell runs wild as Ducks upset Buckeyes — Oregon running back CJ Verdell, rushed for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns in Oregon’s 35-28 win over Ohio State.

The College Football Playoff system is unforgiving when it comes to regular season losses. Ohio State’s loss to Oregon could greatly affect the rest of their season, as well as their chances to make the playoff. If the season ended today, Ohio State would not make the playoff, as they are currently ranked number nine in the AP poll. Of the eight teams ranked ahead of the Buckeyes, seven of them are undefeated, the only exception being Clemson, who lost to the second ranked Georgia Bulldogs in week one.

Ryan Day press conference notes: Justin Fields is “light years” ahead of schedule; team has more things to improve upon - Land-Grant Holy Land — Ryan Day is still optimistic about the rest of the Buckeyes’ season.

Going into week two, Ohio State was ranked number three in the nation, with Oregon at number twelve. With this big win, Oregon has jumped all the way up to number four, only behind Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma. Oregon could realistically win the rest of their games, which would almost guarantee them a spot in the playoff.

For Ohio State to make it, they will likely have to rely on events that are out of their control. The best-case scenario for them right now is having either Iowa, Texas A&M, or Cincinnati lose a game so they could possibly jump ahead of them. Assuming Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma all go undefeated, Oregon would still stand in Ohio State’s way.

Cincinnati is ranked one spot ahead of Ohio State in the latest AP poll.

The rest of Ohio State’s schedule shouldn’t be that bad. Their biggest upcoming challenge will be facing number ten Penn State at home. I also would not be surprised if Indiana gives Ohio State a challenge, as the Buckeyes travel to Bloomington on October 23^rd.

To have a legitimate chance to make the College Football Playoff, Ohio State will need to win the rest of their games. Some of these games, they should have no problem winning in dominant fashion. But some tests are ahead, such as Indiana and Penn State. But going 11-1 is still potentially a playoff-worthy record, if some of the teams ahead of them start to slow down.