Path to the College Football Playoff: The Ohio State Edition

The first College Football Playoff Rankings of the season have arrived! Currently the committee has Ohio State ranked No. 6 overall. Many fans expected this considering Ohio State was ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll after losing to Penn State 24-21 and then narrowly defeating Northwestern 24-20. Although the Buckeyes have looked more than human the past few weeks, they still are still in the running to win the National Championship. But first they will have to make it to The College Football Playoff. Here are some of the paths that the Buckeyes can take in order to make it there.

Scenario 1

Ohio State and Michigan both win the remainder of their games. Then Buckeyes take care of business against Harbaugh and company on November 26. Finally, Ohio State has to win the Big 10 championship — most likely against a tough Nebraska or Wisconsin team. This is the ideal situation for Buckeye Nation.

Scenario 2

Ohio State wins out, Michigan loses a game (before losing in Columbus), Penn State loses one game. Believe it or not, Penn State can still win the Big 10 because they hold the tie breaker against Ohio State. Furthermore, Penn State has a manageable schedule ahead of them, playing only Iowa, Indiana, Rutgers and Michigan State.

Scenario 3

Ohio State wins out. Michigan loses twice. Penn State wins the Big 10 Championship. Unfortunately, in this scenario Penn State would play for the Big 10 title, leaving the Buckeyes out of the conference championship for a second straight year. However, Penn State would then sky rocket in the rankings, making the loss in Happy Valley appear not as bad. Ohio State could then sneak in as the No. 4 seed.

Scenario 4

Complete anarchy. First Alabama would somehow have to manage to lose twice (unfortunately, not realistic). Washington would need to get upset in the Pac 12 late in the year, and Clemson needs to lose a trap game against Pittsburgh or Syracuse. Houston would also have to defeat Louisville in prime time on November 17. Texas A & M would have to show that the SEC is overrated and lose a second game. Ohio State then has to defeat Michigan in a close game. If all this were to happen, OSU would be handed the No. 1 seed in the playoff. *Michigan would still make it in, if they only lost to Ohio State.*

Scenario 5

The committee finally comes to their senses and makes it an 8 team playoff. America rejoices because there is more football to watch. Now, fringe teams like Wisconsin and Auburn make it, superstars such as Lamar Jackson get to showcase their skills, and teams with one fluke loss like Ohio State are more than alive and well.

Regardless of what happens one thing is certain: the biggest game of the year for Ohio State will be when they face Michigan the last week of the regular season.