In college football, a team is only as good as its last win. Fresh of its 52-24 victory at Maryland last Saturday, Ohio State is looking pretty good heading into its second bye week.
The renewed sense of optimism in Central Ohio is palpable. Three dominating wins in a row will do that. Buckeye Nation is back to thumping its chest. While laudable, there is considerable work remaining to be done. Demanding respect in the polls is a little premature.
The good news is the carnage in the Top 10 last weekend has the Buckeyes poised to climb back into the College Football Playoff picture. The bad news is they have no room for error. They also need help from a lot of teams in front of them. Chances are still slim that they make it into the selection committee’s top four. Here are three reasons why.
Must Finish 12-1
The Buckeyes need to win the rest of their games to have any chance at making the playoff. The schedule is certainly favorable considering how ordinary the Big Ten is this year, but the trip to East Lansing on November 8 is still looming. Are the Buckeyes good enough to beat the Spartans? Not yet.
Ohio State’s offensive production over the last three games has been remarkable, but the reality is it was playing against pathetic defenses. Kent State’s defense is allowing 462.2 yards and 33.6 points per game, Cincinnati is giving up 561.8 yards and 37.3 points per game and Maryland is yielding 451.2 yards and 25.2 per game. Granted, the…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Buckeyes Are Still a Long Shot to Make the College Football Playoff
