Big Ten Football: The X-Factors That Could Prevent Ohio State from Repeating

Ohio State successfully pulled off one of the most difficult tasks in modern athletics: winning a college football national championship. What’s more, the Buckeyes did it within the confines of the first-ever College Football Playoff.

The accomplishment was no easy task, but at least one thing is more difficult: doing it again.

Ohio State wasn’t supposed to be here. Braxton Miller suffered a season-ending injury before the new season got underway. J.T. Barrett led Ohio State to its first home-opening loss in nearly four decades—to a pretty bad Virginia Tech team. We were supposed to crown Michigan State the champions of the Big Ten and whichever team won the almighty SEC the champions of the universe, right?

In the “good old days,” the SEC was dominant, the Pac-12 and the Big 12 were on the rise, the ACC was top-heavy, and the Big Ten was awful. Almost overnight, there has been a sea change in the college football landscape. No matter the underlying reason, the Big Ten—specifically Ohio State—has benefited.

But can the Buckeyes continue to ride their amazing momentum? With such a young roster, Ohio State looks poised to be an early favorite next season. So what can derail the Buckeyes’ run at back-to-back titles?

We’re so glad you asked.
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