Ohio State, in 2019, won’t settle for a Rose Bowl-type finale. They need to make the College Football Playoff, and after the dominance it has shown this season, that’s the only possible way to dub this season successful.
However, the Buckeyes’ matchup with Penn State could put a serious sour note to the entire season if it doesn’t go their way.
The main reason why it would be so disastrous is that Ohio State would then fail to make the Big Ten Championship game, not being the front-runner to come out of the East with just one game to go.
The Nittany Lions may be 6-1 in conference play, losing to Minnesota, while Ohio State is a clean 7-0, but what’s important is the record within the conference and Penn State would hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.
A one-loss Penn State or Minnesota team that takes over as Big Ten Champs would be going against Ohio State in terms of making the Playoff. The committee seems to favor teams without bad losses and with conference championships. Or, that have an SEC logo on their chest.
That means Oregon and Penn State would both likely be competing directly with the Buckeyes. But, let’s remember one thing first: Penn State must actually beat Ohio State.
With a win Saturday, Ohio State clinches the Big Ten East, spot in Big Ten Championship Game https://t.co/KKPxa9fUBy
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) November 19, 2019
We saw Wisconsin, who once considered a top-two team in the Big Ten, get absolutely manhandled by Ohio State. There’s no reason to think the same won’t happen to Penn State.
With the return of Chase Young, Ohio State will be at nearly full strength, and this could be over in the first 45 minutes. If it’s not, this game could spell trouble for Ohio State’s historic season.
The game kicks off Saturday, at noon EST on FOX. Be there, and be loud.