A week after dropping Ohio State in his weekly rankings despite beating a top ten opponent, Kirk Herbstreit believes the Buckeyes should still be in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Even though OSU made the decision to cancel Saturday’s game with Illinois due to several Coronavirus confirmed cases, Herbstreit still has the Buckeyes at No. 4. Actually, there was zero movement in Herbie’s personal ranking as his Week 13 list is identical to his Week 12 edition.
The former Ohio State quarterback ruffled some feathers last week when he dropped the Buckeyes to his fourth spot after beating No. 9 Indiana. It turned out to be somewhat prophetic as the Playoff Committee agreed and ranked their top four the exact same as Herbstreit’s.
My rankings after WEEK 13
1-@AlabamaFTBL
2-@NDFootball
3-@ClemsonFB
4-@OhioStateFB
Next 2 (3)@GatorsFB @GoBearcatsFB— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 29, 2020
[lawrence-related id=41317]
With only four games under its belt, Ohio State seems to pass the eye test, but this football season is quickly becoming a numbers game. The Buckeyes absolutely need to play their next two games against Michigan State and Michigan. If one of those games gets cancelled for any reason, according to Big Ten rules, Ohio State would not be eligible for the Big Ten Championship game.
It would be hard for the Committee to justify a 5-0 Playoff team, even if that team is Ohio State. Especially if Clemson were to beat Notre Dame in the ACC championship and if Florida would top Alabama in the SEC championship game. And don’t forget about an undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats team.
As much as Buckeye fans will hate to hear this, the Tide and Irish are our best friends for the next few weeks. And maybe even more than that, the Bucks need to find a way onto the field against Sparty and the Wolverines.
In a game that is normally all about controlling what you can control, 2020 is leaving us at the mercy of so many uncontrollable factors.
Ohio State is optimistic about its chances of playing Michigan State this week. Let’s hope it happens…
[lawrence-related id=41363]
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.