Tag: 2020 College Football Playoff

Ohio State in familiar spot in CBS Sports latest bowl projections

The Ohio State football team is projected to make the college football playoff as the No. 2 seed in CBS Sports latest bowl projections.

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The Ohio State football team hasn’t taken a snap yet in the 2020 season, but expectations are high. Not just in Columbus, but the rest of the college football world knows the Buckeyes are primed for a championship run.

CBS Sports recently released their lastest bowl projections and the Bucks are getting a great deal of respect.  CBS has Clemson as the projected No. 1 seed with Ohio State right behind at No. 2.

Who wants ‘Bama? The CBS Sports bowl projections have the Buckeyes playing the Crimson Tide in a familiar site; the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Alabama holds an overall 3-1 record against Ohio State, but we all remember that lone loss coming in the Nick Saban era as the Bucks won the first-ever College Football Playoff in 2014.

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As of now, Oregon is the projected No. 4 seed. Could we see a repeat of 2014? I would guess most fans want another shot at Clemson. But we did get robbed of the early season matchup against the Ducks due to COVID restrictions.

There’s a lot of football left to be played and things will most assuredly change from week to week. But for now, the future looks bright as Ohio State prepares for the October 24 opener against Nebraska.

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Ohio State has straight shot to the College Football Playoff thanks to Big 12

Ohio State has a straight shot to the College Football Playoff and it is all thanks to the Big 12 mortally wounding its best teams.

Before the Ohio State football program played a snap in 2020, it was ranked as one of the best teams in college football. Of course, we all know the story of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Big Ten, but that delay seems to be hurting the ranking a little bit, but not a ton. Games started without the Big Ten and the questions started rolling in about the Big 12 having an upper hand making it to the playoffs.

Well, here we are a few weeks in and the Big 12 has all but eliminated itself from the conversation. The Oklahoma Sooners have lost two games, Texas has lost a game, and really the rest of the teams don’t have the best case for being one of the four best. If history holds, the traditional power five conferences have the upper hand in making the playoffs.

The Big Ten now seemingly has a direct line to the playoffs, and the conference’s flag-bearer, Ohio State, is considered a serious threat. As long as the Buckeyes take care of business, they have an ideal shot to get into all the fun. Almost regardless of what happens in the SEC and ACC, it would be hard to keep an undefeated Big Ten team out now.

OSU is well respected among voters, and unless there are some surprises, they should stay in the top four teams. The Big 12 has created an opening and the Buckeyes just need to walk through. We just need the games to start.

A little over two weeks and counting …

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Ohio State’s biggest road block to a national championship might be the coronavirus pandemic

In a year where the Ohio State football team is expected to contend for a national title, the biggest roadblock might be COVID-19.

The Ohio State football team has its eyes firmly set on competing for and winning a national championship. Guys like Shawn Wade and Wyatt Davis decided to forgo NFL millions for a chance to sit on the college football mountain top. But who is going to pose the biggest threat to the Buckeyes national title hopes?

In conference play, Penn State comes to mind. Although going to Happy Valley without the presence of a white-out doesn’t seem as intimidating. Sparty has rained on the Buckeye parade in the past. And of course, in a rivalry game as big as The Game, anything can happen when Michigan comes to town.

Then there are the usual suspects nationally in Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and maybe a few others. Talent-wise, the Bucks can hang with any of them. However, I’d argue that there is a bigger obstacle awaiting when Big Ten play begins in late October… COVID-19

I know, I know… we’ll all tired of coronavirus, but with the Big Ten protocols in place, Ohio State is going to need the stars to align for it to make a title run.

I’m not all that worried about the Buckeyes taking proper precautions. From everything we’re seeing, the team knows it has a chance to do something special this year and is making sure to follow every mandate — and then some. As we shared a few days ago, even the coaches are taking the extra steps to do everything in their power to stay healthy.

But… what incentive to other teams have to take the extra measures of safety? If any team on Ohio State’s schedule reaches greater than a 5 percent positivity rate, that team has to shut down practice and competition for a minimum of seven days. And with the conference schedule not allowing for any bye weeks, theoretically, Ohio State could lose out on a game or more of competition.

So the question becomes, would a 7-0, or even a 6-0 Ohio State get an invite to the College Football Playoff? I believe the Buckeyes would, but it wouldn’t be as much of a slam dunk as before. The Big Ten did itself no favors by starting so late and not having built-in bye weeks that could potentially be used as makeup dates.

Let’s just hope everyone stays healthy and OSU takes care of its conference schedule. Nothing would change our outlook completely on 2020, but it sure would provide a positive spin on a year to remember with Ohio State being crowned king of the college football world.

 

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The Sooners losing helps the Buckeyes

The Sooners losing opens the door for the Buckeyes to march toward the final four teams, now they have to walk through it.

As the clock struck zero, Norman, Oklahoma went quiet. To the shock of the college football world Kansas State walked out the victors over Oklahoma. But the real winners may be the Buckeyes, and they haven’t played a single game yet.

The Buckeyes playing a condensed schedule raised some questions on how the playoff committee would see the Buckeyes, or really, the entire Big Ten. As teams from other “power five” conferences would have played games before the first kickoff for the Buckeyes. Oklahoma losing now allows the Buckeyes a more defined path to the final four teams.

Sure, Texas is still out there, but very few people outside of the burnt orange feel they are a top four team in the nation. That now allows the Big Ten, and the odds-on favorites in the conference, Ohio State a direct path. It would be hard to think the playoff committee now puts in a one loss Big 12 team, especially one that lost to the team that lost to Arkansas State.

There is still a long road to go before the final four teams are named. There is always the risk of two SEC teams, a PAC 12 team, and an ACC team, possible even Texas . However, even in a strange year like 2020, keeping a Big Ten team out if they run the table would be a strange and surprising move for the business of college football.

Oklahoma losing is one of the best things that could have happened to the Buckeyes. While Kansas State is celebrating the win, the Buckeyes will be partying the night away as well. A straight shot to the playoffs, provided the Buckeyes take care of business like we all think they will, is now in their hands.

Thank you Kansas State, we here at Buckeye Nation thank you for your hard work and well played game. Thank you Lincoln Riley for punting, when you should have not punted. Thank you for opening the door, now the Buckeyes just need to walk through.

Urban Meyer ‘All In on the Notre Dame Bandwagon’

Remember when Urban Meyer was linked to the Notre Dame job on more than one occasion?

Remember when Urban Meyer was linked to the Notre Dame job on more than one occasion? The 2000s were a strange time to be an Irish head coach, and it was only fitting that once the decade ended, Brian Kelly brought stability to that position. Now, if Meyer’s current thoughts are any indication, he probably wishes he had that job right now. He’s going “College Football Playoff or bust” for the Irish in 2020.

Meyer points out a few factors that will allow the Irish to be one the last four teams standing. They’re favored in every game on their schedule except against Clemson. They’re joining the ACC during a down season for the conference. The top dogs in the SEC will beat each other up.

Meyer either told everyone exactly what will happen or gave the Irish the kiss of death. How many times have we seen an “expert” go all in on a team only to have the prediction blow up? No doubt Irish fans will want Meyer’s head on a platter if everything goes wrong. That’s why you make bold preseason predictions at your own risk.

Texas named sleeper team who can make College Football Playoff

Five teams have made the CFP after beginning the season outside the top 10. 247Sports believes Texas can be the next team to do so.

Since the College Football Playoff was introduced in 2014, five teams who ranked outside the preseason AP top 10 made the final four. The 2019 playoff ended a four-year streak, with LSU, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oklahoma all ranking within the top six.

Texas will be looking to revive that streak, beginning the 2020 season outside of the top 10, coming in at No. 14.

Related: AP Poll: Texas lands at No. 14 in preseason rankings

247Sports believes the Longhorns can do just that, naming them as one of the outside top 10 teams that are capable of crashing the CFB Playoff. They laid out criteria to qualify and Texas met all five.

New (or newish) coaches, strong quarterback play, an easy(ish) schedule, offensive, defensive balance, close wins, and luck.

NO. 14 TEXAS LONGHORNS

No lack of new coaches here. Tom Herman replaced his offensive AND defensive coordinator this offseason, bringing in Mike Yurcich from Ohio State and Chris Ash from Rutgers. With four-year starter Sam Ehlinger under center, the offense should be plenty productive. Texas needs a defense that finished 98th last season in yards allowed per play to make a leap. Ash will bring in a 4-3 scheme that fits the roster’s personnel better, and there are some pieces (Joseph Ossai, Caden Sterns) that are legitimate stars. With a little injury luck – Texas was missing five starters midway through the season – and improved play from the secondary, it’s easy to envision the defense taking a major leap.

The schedule does stack up well for the Longhorns. They shed LSU from their non-conference schedule and will catch Oklahoma early in the year when suspensions and injuries might still be an issue.

A lot will need to go right – A LOT – but this Texas team has the bones of a playoff contender if the pieces fall into place.

When the Big 12 released their revised 2020 schedule, the Longhorns’ conference season got easier. Mainly because there are be no back to back away games on the calendar. Texas will play at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium every other week.

Related: Texas Football: Seven thoughts on Longhorns’ revised 2020 schedule

The biggest two obstacles of the season will come from the state of Oklahoma. Of course, the annual Red River Shootout is always a toss-up between the Longhorns and Sooners. This year’s game will be worth more than usual as both teams will be ranked inside of the top 10, barring an early slip-up.

Oklahoma State will poise the second real hurdle for Texas when they travel to Stillwater on Halloween. The Cowboys were predicted to finish second in the Big 12 preseason media poll. The Longhorns have poor recent history on the road against Oklahoma State, losing their last two games.

As 247Sports says, “a lot will need to go right,” in order for Texas to make its first-ever College Football Playoff.

With the leadership of Sam Ehlinger and the renovation of the defense with Chris Ash, this is the best chance Tom Herman has had in his four years.

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College Football Playoff Selection Committee announces rankings dates for 2020-21 season

The rankings will come out starting in November.

On Monday, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee announced the dates that its rankings will be put out during the 2020-21 season.

From the press release:

“The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee will begin its weekly rankings for the 2020-21 season Tuesday, November 17, executive director Bill Hancock announced.
The committee members will convene on Mondays and Tuesdays, revealing its rankings each week on ESPN’s College Football Playoff: Top 25. The selection committee will meet five times prior to releasing its final rankings on Sunday, December 20.
The top four teams will participate in the Playoff Semifinals Friday, January 1, in the Rose Bowl Game and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The national championship game will be played Monday, January 11, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The committee will also announce the matchups for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 20.
The final rankings were originally scheduled to be released Sunday, December 6. Earlier this month the CFP Management Committee changed the final announcement date as a result of conferences having changed the dates of their championship games.
Below is a complete schedule for the selection committee to announce its rankings on ESPN:
Date
Tuesday, November 17
Tuesday, November 24
Tuesday, December 1
Tuesday, December 8
Tuesday, December 15
Sunday, December 20 (Selection Day)”

Texas Tech limits home games to 25% capacity, will require face coverings. Will Georgia follow?

Texas Tech becomes the 4th school to reportedly plan to limit stadium capacity. Could UGA eventually release a similar plan for Sanford?

Per college football insider Brett McMurphy, Texas Tech University will limit its football stadium’s capacity to maximum of 25%, as well as institute a face covering requirement to both fans and staff at all home football games.

Texas, Ohio State and LSU have all reportedly planned to limit the capacity of their iconic football stadiums due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, now Texas Tech follows suit.

Sad thoughts, of course, to Ohio State with the Big Ten’s plan to postpone until spring.

But the real question is, with four major Power Five school’s already releasing a plan to limit stadium capacity – how long before more SEC schools, or specifically the University of Georgia follows with a similar plan?

UGA plans to have face-to-face classes starting Aug 20 – until late November when classes move online – and in early July, UGA listed a limited capacity ‘option‘ in a plan release by a UGA athletics group: Plans for a Phased Return to Full Operations.

Things said, I could definitely see Georgia doing something with Stanford Stadium this year that is similar to the schools who have college towns similar to Athens.

Athens is definitely one of those historic places at risk with so many small business in one place and, without students or fans, I suspect it wouldn’t be the city DawgNation knows and loves before long.

College Football Playoff Selection Committee issues statement on 2020 season

The CFP Selection Committee issued a statement on Thursday.

Whether or not the 2020 college football season goes on as planned this fall even without the Big Ten and Pac-12, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee is going to be ready.

From the statement released on Thursday:

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee met virtually this week in preparation for the upcoming season.
“We don’t know right now what the season will bring, but as a committee, we are ready to use the protocol and the expertise of the 13 people who have been charged with selecting the teams,” said Gary Barta, Athletics Director at the University of Iowa who is beginning his first year as committee chair.
“The committee’s task is to rank the teams based on what happens on the field. This week gave us a great chance to catch up with the familiar faces and welcome our three new members to the process. If the board and management committee say we are having a CFP, we will be ready.”
The selection committee reviewed its weekly ranking announcements, went over its protocol and finalized its list of members who will be recused from voting or discussions regarding selected teams.
“This was the time when we normally review all aspects of the committee’s operation,” Barta said. “We accomplished a great deal even though we met by video conference. We will have another opportunity to review the procedures—particularly with the three new committee members—this fall.”
The final selection committee rankings of the 2020 season will be released on selection day, Sunday, December 20. The committee will also announce the matchups for the Playoff Semifinals at the Rose Bowl Game and Allstate Sugar Bowl, as well as the other New Year’s Six bowl pairings.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on college football: “I want to see it played”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took to Twitter to give his statement on the current college football situation. Read his quotes here

With the Big Ten and Pac-12 electing to postpone their respective seasons to the spring of 2021, the SEC, ACC and Big 12 conferences are still scrambling to find a way to play football this fall.

A day after President Donald Trump said it would be a “tragic mistake” not to play football this fall, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon to give his statement on the prospect of college football in Georgia.

Kemp wrote:

“Across the South, college football is a sacred tradition, and I want to see it played this year if we can ensure the safety of players, coaches and staff.”

Kemp retweeted SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s Tuesday tweet that came after the Big 10 and Pac-12’s postponement decision. Sankey said he “remains comfortable”, with the SEC’s approach to playing football during  the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Although the league continues to deliberate how the season can go on, SEC practices are scheduled to begin Monday and, as of now, kickoff is slated for Sept. 26.