The rationale for Ohio State’s No. 2 ranking
What USA TODAY says
2. Ohio State (13-1)
Points: 1,555 (17 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 3.
Outlook: “Second-year coach Ryan Day will have a Heisman-contending quarterback in reigning Big Ten player of the year Justin Fields (51 touchdowns in 2019). Yet a supporting cast will need to emerge in the backfield to help fill the void of J.K. Dobbins. Expected starting running back Master Teague suffered a spring Achille’s injury so the addition of Oklahoma transfer RB Trey Sermon is a needed boost. Cornerback Shaun Wade will anchor the defense. Hunger won’t be an issue for the stayovers. There’s obvious motivation from last year’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Clemson in the semifinals.”