This past Saturday proved to be a surprising turn of events for Ohio State’s football season as the Buckeyes faced an unexpected upset against Michigan in the latest edition of their storied rivalry, known as “The Game.” Despite this setback, Ohio State’s aspirations for the College Football Playoff (CFP) remain intact, thanks to the newly expanded format introducing a 12-team field for the first time this year.
However, the loss significantly dampens Ohio State’s chances of capturing the Big Ten title and earning a coveted bye in the first round of the upcoming playoff.
Entering the final weekend of the 2024 college football regular season, the Buckeyes were positioned to face off against No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game. For this to become a reality, Ohio State, under Coach Ryan Day, required favorable outcomes in other games alongside their own win.
Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, their route to the big game became clearer but challenging after Saturday’s events.
Ohio State needed both Penn State and Indiana to lose in their respective matches. Thankfully for Penn State, they secured a solid 44-7 victory over Maryland, which now places them ahead of Ohio State in the standings. Consequently, the Nittany Lions will advance to face Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will now turn its attention to the College Football Playoff selection show on December 8, where they vie for an at-large slot in the 12-team bracket. As a result of missing the Big Ten championship, the Buckeyes can no longer attain a first-round bye.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s hopes of reaching the championship also face a challenge as they prepare to take on Purdue, needing a win along with a favorable outcome for Penn State to remain in the contention for the league title.
As the season progresses into the playoffs, Ohio State still carries the potential for a noteworthy postseason run, maintaining hope for their fans despite the setback against Michigan.
In summary, while the loss to Michigan complicates Ohio State’s conference ambitions, the team’s focus shifts towards the upcoming selection process for the College Football Playoff, showcasing the resilience and determination characteristic of Buckeyes football. The 2024 season is not over yet, and the Buckeyes have a chance to regroup and redefine their narrative as they aspire for a title.