The Ohio State Buckeyes faced a surprising turn of events on Saturday when they were defeated by Michigan in their much-anticipated 2024 showdown at Ohio Stadium. Despite this unexpected loss, the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format is expected to still allow the Buckeyes a chance at playoff contention.
Ohio State entered the final weekend of the regular season in a favorable position to take on No. 1 Oregon in the upcoming Big Ten championship game. However, the team, under head coach Ryan Day, needed results to fall in their favor following the loss to their rivals.
In order for Ohio State to advance to the Big Ten championship, they required both Penn State and Indiana to lose on Saturday. The Buckeyes held the tiebreaker advantage owing to victories against both teams earlier in the season. Unfortunately, Penn State secured a convincing 44-7 victory over Maryland, placing Ohio State one game behind Penn State and Indiana in the loss column.
As a result, Penn State will advance to the Big Ten championship game against Oregon. Ohio State’s focus now shifts to the College Football Playoff selection show scheduled for December 8, where they will learn their fate. They will be vying for an at-large bid to the playoff but, with their failure to reach the Big Ten championship, they have forfeited the opportunity for a first-round bye.
In a quick overview of the situation, Penn State’s successful performance against Maryland earned them a chance to compete for the Big Ten title, while Indiana, facing Purdue later, had a slim chance of making the championship game, contingent on a win and a Penn State loss.
While the defeat was disappointing for Ohio State and their fans, the emergence of the 12-team playoff system provides hope that their season may not yet be over. The Buckeyes remain in the running for a spot in the playoff, offering a glimmer of optimism for their post-season journey.
This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of college football, where every game can greatly influence a team’s trajectory, and underscores the expanding opportunities for teams in the playoff landscape. As the playoff selection approaches, Buckeye fans can hold onto hope for a favorable outcome.