How Ohio State Can Still Get In To The College Football Playoff

But since the conference now occupies the fourth, fifth and sixth spots in the rankings, the possibility is out there for the conference to end up with two teams in the playoffs. Coming off a win over Notre Dame, Stanford would make a strong case for the CFP with a conference title victory over a revitalized USC team. The Cardinal play No. 20 USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game and a win plus a loss among the top four could move Stanford in the playoff semifinal mix as a coveted conference champion. It seems hardly coincidence that the Buckeyes put up some of their best numbers of the season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes finished their season with an exclamation mark as they blew away the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines for a lopsided 42-13 win to improve to 11-1 on the season. As long as they win, they will be in. The Crimson Tide and Florida will meet in the SEC Championship game next weekend.

Long wouldn’t speculate about any circumstances that could knock Oklahoma out of the top four.

There was a time when Ohio State’s nonconference schedule this season was North Carolina in week one, Northern Illinois in week two and at Virginia Tech in week three. But more importantly, they have yet to lose.

The top five remained unchanged from last week – No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Iowa and No. 5 Michigan State – while Ohio State, at No. 6, became the highest-ranked team among those who will need help from others come Saturday. A playoff contender needs a team to push it and also be great. At the very least, a win would secure Stanford’s third Rose Bowl berth in four years. Michigan State is holding firm at number-five after beating Penn State on Saturday, while Michigan fell five spots to 15 after losing to Ohio State. At this point, it’s pretty simple for Sparty.

Moving past Oklahoma will be hard, but should Clemson and or Alabama lose, the Spartans could reach as high as No. 3.

The 11-1 Tar Heels will ride down to Charlotte to face the undefeated Clemson Tigers for the ACC Championship on Saturday night. The Buckeyes’ season is over. “If you’re an Ohio State fan, that’s the more realistic approach is hoping you stay above the loser in Indianapolis”. Last season, the Big 12 informed the committee that TCU and Baylor were co-champs. Ohio State could get a chance to defend its championship if Clemson or Alabama get tripped up in their conference title games.

Notre Dame’s spot in the College Football Playoff rankings is still relevant, as it will impact the bowl game and possibly the team the Irish will face in the postseason. Would North Carolina deserve to make the playoff ahead of Pac 12 champion Stanford?