Ohio State Football: Is the Schedule Tough Enough for CFP?
As the college football season rolls on, the Ohio State Buckeyes are right back in the thick of debate. This time, the talk is all about whether their schedule is too soft and if it really gets them ready for the College Football Playoff (CFP).
With just one ranked opponent left, plenty of folks are wondering if Ohio State deserves a top seed. Let’s poke around in their schedule, see how the key players are doing, and maybe figure out what it all means for their playoff hopes.
Contents
The Ohio State Buckeyes’ Remaining Schedule
Ohio State’s schedule is getting the side-eye as the season winds down. Some critics say these last games don’t offer enough of a challenge to get them battle-ready for the CFP.
Right now, none of their final five opponents are ranked. That’s got people worried the Buckeyes might not be as prepared as they should be.
Key Matchups
Still, a couple of games pop off the page:
- November 15 vs. UCLA: UCLA’s looking fresher these days with new faces running the show. Their quarterback, who lost to Ohio State in the ’24 CFP while at Tennessee, is back with something to prove—so who knows?
- November 29 vs. Michigan: The Michigan rivalry is always a beast. This year, Michigan’s stronger and they’re hosting, which just cranks up the pressure for Ohio State.
Ohio State’s Offensive and Defensive Performance
The Buckeyes’ passing game keeps earning praise. But there are still questions about their running game—Lori Schmidt pointed out that teams can ignore those stats when they’re winning, but it’s risky in the long run.
Offensive Line and Passing Game
Julian Sayin’s been fantastic, but it’s not just his quick release. The offensive line deserves props for giving him the time he needs to make those throws.
This solid connection between the line and quarterback has really shaped Ohio State’s offense.
Reliance on Defense
Defense has carried a lot of the load this season. That’s worked for now, but will it be enough when the stakes get higher in the CFP?
With a lighter schedule ahead, there’s this nagging feeling they could be caught off guard when it matters most.
Comparisons and What-If Scenarios
Comparing Ohio State to other teams—and tossing around some what-if scenarios—makes the whole debate more interesting. Beating Penn State with a healthy Drew Allar would’ve been a huge statement, for example.
And if they knock off a tough Michigan team, that could give them a real jolt heading into the playoffs.
Coaching Decisions and Potential Changes
Coaching decisions are part of the chatter too. James Franklin at Penn State is feeling the heat, and there’s talk about Matt Campbell from Iowa State—an Ohio native—possibly stepping in.
If that happens, it could shake up the Big Ten and maybe even impact Ohio State’s matchups down the road.
Fan Reactions and Broader Implications
This whole schedule debate isn’t just for pundits. Fans are plenty vocal too, with letters to the editor showing all sorts of takes.
Fan Opinions
- Larry Cheek from Dublin: Larry thinks Ohio State’s defense and passing are enough for the CFP, but he admits beating Michigan is a must.
- Dennis Singleton from Dayton: Dennis wonders if Penn State will bring in Matt Campbell, and what that might mean for the Nittany Lions.
- Mike Adamkosky from Columbus: Mike’s not so sure about the Browns’ or the Buckeyes’ futures—he wonders when Ohio State’s luck might finally run out.
Conclusion
The debate about Ohio State’s schedule being too easy? Still very much alive. The Buckeyes have definitely shown some grit and real talent this season.
But let’s be honest, their remaining games don’t feature many ranked teams. That fact leaves a bit of a question mark hanging over their heads.
As they move into the last part of the season, all eyes will be on those matchups with UCLA and Michigan. People are going to dissect every play, every decision.
Will their current approach and schedule be enough to lock in a top seed for the College Football Playoff? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
For more details and updates, check out the full article on the Dispatch website.
