Ohio State’s Tough Schedule Raises Doubts About Playoff Contention

This season, Ohio State football finds itself at a crossroads. It’s basically national championship or bust, and the pressure’s on.

Even with one of the most loaded rosters in the country and a solid record under Ryan Day, not everyone’s convinced the Buckeyes are a sure thing for the College Football Playoff (CFP). CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell, for example, isn’t buying the hype just yet.

He’s pointed out Ohio State’s brutal schedule, wondering if the team can actually lock up a CFP spot. So, what are the real factors here?

Ohio State’s Talent and Coaching

Ohio State’s been a college football powerhouse for years. This year, that’s still true.

Even though they lost three first-round draft picks on defense, the Buckeyes are stacked with talent. Ryan Day has built a program that churns out top NFL talent and stays competitive at the highest level.

Offensive Firepower

Offensively, Ohio State looks scary good. There’s a mix of experienced guys and some new faces who could break out.

The offensive line is the one thing that still feels a bit unsettled. Day’s been tinkering with different lineups to find the right fit, which makes sense at this point in the year.

Defensive Strength

On defense, even after losing key players to the NFL, they’re still a tough unit. The coaching staff knows how to develop talent—no question about that.

This defense might be the key to their national title hopes. If they show up, the Buckeyes have a real shot.

The Challenging Schedule

The schedule is a beast, and that’s not just talk. Danny Kanell’s got a point—it’s one of the toughest slates in the country.

Ohio State’s got to go on the road to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, and USC. At home, they’ve got Oregon and, of course, The Game with Michigan.

Key Matchups

• Texas: Ohio State’s handled Texas the last two years, including in Texas. But this game in Austin? It’s a different animal.
• Iowa: Iowa’s always a headache on their home turf. The Hawkeyes play tough defense and the crowd is relentless.
• Indiana: Indiana’s been on the rise. Playing them away won’t be a walk in the park.
• USC: Facing USC on the road is a big test. If Ohio State wants to prove something, this is the place.
• Oregon: Hosting Oregon at home is huge. The Ducks are always in the mix out west.
• Michigan: Michigan is, well, Michigan. The rivalry game always matters, maybe more than anything else on the schedule.

Path to the College Football Playoff

There’s still a path to the CFP, even with all those hurdles. If Ohio State can get through the big games and snag some key wins, they’re right in the mix.

Honestly, even a loss or two might not kill their chances, just because the schedule is so tough. That could give them a leg up over other teams fighting for a spot.

Importance of Non-Conference Games

Those big non-conference games—like Texas—are on purpose. A win in Austin would give them some breathing room if they slip up in the Big Ten.

But if they lose? It’s not the end. The committee knows how tough that matchup is.

Big Ten Play

Big Ten games are make-or-break, though. The conference is deep, and the Buckeyes can’t afford to coast.

Games against Penn State, Michigan State, and, yeah, Michigan, will decide if Ohio State gets in. No way around it.

Conclusion

Danny Kanell’s concerns about Ohio State’s schedule aren’t without merit. Still, the Buckeyes have the talent and coaching to handle it.

The offense packs a punch, and the defense is no slouch either. Ryan Day’s track record gives them a real shot at a deep College Football Playoff run.

Of course, the real test is getting through that tough schedule and not dropping the ball in key games. Curious for more takes and details on Ohio State’s playoff chances? Dive into the full article at Scarlet and Game.