BuckeyesFriday, November 13
Ohio State can still reach the College Football Playoff, but it needs a lot of help
The CBUStoday team
If you're wondering whether the Buckeyes are done, they're not. Ohio State is 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten, ranked No. 20, after back-to-back losses. Step one is winning out, starting with Northwestern at noon Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes are favored by more than 12 points and haven't lost to the Wildcats in 22 years.
Ohio State's last three games lead to Indianapolis
- Nov. 14Ohio State hosts Northwestern at Ohio Stadium at noon.
- Nov. 21Ohio State plays at Nebraska in Lincoln.
- Nov. 28Ohio State hosts Michigan at Ohio Stadium.
- Dec. 5The Big Ten championship game is played in Indianapolis.
Sources: WSYX, NBC4 WCMH-TV
The Big Ten champion gets an automatic spot in the 12-team playoff. UCLA is 6-0 in the league and Indiana is 5-1, with six teams, Ohio State included, at 4-2. Four other games matter to the Buckeyes:
- Illinois at UCLA, Friday: a UCLA win keeps the Bruins on top
- USC at Indiana, Saturday: a USC win gives Indiana a second loss
- Michigan at Oregon, Saturday: an Oregon loss gives the Ducks a third
- Maryland at Wisconsin, Saturday: a Badgers loss helps Ohio State's odds
Ohio State's playoff hopes by the numbers
- No. 20
- in the latest CFP rankings
- 9-3
- record if Ohio State wins out
- 71
- points allowed in the last two losses
- 22 years
- since Ohio State lost to Northwestern
Sources: WSYX, NBC4 WCMH-TV
Sources: WSYX, NBC4 WCMH-TV