Ohio State Wins the Big Ten Title
The Buckeyes finish the regular season 6-0; but does this lock them into the College Football Playoff?
The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 22-10 in the Big Ten championship game to, once again, crown them the Big Ten champs. The question that looms over this game is that is this win enough to push the Buckeyes into the College Football Playoff? I do not believe it does.
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon, who transferred into Columbus this year from Oklahoma, had an absolute day on the ground. He rushed for 331 yards and 2 touchdowns which was enough to break Ohio State legend, Eddie George’s single game rushing record.
On the other hand, Justin Fields underperformed, the same way in which he has all year. He threw for 114 yards and 2 interceptions against a very stingy Northwestern defense that ranks second in red zone efficiency in the whole country.
The Northwestern Wildcats were led by Indiana transfer, Peyton Ramsey. He had a mediocre day through the air, passing for 224 yards and 2 interceptions. The lone touchdown scored for the Wildcats was by running back Cam Porter in the first half.
The Northwestern linebacking core that was anchored by Blake Gallagher who had 9 tackles and Chris Bergin who had 11 tackles were a big reason for why the game was so close. With their backs at the wall they held the Buckeyes to multiple field goal attempts.
Ohio State finished the regular season at 6-0 but, I don’t believe they pass the “eye test”. For one, they shouldn’t have even played in this game. The Big Ten committee voted to have them in the game over the Indiana Hoosier. They also, have played a JV schedule to this point with their only ranked opponent prior to this game being the Hoosiers who they narrowly defeated.
If Clemson loses to Notre Dame today, then that is the only way I can see the Buckeyes entering the playoffs but, the playoff committee loves Ryan Day and Ohio State so, don’t be surprised to see them play for a national title over Cincinnati and Texas A&M.