I think we can all agree that this game against Indiana was embarrassing. Ever since Minnesota I have felt like we leave points on the field. JT misses a throw, a receiver drops a pass, or the opponents defense has prepared for our offense, whatever it is, it's annoying. However, these are my thoughts on Tuesday Night. Unless the Committee sees a W more than the turnovers and lack of control, we will either stay #6 or fall. I do not think style points have anything to do with the rankings, because if they did Florida State and TCU would be outside the top 4. I would love to say Ohio State wins out and they are in, but I can't with confidence. On the other hand I can see why Ohio State gets into the playoffs.
First and foremost, Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is our golden ticket. The Committee was put on notice as to the deadliness of Gordon through his rushing yards throughout the season. If Ohio State can stop Gordon and destroy the Badgers in the Championship, that would be huge compared to the fact that the Big 12 does not have a conference championship game. The fact that the Big 10 does will go along way. If Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship, and Mississippi State does not represent the West in the SEC Championship, the committee has stated before they value Conference Championship over second place finishers.
The Committee will make the Big 12 create a Championship game because they won't expand the 4 team playoff until they are ready. This committee has shown they possess the power and do not take suggestions. The majority of the coaches in the Power 5 would support the expansion to 6 or 8 team playoff, however though, they have stated that there are no plans to accommodate this. So, the Big 12 has two options, Championship game or dismantle into other conferences. I think dismantling is too difficult and unrealistic, but a Championship would do more good than harm. The Committee will force this if Ohio State is #4, Florida St. is #3, Oregon is #2, and Alabama is #1.
The Committee realizes the Big Ten is coming back with a vengeance. At the very least Ohio State and Michigan State are relevant regardless of what Bowl they go to, playoff or not. Michigan will make a huge statement with their new head coach, Penn State and Wisconsin are a couple years away, considering Wisconsin let a bad LSU team win, and Penn State is still dealing with NCAA sanctions. With this understood, the Committee is forced to recognize the Big Ten over the Big 12.
Finally, Ohio State is its own worst enemy. Buckeye Fans understand what this means, but let me explain. When Ohio State does not turnover the ball, does not self inflict themselves with interceptions, does not miss blocking assignments, or route assignments, we are a devastating team. The skill players, couple with JT are simply amazing. However, too much time in the pocket causes over throws or throws into coverage. Under throws turn receivers into defensive backs because they have to wait for the ball. Blown blocking assignments cause our running game to struggle, both with jet sweeps and right up the middle. Next year, Elliot will be a Carlos Hyde Jr., his speed is there he just needs more weight so that he can bounce off of tackles and continue running. Jalin and Samuel are on the cusp of being one step away from long touchdowns. Dontre needs to gain more weight to break those shoe lace tackles that keep him from breaking one as well. Our front 4 has to destroy offensive lines. I barely saw our defense get to the quarterback on Indiana.
My final thoughts.....as long as Ohio State plays sound, fundamental, and aggressive football we can't be stopped. It does not matter who we play.
One question I have for you......
If you had to give our Buckeyes a motivational speech, what would it be?
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