Ohio State playoff scenarios, explained: How Big Ten title loss impacts CFP rankings
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Ohio State playoff scenarios, explained: How Big Ten title loss impacts CFP rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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No. 1 Ohio State is trying to win back-to-back national championships for the first time in school history.
The Buckeyes suffered their first loss in the Big Ten championship game against No. 2 Indiana. The Hoosiers won 13-10 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is the next challenge.
Ohio State won four games in the playoff last season en route to a national championship. The Buckeyes almost certainly are guaranteed a bye this year, but the path is more complicated toward that second straight national title under Ryan Day. A look at Ohio State's College Football Playoff outlook heading into selection weekend.
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Is Ohio State in the College Football Playoff?
Yes. The Buckeyes have been No. 1 in the polls since a 14-7 win against Preseason No. 1 Texas in the regular-season opener. There is no scenario that knocks Ohio State out of the College Football Playoff. We also believe they are a lock for a first-round bye based on their strong regular-season performance.
Ohio State playoff scenarios
Here is a look at how Ohio State's College Football Playoff seeding could be impacted by the Big Ten championship game Saturday:
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Indiana beats Ohio State in Big Ten championship game
The Buckeyes likely would still have a first-round bye because of the straight seeding model. Ohio State likely would fall to No. 3 or No. 4 in the rankings depending on how the committee feels about Georgia, which won the SEC championship; and Texas Tech; which won the Big 12 championship. The Buckeyes will fall no lower than No. 4, however. Ohio State will likely play in the quarterfinals at either the Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 31 or the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 1. The Hoosiers will go to the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1.
College Football Playoff bracket 2025
Ohio State is the No. 3 seed and projected to play the winner or No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 11 Tulane in our final College Football Playoff projections.
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