What OSU Needs to Compete in the CFP

Ohio State hasn’t had many opportunities to prove themselves in 2020. In an already shortened season, they’ve had to cancel games against Maryland, Illinois, and TTUN (It’s still technically Xichigan hate week.) In the games they’ve played, they’ve won. Although they haven’t always been convincing, with the lone exception being the recent 52-12 victory against MSU. So now, Ohio State goes into the B1G Championship Game with a 5-0 record and a matchup with Northwestern. With a victory, the Buckeyes would feel pretty good about their chances to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff for the fourth time in six years. Their path is clear but not entirely in their own hands. They also need some things to happen down in the SEC and ACC on December 19th.

Alabama and Florida will face off for the SEC title down in Atlanta, Georgia. What Ohio State absolutely does not want is a Florida upset of a very talented Alabama football team. Mac Jones, Najee Harris, and Devonta Smith have been a problem all year, so it seems unlikely. Florida’s defense has had trouble slowing down talented offenses all year, but their offense is so talented that it has made up for it almost completely. Kyle Trask has been dominant, finding many weapons like Pitts and Toney all over the field all season long. In order for Florida to win, both sides of the ball will need to play their best game in order to top the Crimson Tide. The offense is able to keep up. It will all depend on Florida’s defense and if they can find ways to slow down the Alabama offense. If Florida can pull it off, Ohio State would almost have no way in. Unless…

...Notre Dame beats Clemson again in the ACC Championship. Clemson has won the ACC the past five seasons. Notre Dame handed Clemson their only loss of the season so far, albeit without future NFL starter Trevor Lawrence. Ian Book and the Fighting Irish have had an incredible season. Clemson, recently anyways, is always competing for national championships. Whoever wins is probably locked in at the #2 spot for the CFP. They’re two evenly matched teams. Therefore, anything goes. It should be an extremely exciting and close ball game.

No other games should really have an influence on Ohio State’s CFP hopes. If they take care of business and the Alabama football game goes as expected, Ohio State will be in. If Alabama loses, OSU really needs Notre Dame to win in order to compete for a national title in 2020.

The Scenarios

If Ohio State loses = Eliminated from CFP

If Ohio State wins AND Alabama wins = Ohio State in CFP

If Ohio State wins AND Alabama loses AND Notre Dame wins = Ohio State in CFP

If Ohio State wins AND Alabama loses AND Notre Dame loses = Eliminated from CFP