When are the Ohio State Buckeyes scheduled to play in the College Football Playoffs?

The Ohio State Buckeyes, despite missing out on the Big Ten Championship game, have secured a spot in the College Football Playoff. They are slated to return to action on Saturday, December 21st, where they will face the Tennessee Volunteers in a first-round matchup. With a win, Ohio State will advance to the Rose Bowl on January 1st, where they would meet the top-ranked Oregon Ducks.

Ohio State’s 2024 Football Season Review

The Buckeyes had a remarkable season, finishing with an overall record of 10-2. While they were unable to secure a Big Ten Championship, they were still able to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, reflecting their strong performance throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of Ohio State’s schedule:

Opening Success: A Strong Start to the Season

Ohio State kicked off their 2024 season with a dominant performance against Akron on August 31st, securing a commanding 52-6 victory. This win was followed by another resounding triumph over Western Michigan on September 7th, where they shut out their opponent with a 56-0 score. Ohio State continued their dominant run in their third game of the season, defeating Marshall 49-14 on September 21st.

Strong Conference Play: The Buckeyes Dominate

On September 28th, the Buckeyes took their first road trip of the season, facing Michigan State. Ohio State emerged victorious with a comfortable 38-7 win, extending their unbeaten streak to four games. The team’s defense was once again a key factor in their success, as they limited Michigan State to just seven points.

October 5th saw Ohio State host Iowa, where they triumphed 35-7. Despite their impressive win, the Buckeyes faced a major challenge the following week on October 12th when they traveled to Oregon. In a thrilling contest, Ohio State narrowly fell to the Ducks, losing 32-31 in a game that showcased both teams’ offensive and defensive capabilities.

Bouncing Back: Rebounding from Defeat

Despite the setback against Oregon, Ohio State’s resilience shone through as they went on to beat Nebraska 21-17 on October 26th. They also had a crucial win over Penn State on November 2nd, with a hard-fought 20-13 victory that demonstrated the team’s ability to grind out a win in tough circumstances.

Ohio State continued their success in early November, with a dominant 45-0 victory over Purdue on November 9th. This was followed by another impressive win against Northwestern on November 16th, where the Buckeyes secured a 31-7 victory.

The Final Stretch: The Rivalry Game and Playoff Push

Ohio State wrapped up the regular season with a critical home game against Indiana on November 23rd, where they cruised to a 38-15 win. However, the Buckeyes’ hopes of a Big Ten Championship were dashed when they faced Michigan in their annual rivalry game on November 30th. Despite a hard-fought battle, Ohio State lost 13-10, which prevented them from clinching a spot in the Big Ten Championship.

Despite the disappointment of the Michigan loss, Ohio State’s overall body of work throughout the season was enough to earn them a berth in the College Football Playoff as the No. 8 seed. They now prepare to face Tennessee in the first round of the playoffs, with high stakes on the line.

Ohio State vs. Tennessee: A Critical Matchup

On December 21st, Ohio State will host Tennessee in what promises to be an exciting playoff game. Both teams enter the matchup with strong records, with Tennessee earning the No. 9 seed in the playoff rankings. The winner of this game will go on to face the top-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl on January 1st, making the stakes of the game incredibly high.

Tennessee has had a solid season, and their offensive and defensive strategies will pose a challenge for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will need to bring their best game to ensure they secure a victory and move on to the next round. Ohio State’s preparation for the game will likely focus on fine-tuning their offense, which has been explosive at times, and bolstering their defense, which has been a major strength throughout the season.

Looking Ahead: The Path to the Rose Bowl

Should the Buckeyes emerge victorious against Tennessee, they will have the chance to face the Oregon Ducks in the prestigious Rose Bowl on January 1st. Oregon, ranked No. 1, has been a dominant force throughout the season, making this potential matchup a thrilling prospect for both teams.

The Rose Bowl is one of the most historic games in college football, and it would be a major accomplishment for Ohio State to earn a spot in the game. With their strong season, the Buckeyes have proven they belong in the conversation among the nation’s top teams, and a victory over Tennessee would solidify their place in the College Football Playoff history.

Conclusion

While Ohio State’s season was marked by some highs and lows, their overall performance has earned them a shot at competing for a national title. Their upcoming game against Tennessee will be a crucial test, and a win would keep their championship aspirations alive. Whether they reach the Rose Bowl or not, the Buckeyes’ strong showing this season has demonstrated their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level of college football. Fans can look forward to an exciting conclusion to the season, with Ohio State poised to make a run in the College Football Playoff.