Ohio State Football: A Shot at CFP Glory After a Dismal Regular Season
Ohio State University football has long been one of the most storied programs in college football history, routinely competing for championships and dominating the Big Ten Conference. However, the 2023 regular season presented challenges that many fans and analysts would have deemed unthinkable for a program of Ohio State’s caliber. After a string of dismal performances, particularly against top-tier opponents, it appeared that the Buckeyes’ hopes for College Football Playoff (CFP) glory were dashed before the postseason even began. Yet, as we enter bowl season, a remarkable turn of events has opened the door for Ohio State to make a serious run at the CFP title. Despite their struggles, Ohio State still has a shot at capturing the national championship.
A Dismal Regular Season: Struggles and Setbacks
To understand how Ohio State has found itself in a position to make a postseason run, it’s essential to review its tumultuous regular season. The Buckeyes, who began the year with high expectations, encountered difficulties in key games that seemed to weaken their standing as a legitimate playoff contender.
Loss to Michigan
Arguably the most devastating blow to Ohio State’s season came in their annual rivalry game against Michigan, a team that had dominated them in recent years. The Buckeyes entered the game with a solid record, but they were no match for Michigan’s relentless defense and powerful offense. Ohio State’s quarterback, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, was underwhelming in this crucial contest. The offensive line, which had been a source of strength in the early part of the season, struggled to protect him, and the defense failed to contain Michigan’s running back, who rushed for over 200 yards. The loss to Michigan not only crushed Ohio State’s hopes of winning the Big Ten but also placed a major question mark over their ability to compete on the national stage.
Offensive Inconsistencies
While Ohio State’s offense has always been a highlight, 2023 saw significant struggles. Their once explosive passing game, led by a talented quarterback and elite wide receivers, fell short against high-ranking defenses. The offense had an identity crisis, with play-calling that seemed disjointed and a lack of consistent execution across the field. Injuries to key players also hampered their depth, and an inability to establish the run game further compounded the issue. Despite boasting a top-tier roster, the Buckeyes could not consistently dominate on offense.
Defensive Weaknesses
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense, which has historically been one of the best in college football, showed cracks. The Buckeyes’ defense struggled against mobile quarterbacks and powerful running games, often finding themselves out of position or missing tackles in critical moments. While Ohio State still ranked highly in several defensive categories, their performance in high-stakes games left much to be desired.
Despite these setbacks, Ohio State remained a team full of talent, and many believed that, if they could put everything together, they could still be dangerous in the postseason.
A Surprising Turn of Events: Making the Case for the CFP
While Ohio State’s regular season left much to be desired, college football is a sport full of surprises. The final weeks of the regular season saw a number of unexpected outcomes that have changed the landscape of the College Football Playoff race, and Ohio State benefited from some of those twists.
Chaos in the Playoff Picture
The 2023 College Football Playoff race was as unpredictable as ever. Several top-ranked teams suffered unexpected losses, opening the door for a team like Ohio State, which had performed well enough over the course of the season to be considered by the CFP selection committee. Major upsets in conference championship games, as well as controversies around other playoff contenders, created a scenario where Ohio State, despite their loss to Michigan, had a shot at sneaking into the top four.
A Strong Schedule and Quality Wins
One of the key arguments in favor of Ohio State’s CFP hopes is the strength of their schedule. While they stumbled against Michigan, the Buckeyes faced several high-quality opponents throughout the year. Their wins against ranked teams, including a solid victory over Penn State, helped them maintain respectability in the eyes of the selection committee. When the dust settled and the committee reviewed resumes, Ohio State’s ability to compete against top teams—and their relatively strong overall record—was enough to keep them in the CFP conversation.
Moreover, their near-misses in close games against elite teams highlighted their potential for growth. If they could clean up their errors and put it all together in the postseason, Ohio State was viewed as a team capable of competing at the highest level.
The Selection Committee’s Dilemma
The committee’s decision to include Ohio State in the CFP was far from simple. The Buckeyes’ inclusion meant that a team with one loss—albeit a critical one to Michigan—had earned a spot in the playoff mix. Their entry into the CFP sparked debates about the value of head-to-head competition, as well as the merit of quality wins versus conference championships. Ultimately, the committee viewed Ohio State as one of the four most deserving teams based on their overall talent and the potential they demonstrated throughout the season, despite their inconsistencies.
The Talent: Ohio State’s Path to Glory
Despite the challenges they faced throughout the regular season, Ohio State still has a roster brimming with elite talent. If the Buckeyes can find their rhythm and capitalize on their strengths, they could very well make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Play
One of Ohio State’s greatest assets is their quarterback, a player who has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to be more consistent. When on his game, this quarterback can slice through defenses with pinpoint accuracy and impressive mobility. If he can get the ball to his talented wide receivers in space and avoid mistakes, Ohio State’s offense has the potential to explode. A standout performance in the CFP could elevate his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
The Wide Receivers
Ohio State has one of the deepest and most talented wide receiver corps in college football. The Buckeyes’ receiving unit is capable of making plays from anywhere on the field, and their speed and agility make them tough to defend against. The ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders is one of Ohio State’s offensive trademarks, and if their quarterback can get the ball to these playmakers, the team could find success against top defenses in the playoff.
The Defense
While Ohio State’s defense has been inconsistent, they still have a lot of talent on that side of the ball. The defensive line, in particular, is full of future NFL players who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. If they can generate a pass rush and disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses, Ohio State’s defense could become a difference-maker. Additionally, the Buckeyes’ secondary has the talent to match up with the best receivers in the country, giving them the flexibility to compete with high-powered offenses.
The Road Ahead: Can Ohio State Claim CFP Glory?
As Ohio State heads into the College Football Playoff, they will face a daunting challenge. The teams in the CFP are all elite in their own right, and the Buckeyes will need to be at their best to advance. They must fix the issues that plagued them during the regular season—such as offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses—if they are to stand a chance at winning it all.
However, Ohio State’s potential is undeniable. They are a team built for the big stage, with talent across every position group. If the Buckeyes can execute a game plan that minimizes mistakes, utilizes their strengths, and plays with confidence, they can certainly make a run for the national title.
In many ways, Ohio State’s path to the CFP is a story of redemption—of a team that faced adversity, stumbled, but found a way to remain in the hunt for greatness. As college football fans know, anything can happen in the postseason, and Ohio State still has a shot at the ultimate prize.
