Ohio State Football’s Aspirations Dashed by Michigan Defeat
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day entered the offseason with three clear goals: defeat Michigan, win the Big Ten title, and claim a national championship. However, following a disappointing loss to Michigan on Saturday, the Buckeyes are left with only one daunting objective: the national title.
Day had fully expected Ohio State to handle Michigan, a team that struggled last season. With a victory, the Buckeyes would have set themselves on a strong path toward postseason success, likely facing Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. A win there would have secured them the coveted No. 1 seed in the newly-established 12-team College Football Playoff, complete with a first-round bye.
Instead, with their fourth consecutive defeat to Michigan, Ohio State’s aspirations have shifted. The defeat eliminates their chances for the conference title and complicates the road to the national championship. In this revised scenario, Ohio State will start its playoff journey in the first round, potentially facing a formidable opponent from a power conference or even Notre Dame, with the possibility of playing on the road. If they advance, they would likely encounter the SEC or ACC champion next, and then need to secure two more victories for a shot at the title.
This season has sparked debates over the impact of the 12-team playoff format, particularly regarding the significance of traditional rivalries and regular season games. Ironically, it was their biggest rivalry matchup that jeopardized Ohio State’s objectives. With a tough path ahead and their two previously prioritized goals now unattainable, the Buckeyes face a steep climb if they hope to reach the pinnacle of college football by January 20.
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