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Is CFP Chance Over For Ohio State After Losing to USC?
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- Is CFP Chance Over For Ohio State After Losing to USC?
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODA)
The Ohio State Buckeyes will be taking on the Oregon Ducks this coming week, hosting the Big Ten rivals.
Ohio State is coming off a tough loss to the USC Trojans a week ago, seeing the team drop its second game of the year. The Buckeyes were playing without starting quarterback Julian Sayin in the game, and the offense couldn't find much rhythm without the star under center.
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Quarterback Luke Fahey was under center for Ohio State in the game, and to his credit, he played well enough. But the entire offense didn't look the same with Sayin out, and it cost them against the Trojans.
Fahey finished the game throwing for 260 yards and one touchdown, going 21-for-38 throwing the ball. The USC defense was able to swarm the inexperienced quarterback, with the Buckeyes not scoring a touchdown until the last few minutes of the fourth quarter.
The Buckeyes now hold a record of 6-2 on the season, with the team ranked at No. 11 in the country. But with the loss to USC, the big question is whether the team's chances at making the College Football Playoff are done?
When looking at the upcoming schedule for the Buckeyes, the answer would have to be no and that they still have a chance, even if small. With Ohio State still being ranked in the top 15, if the team can run the table, the playoff committee could still put them in.
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Ohio State still has games against the Northwestern Wildcats, who have been much better this season, the Nebraska Cornhusker, and the Michigan Wolverines. In addition, the team has the game against Oregon this weekend.
The margin for error is extremely slim for the Buckeyes going forward, and the team can't drop another game. Ohio State is going to have to figure something out on offense with Sayin out for the rest of the year.
The team still has star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, but he can't do everything on his own and will need some help. Smith has put together a special year so far, but he was held somewhat in check last week, posting 10 catches for 83 yards and one touchdown.
If the Buckeyes are able to generate more scoring opportunities going forward, the playoff could still be in their grasp. And if they can get into the dance, Sayin may be able to return at some point.
