Story by
Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes Take A Massive Hit After USC Loss
- Story by
- Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes Take A Massive Hit After USC Loss
Photo by: Adam Cairns
The number that changes everything for Ohio State is two. The Buckeyes have now lost two games before November for the first time since 2011, according to CBS Sports . This 30-18 loss to USC on a rainy night in Los Angeles isn't just a bad result; it is a season-altering event that knocks Ryan Day's team out of the driver's seat for the Big Ten title game. The story isn't about bad luck or a single missed play. It is about a true freshman quarterback who could not handle the pressure and a defense that gave up 30 points after holding a top offense to seven the week before.
While Ohio State stumbles, the rest of the league is fighting for every inch of ground. Indiana survived a scare against Minnesota, hitting a 60-yard field goal in overtime to stay one-loss. UCLA remains the only team in the conference with a perfect 5-0 record. The standings show a league in total chaos, with no clear path to the championship game. Teams like Oregon and Michigan have failed to live up to the hype, while USC and Iowa are suddenly looking like serious threats. The gap between the top teams and the middle pack has vanished.
Advertisement
Ohio State's Quarterback Dilemma
The injury to Julian Sayin stands above all other factors in this collapse. When he went down, the team turned to Luke Fahey, a true freshman who has struggled to throw for 150 yards until deep in the fourth quarter. CBS Sports notes that national recruit Tavien St. Clair has a better physical profile, but questions remain about his familiarity with the offense. Ryan Day has zero margin for error left. The defense was a mainstay for three seasons, but it reeled against USC. On the second play of the game, wide receiver Trent Mosley scored a 69-yard touchdown, while tight end Mark Bowman achieved a 70-yard run. These are not small mistakes; they are the kind that end title dreams.
The New Big Ten Power Structure
Yahoo Sports reports that the clear separation everyone expected is gone. UCLA sits alone at the top, but Indiana and Ohio State are just one loss back. The real story is the teams that are spiraling. Maryland is without a head coach and has zero conference wins. Michigan State and Rutgers have also failed to find a win in the Big Ten. On the other side, teams like Wisconsin and Iowa hope to finish strong. The power rankings show a league where any team can beat any other on a given Sunday. The preseason predictions look silly now that the dust has settled on Week 9.
Advertisement
Who Actually Makes the Bowl
Bowl eligibility is now the main goal for half the conference. Teams with six wins are officially eligible, while those with five are on the deck. Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern, Ohio State, UCLA, and USC are already in the clear. Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin need one more win to secure their spot. Penn State, Purdue, and Washington are on the radar, but they are not safe yet. Maryland, Michigan State, and Rutgers are on the edge with six losses.
