College Football Playoff 2018: 3 reasons Ohio State got snubbed

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on as they play the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half of the the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Quarterback J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Better wins

Despite having a slightly worse strength of record, Ohio State’s wins are far more convincing than Alabama’s. All things considered, the Buckeyes recorded two wins over top 10 teams. Even though they barely escaped in both games, a win is a win. In addition, Ohio State recorded four wins over FPI Top 40 teams. Meanwhile, Alabama’s best win is widely believed to be a 14-point home win over LSU while Ohio State’s is a six-point win over then-undefeated Wisconsin.

Even though Ohio State dropped a game to Oklahoma and lost to Iowa on the road, it capped off the regular season with a handful of impressive wins. The Buckeyes completely switched gears for the second half at home against a top ten Penn State squad. After being dominated in the first half, the Buckeyes overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat the Nittany Lions. Further, the Buckeyes hosted a surging Michigan State team, who at the time had a chance to contend for a Big Ten title. Not only did Ohio State win the game, it thrashed the Spartans. The Buckeyes made Michigan State team look like a bunch of high schoolers in their 48-3 win.

Two weeks later, Ohio State capped off its season with a rivalry win at the Big House. While it’s true Michigan has struggled, a win at the Big House is no easy task. Especially with a backup quarterback, following J.T. Barrett’s injury. But, the Buckeyes prevailed.

Despite two losses, the Buckeyes’ wins were far more convincing than those of Alabama. The SEC has been viewed as mediocre this season, other than the three teams within the top 10. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season without a win over a top 10 team, while the Buckeyes had two. More wins over FPI Top 40 teams and the style in which they tossed around Michigan State factor into them being left out.

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