If Ohio State doesn’t win the national championship this year, then it’s because of these 3 reasons
By John Buhler
2. Ohio State will be punished with a home loss to Oregon
When it comes to the non-conference schedule, that is where the Buckeyes can make a statement. While Tulsa could be interesting again out of the Group of 5, Ohio State’s best game this year is the September home date vs. the Pac-12 contender Oregon Ducks. Unless someone like Indiana is legit again, this may very well be the Buckeyes’ best win on their resume heading into the playoff.
The only problem is what if they lose at home?
If Oregon stuns the Buckeyes in The Horseshoe, that is huge for Mario Cristobal’s program and the Pac-12’s slim chances of getting a team into the playoff. Conversely, it could be devastating for the Big Ten. Ohio State would have to win out to be the No. 4 seed if the Buckeyes are lucky. This is a must-win for Ohio State this year.
Comparatively, this would be like Clemson losing to Georgia in Charlotte. Though not a home game for the Tigers, Clemson may not have the conference opponents on the schedule to make up losing to a serious playoff contender. They would have to win out to be maybe the No. 3 or No. 4 seed. There is so much riding on the Oregon game, and the Ducks are playing with house money.
It will be hard to put a one-loss Big Ten champion in with a head-to-head loss to visiting Oregon.