Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes Hang on Three Wins and Outside Help
A difficult quarterback situation
Head coach Ryan Day turned to freshman Luke Fahey against Oregon after Julian Sayin was injured. Fahey had also struggled against USC, and against the Ducks he threw an interception without scoring a touchdown in the 41-28 loss.
If Fahey starts the remaining games, Ohio State would have to manage a depleted quarterback group. The article raises questions about five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair, but does not establish whether he will play.
A narrow path to the playoff
Ohio State has three regular-season games left and needs to win all of them. Indiana, USC and Oregon would each need to lose at least once for the Buckeyes to reach the conference title game in Indianapolis.
The article identifies UCLA as the likely opponent if Ohio State reaches that game. A win over the Bruins could strengthen the Buckeyes’ playoff case, while a loss would leave them dependent on the committee’s judgment and other results.
Precedents cut both ways
Last season, Alabama received a playoff place after taking its third loss in the SEC title game. The committee said it would not penalize a power-conference team for reaching its league championship game, a rationale that could be relevant to Ohio State.
But the article also points to Florida State, which went undefeated in 2023 yet missed the four-team playoff after quarterback Jordan Travis was injured. With Sayin likely out for the year and Fahey struggling, the committee could weigh Ohio State’s quarterback situation against its case for inclusion.
Little room for outside support
The article says Ohio State could benefit from a chaotic season in which ranked teams have fallen regularly. It also notes that Northwestern, Nebraska or Michigan returning to the Top 25 is considered practically impossible.
A playoff selection for a four-loss team could provoke criticism from fans who believe the committee favors prominent programs over stronger teams. Ohio State’s remaining results and the committee’s approach will determine whether the Buckeyes have a chance to continue their season.
Key points
- Ohio State has three regular-season losses and three games remaining.
- The Buckeyes must win out and need Indiana, USC and Oregon to lose at least once.
- Luke Fahey started against Oregon after Julian Sayin was injured.
- Past playoff decisions involving Alabama and Florida State offer contrasting precedents.