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5 Reasons Ohio State will make the College Football Playoff

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) scores the winning touchdown in the second overtime under pursuit from Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) scores the winning touchdown in the second overtime under pursuit from Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Ohio State Buckeyes defense is worthy of a College Football Playoff spot.

This Ohio State defense is very good and that’s the main reason they belong in the College Football Playoffs. They were responsible for the first points of the game for the Buckeyes after all. Safety Malik Hooker returned a pick six 16 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

The Buckeyes defense is a very good group. They kept safety and offensive playmaker Jabrill Peppers in check all game. He had four carries for four rushing yards.

The Wolverines have only rushed below 100 rushing yards twice this season. They have lost both times, once to Iowa and now to the Buckeyes. The Wolverines offense also turned the ball over a season-high three times due to the Buckeyes defense.

The Ohio State defense has forced at least one turnover in all but one game. That game was against Rutgers where they won 58-0. They have held three of their last four opponents below 100 rushing yards and to a combined two rushing touchdowns.

Hooker leads the Big Ten with six interceptions to finish the regular season. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis ties for sixth in the conference with eight sacks. The defense also leads the conference in defensive touchdowns with seven.

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