College Football Playoff: Ranking every team in playoff history

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 12: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after scoring a 33 yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium on January 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Along with the 2014 Florida State team, the 2016 Buckeyes did not show up well in its Playoff matchup. Clemson dominated the Buckeyes to the tune of a 31-0 defeat, with quarterback J.T. Barrett falling silent in the production department.

Between the upset at the hands of the Penn State Nittany Lions and this poor showing against Clemson, the 2016 Ohio State team leaves a lot of “what-ifs” unanswered. At times, Ohio State looked the part, which is why the Buckeyes got in the field in the first place.

This Ohio State team had a ton of NFL talent, and a vaunted rushing attack between Barrett and then freshman running back Mike Weber. The defense also had some weapons, like Joey Bosa, Marshon Lattimore, and Malik Hooker.

Most teams would not want to play this Ohio State team, if it was all done over again. That’s what puts this team higher than someone like the 2016 Huskies. But, Ohio State was also the first non-conference champion to play in the Playoff. It did not pan out here.

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