Ohio State Football: 3 likely bowl scenarios for Buckeyes in 2018

3. Citrus Bowl vs. SEC (Jan. 1)

The Citrus Bowl seems the least likely of scenarios for Ohio State, even behind their slim chances of earning a trip to the College Football Playoff. Weird results would have to play out for Ohio State to land here, but hey it is college football where crazy upsets happen all the time.

The least likely of upsets to happen would be for Maryland to beat Ohio State. In that scenario, as long as Michigan beats Indiana, the Wolverines would win the Big Ten East and it would take some luster off the Game. This scenario is very unlikely to happen, but if it did and Ohio State also lost to Michigan, they would likely find themselves in the Citrus.

Another unlikely outcome would be for Michigan to win the Big Ten East but then be upset by Northwestern in the Big Ten championship game. A four loss Northwestern team would be obligated to the the Rose Bowl in that scenario but a two loss Michigan still would go to another New Year’s Six bowl as an at large team. The Buckeyes at two losses would probably end up with a trip to the Citrus. An at large bid in the New Year’s Six could also happen, depending on what else occurs around the country.

This is all unlikely to happen, but if chaos reigns, the Buckeyes could end up in Orlando. Consider this the worst outcome for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is 1-3 all time in the Citrus Bowl. Their last appearance was in 1996, a loss to Tennessee, and their only victory came in the 1985 game against BYU.