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

2. Playoff (Orange or Cotton Bowl) vs. At-Large (Dec. 29)

Losing to Purdue by 29 points in late October was an eye opener for many Buckeye followers. No one expected to lose like that. However if the rest of the season is wild, the loss may not keep Ohio State from reaching the College Football Playoff.

First and foremost, the Buckeyes must win out. A win against Michigan would be a quality win against a top five foe. Wins against Maryland and Northwestern won’t move the needle much, even when the latter earning the Buckeyes a second consecutive Big Ten championship.

Ohio State currently sits ranked 10th in the playoff rankings. In order for the Buckeyes to make the playoff, absolute chaos would have to occur over the next few weeks. Either Oklahoma or West Virginia is likely to drop out of the top 10 as they still play each other to end the season. Both teams could also still play each other again in the Big 12 championship game.

Washington State would need to lose a game, likely to either Washington or in the Pac-12 championship game. Georgia would need to lose another, likely to Alabama in the SEC title game. Notre Dame would of course have to lose one. A one loss Ohio State team could potentially jump a two loss LSU team, especially since the Buckeyes would have the conference championship.

As you can see this scenario is just as crazy as Ohio State landing in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl. Yeah it could happen, but you should not count on it. One scenario remains that seems like the safest of bets.