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Ohio State Football: 3 takeaways from last-ditch playoff effort vs. Northwestern

By Gavin Jernigan

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs off the field at halftime in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs off the field at halftime in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: Terry McLaurin #83 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats during the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: Terry McLaurin #83 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats during the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. It should be either Ohio State or UCF

Were it not for the terrible loss to Purdue, there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Ohio State Buckeyes would be in the College Football Playoff. They are the second best offense in the country, averaging 43.3 points per game, have one of the best coaches, in Urban Meyer, and a have a Heisman candidate under center.

Additionally, the Buckeyes have proven they can win the “big game”. Although TCU’s season did not end up being as great as projected, when the Horned Frogs and Ohio State played earlier this year, it was in a neutral site and TCU was ranked at No. 15. Ohio State beat, then ranked No. 9, Penn State in State College, and took down Michigan when they were at No. 4. Therefore, the College Football Playoff Committee should have no doubts that the Buckeyes can rise to the occasion that is the playoff.

The Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs pose a slight threat to the Buckeyes’ chances. But ultimately, they will not be a factor. Georgia has two losses, and that’s just not going to be accepted when there are a handful of other one-loss teams. Oklahoma would have a strong chance — if it could play defense. Their perpetual disinterest on the defensive side of the ball is not a characteristic of a championship team.

Related Story. UCF Knights clinch the AAC Championship. light

The only problem is, the UCF Knights are undefeated and are a conference champion. Not only are they undefeated, but their track record is good. They have won 25 games in a row, including a 34-27 win over Auburn in last year’s Peach Bowl.

We will soon find out how this dramatic college football season ends when the committee makes its decision.

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