College Football Playoff 2019: Projected top 4 after Championship Week

2. Ohio State (13-0)

Last week’s number one team in the nation slips down a position to number two. It could have been even worse for the Buckeyes.

At half time of the BIG Ten Championship Game, Ohio State were looking down the barrel of a significant slide. Their usually potent offense faltered. The defense, which has been one of the best in the nation, looked out of sorts. The Wisconsin Badgers were about to play the biggest spoiler in the battle for the College Football Playoff.

Then, in the second half, Justin Fields came to life.

Like he did in coming back from an injury against Michigan, Fields got up of the canvas and delivered a knock-out blow to the opposition. He found K.J. Hill twice and Jeremy Ruckert once, for three touchdowns to drag the Buckeyes from 21-7 down at the half, to a 34-21 victory and the BIG Ten Championship.

The performances of Fields and J.K. Dobbins on offense, with the likes of Chase Young and Jeffrey Okuda dominating on defense, are what’s led Ohio State to the College Football Playoffs. They’re a dominant, all round team.

The win over eighth ranked Wisconsin is probably what separates the Buckeyes from Clemson in today’s final reckoning. They now have five wins over ranked opposition to Clemson’s two. Three of Ohio State’s ranked wins have come in the last three weeks. That sort of performance sticks in the mind of the selection committee.