College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 12

When Maryland put all activities on pause after an outbreak of COVID-19 on their football team, it forced the cancellation of Ohio State’s trip to College Park in Week 11. With no room in the schedule to make up the game, Ohio State is now guaranteed a maximum of seven regular-season contests as they try to make a convincing case for voters in the AP Top 25 and the selection committee of the College Football Playoff.

The offense has been as good as advertised in Columbus, with Justin Fields ranking second nationally behind only Wisconsin’s Graham Mertz in passing efficiency. The Buckeyes averaged 46.3 points per game through their first three victories, more than making up for a defense that gives up 23 points per game.

The unexpected weekend off means that Ohio State has an extra week to prepare for their Big Ten East showdown against Indiana in Week 12. That game could likely decide which team takes the division title in a year where both Michigan and Penn State are down. It also serves as the strongest litmus test for voters in both the polls and the Playoff rankings, making it imperative that the Buckeyes not only beat the Hoosiers but beat them convincingly.