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Big Ten football: Breaking down the conference’s initial CFP rankings

By Christopher Mangum

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Tuesday night marked the start of November, meaning it was time for the annual College Football Playoff rankings to be released. When the initial top-25 came out, four Big Ten football teams were ranked, with Ohio State and Michigan leading the way.

No. 2 Ohio State

Ohio State football has been on a roll this year, winning all eight of its games thus far. The Buckeyes have one ranked win as of right now: Penn State. Ohio State beat the Nittany Lions in a packed Beaver Stadium for the first time since 2018 and did so with an impressive second-half comeback. When all was said and done, the Buckeyes best ed Penn State, 44-31.

For OSU, add the Penn State game to the list of impressive wins so far this season. The Buckeyes looked a bit rough in the win over Notre Dame, but since have seemingly broken a few trends and become one of the nation’s elites yet again.

It is notable to point out that Ohio State scored 77 points in its contest against Toledo, and aside from the Notre Dame win (21-10) have scored 44 or more points in every game so far this season. Ohio State scored 54 points on Iowa two weeks ago, which is the most points Iowa has allowed under Kirk Ferentz.

The Buckeyes deserve the ranking they got this year. Aside from Tennessee, there have been no other teams that have looked the part as well as played the part. Sure, Ohio State just beat its first ranked opponent (I don’t count Notre Dame since the Irish are 5-3 and unranked now) of the season, but they still won by 13 in Happy Valley.

Ohio State’s defense in much improved from a season ago, and the Buckeyes are talented and well-coached in all three phases of the game. Right now, there is no question that the Buckeyes will likely be competing for a National Championship later this season. Before focusing on its postseason aspirations, Ohio State football still has one massive test: the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan is the reigning Big Ten Champions and are also 8-0. Like the Buckeyes, the Wolverines are one of the nation’s elite programs right now and are ranked in the top 5. ‘The Game’ this year should be a bloodbath in Columbus for the top spot in Big Ten football and a potential College Football Playoff berth.

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