The attention now shifts to the College Football Playoff selection committee as rankings have been released. Ohio State, despite a recent victory over Michigan, finds itself behind Oklahoma in the rankings, positioning the Sooners favorably for a top four spot on Sunday.
This decision is backed by several factors, notably the margin of defeat. Teams without a playoff appearance face a deduction of 29 points, a penalty incurred by Ohio State for their loss to 6-6 Purdue University. In a similar scenario last year, Ohio State missed out on the playoffs when Iowa defeated them by 31 points.
Although Ohio State boasts a stronger win over Oklahoma with an impressive 62-39 victory against Michigan, the committee takes a holistic view of the team’s overall performance, aiming to avoid recency bias before the rankings are finalized.
Here, the concept of the “eye test” is crucial. Despite the win against Michigan, Ohio State’s struggles against teams like Maryland and Nebraska raised concerns about the team’s consistency and eligibility. Questions arose about Urban Meyer’s control over the team, shifting the focus from playoff contention to internal team dynamics.
In contrast, Oklahoma’s season has seen defensive struggles following coaching changes, notably with Lincoln Riley replacing Mike Stoops with Ruffin McNeill as defensive coordinator. The team has conceded an average of 449 yards and 32.8 points per game. However, the offense led by standout quarterback Kyler Murray, a Heisman trophy contender, has been exceptional, showcasing a stark contrast between the team’s defensive and offensive performances.
