Eric Boggs
The College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket has been revealed, and Ohio State finds itself with a home game in the opening round against ninth-seeded Tennessee. The news, while anticipated, has sparked heated debates among fans and analysts alike.
Ohio State, seeded eighth, will host Tennessee on December 21 in what promises to be a high-stakes, frigid evening showdown. While the Buckeyes faithful are eager for a strong showing, the team’s path to a national championship is daunting. Should Ohio State prevail against Tennessee, they would face top-seeded Oregon, followed by likely matchups against Texas and then Georgia.
In an impromptu poll during The OHIO Podcast, the panel expressed skepticism about Ohio State’s chances of running the table. Co-host JR gave the Buckeyes just a 10% chance to win four consecutive games against such elite competition. Cory Thompson was even more pessimistic, assigning “less than a tenth of 1%.” Chris Wilds didn’t hold back either, outright dismissing Ohio State’s chances under head coach Ryan Day.
The CFP selection committee’s choices also came under fire during the podcast. Several hosts and fans voiced frustration over perceived inconsistencies in the rankings. Specifically, the decision to seed Penn State above Ohio State—despite the Buckeyes defeating the Nittany Lions in a head-to-head matchup—was a sticking point.
“They didn’t give people credit for head-to-head wins,” JR remarked, echoing widespread discontent with the committee’s methodology. Criticism wasn’t limited to Penn State, as Texas and Boise State were also called out for occupying spots deemed unearned based on their résumés.
“The methodology is upsetting,” Cory lamented, labeling the committee’s approach as “moronic” and calling for a return to a modified BCS system to eliminate perceived biases.
With the expanded 12-team playoff format in play, some argued the field felt overly crowded. Chris Wilds suggested that a smaller eight-team bracket would strike a better balance between inclusivity and competitiveness.
“The seeding is completely off,” Chris stated, criticizing the automatic bid structure that locked Clemson into the 12th seed despite questionable credentials. The podcast panel also debated whether teams like Miami, with standout quarterback Cam Ward, deserved a spot over some higher-seeded squads.
The Ohio State-Tennessee matchup is expected to draw significant viewership, and with it, intense scrutiny of Ryan Day’s coaching decisions. Critics have questioned his ability to navigate high-pressure games, particularly after consecutive losses to Michigan.
“It’s a sham system,” Chris concluded. “But if there’s any chance for Day to silence the critics, it starts with a win over Tennessee.”
As the Buckeyes prepare for their CFP opener, one thing is clear: Ohio State faces an uphill battle. From the chilly conditions in Columbus to the tough slate of potential opponents, the road to a national championship is fraught with challenges. Yet, as fans rally behind their team, the spirit of Ohio State football remains unwavering.
