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The Polls (AP, Coaches, & CFP, etc.)

I would think OU goes in anyway with a win, regardless of how close Texas is able to keep it. With a win over the Longhorns, OU will have beaten everyone they've played on their schedule and would be on par with undefeated Bama, Clemson and ND.

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How many points did all of you guys who are afraid of Bama think OSU would lose by last time?
I had Ohio State 37, Bama 33

Buckeye Offense: Quarterback Cardale Jones needs to play within himself and make the plays that are available. If Jones tries to be the hero, then the Buckeyes will lose. Jones played a great game against Wisconsin under the circumstances, but he also made several mistakes and was bailed out by his receivers on some questionable throws (the two arm punts to Devin Smith being the most notable). Ohio State needs to establish the inside run. Tailback Ezekiel Elliott has TD runs of 44, 65, and 81 yards in the last three games, and he needs to be a force tonight as well. Wide receiver Devin Smith had three long TDs against Wisconsin (39, 42, and 44 yards), and he should be able to exploit Bama's CBs for some big gains; however, Smith has had a tendency to disappear at times and for him to do so tonight would hurt the Buckeyes' chances immensely. H-back Jalin Marshall could be the X Factor, if he is able to gain yards on the edges. I don't see tight end Jeff Heuerman being much of a factor except as an extra blocker against Bama's stout defensive line.

Buckeye Defense: The main goal is to slow down Amari Cooper. Cornerback Doran Grant will not be able to shut Cooper down completely, but he has to prevent the huge plays. If Cooper catches 12 passes for 220 yards, then the Buckeyes will lose, and probably lose big. Alabama will move the ball consistently with their running game and probably not turn it over, so the key will be to hold them to field goals whenever possible. One big play from the defense might be a game changer. Linebacker Darron Lee (13.5 TFLs, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries for TDs) and defensive end Joey Bosa (20.0 TFLs, 13.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, fumble recovery for TD) have been the big play guys most of the season, and I look for one of them to make something happen tonight.

Buckeye Special Teams: The key here is not to make negative plays - no muffed punts, no kick-offs out of bounds, no holding penalties on returns, no roughing the kickers, no missed field goals. If the special teams can make basic plays and not put the offense or defense in bad positions, then they will have done their job.

The Result: I think that the game will see a lot of scoring, probably more field goals than touchdowns. It would not totally surprise me to see a blowout in either direction, but I think that the game will most likely be fairly close. I see the Buckeyes making a few more big plays than the Crimson Tide, and winning by the score of 37-33.
 
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I would think OU goes in anyway with a win, regardless of how close Texas is able to keep it. With a win over the Longhorns, OU will have beaten everyone they've played on their schedule and would be on par with undefeated Bama, Clemson and ND.

Simply not true. A loss is a loss. They would not be on par with the undefeateds. However, they would have a compelling resume for inclusion in the playoff.
 
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At this point Alabama and ND have already clinched.

Clemson has all but clinched barring some incredible upset by Pitt next week

UGA will clinch with a win in the SEC title.

If UGA loses it becomes a debate between OSU and OU. And my thought is that we need OU to lose to get in.

This is pretty much the scenario IMO. I think a loss by 10-14 (or even even 17) at Purdue and there isn't even a conversation that OU is more deserving.

First and foremost I want the B1G Championship. But I sure as hell will be pulling for the Fightin' Hermans and and the Saban train to keep on rolling this week.
 
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2015 OSU is a 1 loss defending NC and get's left out because of a late, fluke loss. How different would it be if Bama gets an L in the SEC CG?

In 2018 you'd then have (potentially) 1 loss B12 champ OU, 1 loss B1G champ OSU, 1 loss non champ Bama all vying for one open spot.

If they want to keep even a facade of legitimacy to this Playoff committee bullshit, they need to step away from the SEC uber alles worldview.
 
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2015 OSU is a 1 loss defending NC and get's left out because of a late, fluke loss. How different would it be if Bama gets an L in the SEC CG?

In 2018 you'd then have (potentially) 1 loss B12 champ OU, 1 loss B1G champ OSU, 1 loss non champ Bama all vying for one open spot.

If they want to keep even a facade of legitimacy to this Playoff committee bullshit, they need to step away from the SEC uber alles worldview.

Duh. They already made the precedent with 2017 Bama.

2015 still makes me sad. God damn Tim Beck. And I was totally fine with the decision that the committee made until they flipped the script last year.
 
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