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Ohio State fans might look at the Buckeyes sitting 12th in the rankings and feel reasonably comfortable about their playoff chances. There's just one problem. The current NCAA playoff projection has them sitting outside the field.
No. 25 Boise State occupies the final projected spot through the automatic place reserved for the highest-ranked champion from the six conferences outside the main power leagues. That leaves Ohio State on the wrong side of the cutoff despite its much higher ranking.
Personally, I wouldn't get rid of that reserved spot. College football has spent years talking about giving programs outside the biggest conferences a genuine opportunity to compete for a national championship. Taking that opportunity away would send exactly the wrong message.
Besides, Boise State shouldn't have to apologize for taking advantage of a route written into the playoff format.
That doesn't mean Ohio State supporters should panic just yet. There are still games to play, and the Buckeyes have time to improve their position. But this projection is a reminder that a high ranking doesn't automatically guarantee a ticket to the postseason.
The bigger debate is about what people actually want from an expanded playoff. Is it supposed to reward the 12 highest-ranked teams, or should conference representation remain part of the equation?
Would you keep the reserved playoff spot for the highest-ranked champion from those six conferences, or scrap it and give the 12 highest-ranked teams a place regardless of conference?
No. 25 Boise State occupies the final projected spot through the automatic place reserved for the highest-ranked champion from the six conferences outside the main power leagues. That leaves Ohio State on the wrong side of the cutoff despite its much higher ranking.
Personally, I wouldn't get rid of that reserved spot. College football has spent years talking about giving programs outside the biggest conferences a genuine opportunity to compete for a national championship. Taking that opportunity away would send exactly the wrong message.
Besides, Boise State shouldn't have to apologize for taking advantage of a route written into the playoff format.
That doesn't mean Ohio State supporters should panic just yet. There are still games to play, and the Buckeyes have time to improve their position. But this projection is a reminder that a high ranking doesn't automatically guarantee a ticket to the postseason.
The bigger debate is about what people actually want from an expanded playoff. Is it supposed to reward the 12 highest-ranked teams, or should conference representation remain part of the equation?
Would you keep the reserved playoff spot for the highest-ranked champion from those six conferences, or scrap it and give the 12 highest-ranked teams a place regardless of conference?
