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Paul Finebaum outlines nightmare scenario for Ohio State’s College Football Playoff hopes
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Ohio State is currently sitting at No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but that could change soon depending on what happens on conference championship weekend.
Even if the Buckeyes defeat Northwestern in impressive fashion, they could find themselves on the outside looking in of the CFP.
College football radio host Paul Finebaum outlined that nightmare scenario on ESPN’s Get Up! Thursday morning.
It involves Clemson defeating Notre Dame in the ACC Championship Game, creating a scenario where both the Tigers and Fighting Irish have the résumé to get in. But more crucially, it requires Florida to upset Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
“What we really have to worry about is, is there room at the end for Ohio State? If Florida beats Alabama, and they’ll be a prohibitive underdog, and Clemson beats Notre Dame,” Finebaum said. “Ohio State will be sitting on the sidelines watching because there simply won’t be any room for them.
“Because I think a 6-0 Ohio State with a win over Northwestern and Indiana and compare and contrast that to Notre Dame beating Clemson and come of the other schools that they have played and obviously, Alabama — I think is in regardless.”
Finebaum also said he would have Notre Dame ranked ahead of Ohio State even if the Fighting Irish lose to Clemson.
“I would put Notre Dame in, and I’ve been a proponent for Ohio State to have a chance,” he said. “Heather [Dinich] makes a good point, that [conference championship] data point is normally very important, but I’m not sure that data point is going to count much this year with a five-game regular season schedule for the Buckeyes.”
Texas A&M is also looming at No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Aggies are 7-1 this season with their only loss coming against Alabama.
Ohio State and Northwestern will battle for the Big Ten Championship on Dec. 19 at 12 p.m. ET.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.