Ad Disclosure
Fox Sports gives 5 reasons why Ohio State can win the 2016 College Football Playoff
Published:
The Ohio State Buckeyes may be incredibly young, but that doesn’t mean the 2014 national champs can’t win it all again two years later. Earlier today, Fox Sports gave five reasons why Urban Meyer’s squad can win two titles in three seasons.
No. 5 They’ve got more talent than you do
Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres says, “The Buckeyes didn’t just lose a lot of talent off last year’s team, but a historic amount. Twelve players were selected in the NFL Draft overall, including five in the first round. For comparison’s sake, Ohio State had more first round picks (five) in last year’s draft than the entire Big 12 (four)! That reason – the recruiting part – is why I don’t think the freefall for Ohio State will be as extreme or dramatic as many are expecting.”
No. 4 The defense is better than you think
Torres says, “Raekwon McMillan is arguably the Big Ten’s best linebacker (although Northwestern’s Anthony Walker might have something to say about that), and was arguably the single best player on the Buckeyes’ loaded defense last year. He returns after finishing second in the Big Ten with 119 total tackles. Not to mention it was actually Tyquan Lewis (not Joey Bosa) who led this team in sacks last year. Add in four and five star recruits like defensive end Sam Hubbard, linebacker Dante Booker and corner Marshon Lattimore who have waited two or three years to show off their skills, and this Buckeyes defense will be aggressive and hungry.”
No. 3 The schedule is manageable, in a down year for the Big Ten
When looking at the Buckeyes’ schedule, the team has to play Michigan State and Wisconsin on the road, which like Torres pointed to, both of those teams aren’t as strong as they have been in years past. And, Ohio State gets Michigan at home, while not having to face a tougher-than-usual Iowa team.
No. 2 Ohio State has J.T. Barrett and you don’t
Torres goes on about how Barrett put this team on his back two years ago, but as much can be said by just looking at any Preseason All-Big Ten Team.
No. 1 Urban Meyer is a better coach as an underdog
As btn.com mentioned, Urban Meyer’s three national titles came when his teams were ranked either No. 5 or No. 7 in the preseason poll, not at the top. This year, according to the Associated Press, the Buckeyes will start 2016 at No. 6.
Torres’ full article can be read here.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.