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Rapid Reaction: Buckeyes avoid upset, setting up winner-take-all bout vs. Michigan
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Everything is on the line next week. Ohio State’s narrow escape in College Park sets up a winner-take-all battle in Columbus next Saturday.
Seven days from now, the Buckeyes will take on Michigan for the B1G East crown. The winner will earn a spot in the B1G Championship Game against Northwestern and likely puts itself in prime position for the College Football Playoff.
But Ohio State took a frightening route to get there.
The Buckeyes escaped College Park with a 52-51 overtime win over Maryland on Saturday. It was a game they trailed 17-3 at one time, and it looked like the Urban Meyer’s squad would be eliminated from the East race several times.
In clutch moments, Ohio State’s playmakers delivered.
Dwayne Haskins accounted for all five of the Buckeyes’ second half touchdowns, three through the air and two on the ground. He finished the day with 405 passing yards and six total touchdowns.
Ohio State got plenty of help from J.K. Dobbins, too, who was utilized frequently. The ball carrier toted the rock 37 times for 203 yards and a score. Terry McLaurin and Johnny Dixon were heroes, as well.
Despite one of the worst defensive performances of the year, Ohio State found a way to win.
This wasn’t a good look in the eyes of the selection committee. A team that needed to record some impressive wins down the stretch has failed to do so. But the Buckeyes have found ways to put more points on the scoreboard than their opponents, and that’s all that matters. At least right now.
Now it comes down to one game. Next Saturday in Columbus. If Ohio State finds a way to win, it’ll be in the B1G Championship Game and will undoubtedly climb in the College Football Playoff rankings. Wouldn’t that be something considering how poorly the Buckeyes have played recently?
It wasn’t pretty, but the Buckeyes are still in position to win the B1G. And with only one game left, that’s all that really matters.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB