Ohio State football has surged after the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanded from four to twelve teams, allowing them to make their mark on the national stage once again. Following their remarkable 41-21 victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl, head coach Ryan Day expressed optimism, stating the new playoff format has provided his team the chance to “peak” at the right moment.
After finishing the regular season with a record of 10-2, the Buckeyes suffered losses to Oregon and arch-rival Michigan. This precarious position could have left them out of the playoffs entirely in previous years. Fortunately for Ohio State, the expansion meant they still qualified as the number 8 seed. “I think we've learned a lot about our team,” Day acknowledged, reinforcing the notion of growth within his squad throughout the season.
The new format seems to be advantageous for teams like Ohio State, who, as Day points out, have the opportunity to develop and improve as the season progresses. “You can see the passion,” he noted, reflecting on the team's performance. “And I think the way the playoffs are set now, it allows us to grow as a team and to learn and to get even stronger late in the season.”
Indeed, since entering the playoffs, the Buckeyes have showcased their strength, especially against formidable opponents. Day's team dominated Tennessee and then humiliated the top-seeded Oregon, leading 34-0 at one point before securing their victory. With these tactics, Ohio State has proven why they are seen as one of the favorites to win the national title.
Notably, their performance against Tennessee saw them outclass their rivals with 42 points, leading to headlines across sports networks. Meanwhile, as they enter the semifinals against the Texas Longhorns on January 10, 2024, Ohio State is currently favored to win, boasting impressive statistics such as averaging 8.8 yards per play against Oregon, marking it as one of the highest outputs recorded at the Rose Bowl.
The competitive backdrop of college football has shifted drastically with this expanded playoff format. From the initial group of 12 teams this year, there was considerable depth as six of those teams made their playoff debut. Teams like Arizona State, Boise State, Indiana, Penn State, SMU, and Tennessee are now entering the race for the championship, altering the dynamics of college football postseason play.
For Day and his Buckeyes, the goal is clear: they want to continue this momentum and turn their playoff berth from the eighth seed position all the way to the national championship. “Now it's our job to keep momentum,” Day said, expressing the pressure and focus required to maintain their current success against powerhouse Texas. Their first-round matchup has engaged fans, creating significant buzz around the potential for Ohio State to claim this year’s title.
Looking at the odds, Ohio State is reportedly favored by five point against Texas. Texas recently triumphed over Arizona State after two grueling overtimes, showcasing its own resilience but also showing vulnerabilities, opening the door for Ohio State to exploit any weaknesses. The publicity around this game only adds to the stakes as Day galvanizes his players to turn potential energy following past victories to solidify their place atop college football.
With the CFP format now allowing more teams the chance for glory, the transition is notable for making postseason play more exciting as the battles intensify. Ohio State stands poised to take advantage of their playoff position, with lofty aspirations of winning the national championship after overcoming past disappointments from their fierce rivalry with Michigan.
Fans eagerly await how the buckle-up matchup against Texas will impact the narrative of the playoffs, and Ohio State’s continuing evolution as they adapt to the high-stakes atmosphere of the expanded CFP will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats. This championship pursuit could very well shift the future of collegiate football, as coaches, players, and enthusiasts alike embrace the exhilarating unpredictability the expanded format has ushered.