Ohio State Buckeyes

5 Reasons Ohio State will make the College Football Playoff

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Ohio State Buckeyes are 11-1 after the final week of the 2016 season. Here are five reasons why they will make the College Football Playoffs as a result of another good year.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have won five games in a row, including five straight over Michigan, to close out the season with an 11-1 record. The Buckeyes have a victory over three top-10 teams this year in Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan. Not a bad way to finish the season after their road loss to Penn State.

Quarterback J.T. Barrett came up big for the Buckeyes. Despite struggling in the passing game, Barrett has rushed for over 100 rushing yards in the past two games. He’s also carried the ball more than 20 times in the last two games.

Now, the Buckeyes play the waiting game. But, there’s no need to panic, they will make the College Football Playoff. They have bounced back since falling to Penn State 24-21 back on October 22. The Buckeyes defense has played a huge part in keeping them a one-loss this season.

The Ohio State defense has not allowed more than 20 points in regulation since their loss back in Week 7. They are surrendering just 15 points on average during their five-game winning streak. On the season, they allow 14.2 points per game as a team on defense and score 42.7 points per game on offense. In a season that favored Michigan heavily as the Big Ten title favorites, out emerge the Buckeyes.

Here are the five reasons why Ohio State will make the College Football Playoff.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Buckeyes’ Top-10 Victories Are Hard to Ignore.

When looking at Ohio State’s resume of this season, they are  4-1 against ranked opponents. If there’s anything the Buckeyes have that gets the Playoff Committee’s attention, it’s that they have three victories over top-10 opponents (Wisconsin, Nebraska and Michigan).

The Buckeyes are one of four teams in the Big Ten with 10 victories this season. They are the only team in the conference with 11 wins. A loss to Penn State is the only reason why the Buckeyes share a piece of the Big Ten East division crown. As a a result, they won’t face Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game.

Although the Buckeyes lost 24-21 to Penn State, it was a loss they suffered on a blocked field goal attempt. The loss hurt in terms of conference supremacy, but it shouldn’t hurt Ohio State’s chances at making the final College Football Playoff when they are released.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes place kicker Tyler Durbin (92) misses the field goal against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mishaps Don’t Stop This Team from Winning.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have learned a lot from special teams miscues. In their game against Penn State, a blocked field goal returned 60 yards for a touchdown by the Nittany Lions proved costly. But it has taught the Buckeyes a lot on how to deal with adversity.

Ohio State also had eight penalties for 45 yards in the game. In a game where they felt invincible, it taught the Buckeyes that any given day, they can lose to anybody. Fast forward to today, the Buckeyes only had two penalties for six yards.

Buckeyes kicker Tyler Durbin missed two field goals in the game. One from 37 yards and the other could be called a chip shot from 20 yards away, but it didn’t stop the Buckeyes from staying in the game. Durbin still tied the game in the final seconds by making a 23-yard field goal with one second remaining. Going 1-for-3 on field goals looks alarming on paper but it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) scores the winning touchdown in the second overtime under pursuit from Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Running Game is Must-See TV

The Ohio State Buckeyes rushing attack is impressive, because it’s not always led by one player. Behind the legs of quarterback J.T. Barrett as well as running backs Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel, the Buckeyes have rushed for over 2,623 rushing yards.

In their 30-27 win over Michigan, the Buckeyes were led by Barrett’s 125 rushing yards. Weber had 11 carries for 26 rushing yards and a touchdown. Samuel had seven carries for 54 rushing yards, including the game-winning touchdown in the second overtime.

The Buckeyes rank ninth in the FBS in rushing yards per game at 258.3 rushing yards a contest. They have rushed for over 200 yards or more in the last five games. The offense has at least one rushing touchdown in every game this season.

For a team that has struggled to throw the ball, they make adjustments on the fly and it’s paid off thus far. The Buckeyes running game should vault them square into the College Football Playoffs.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) sprints upfield as Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) pursues during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

2.  J.T. Barrett Leads When He Needs To.

Quarterback J.T. Barrett leads when he needs to and that will get the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff. Barrett has shown his growth as a leader since earning his starting job back after returning from injury, . He’s thrown 24 touchdown passes and just five interceptions this season. In his freshman season, Barrett threw 10 interceptions.

Barrett had no touchdown passes and one interception in the game, but it didn’t stop him from making adjustments. He carried the ball a season-high 30 times  for 125 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ comeback victory.

He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards, total touchdowns and is third in passing efficiency rating of 140.8. His passing yards are down a bit, but we’ve seen flashes of potential from receivers Noah Brown and Dontre Wilson.

Going forward, look for Urban Meyer to adjust the playbook to keep the ball in Barrett’s hands so he can lead the offense.

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Ohio State Buckeyes defense is worthy of a College Football Playoff spot.

This Ohio State defense is very good and that’s the main reason they belong in the College Football Playoffs. They were responsible for the first points of the game for the Buckeyes after all. Safety Malik Hooker returned a pick six 16 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

The Buckeyes defense is a very good group. They kept safety and offensive playmaker Jabrill Peppers in check all game. He had four carries for four rushing yards.

The Wolverines have only rushed below 100 rushing yards twice this season. They have lost both times, once to Iowa and now to the Buckeyes. The Wolverines offense also turned the ball over a season-high three times due to the Buckeyes defense.

The Ohio State defense has forced at least one turnover in all but one game. That game was against Rutgers where they won 58-0. They have held three of their last four opponents below 100 rushing yards and to a combined two rushing touchdowns.

Hooker leads the Big Ten with six interceptions to finish the regular season. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis ties for sixth in the conference with eight sacks. The defense also leads the conference in defensive touchdowns with seven.

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