Where does Ohio State fall in Joel Klatt’s top 10 after loss to Michigan?
There are no excueses. Ohio State dug itself a hole and could not recover, losing a hard-fought game to Michigan, 30-24. In the end, costly turnovers and a non-aggressive game plan did the Buckeyes in.
Ohio State played well enough to keep it in the conversation for the College Football Playoff, but it will need a lot of help with a deep field this year. It shouldn’t matter if a loss comes early or late in the season, but who that loss is to and how. Losing to the No. 3 team in the country, on the road, will keep the Bucks on top of the committee’s mind.
As we do each week, we take a look at Joel Klatt’s opinion to see where he ranks the top 10. This week will be especially interesting as there is a slew of one-loss teams, including Alabama, Oregon and Texas.
No. 10 - Ole Miss Rebels
Where Things Stand
Record: 10-2
Last Result: Won at Mississippi State, 17-7
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: No. N/A (⇑)
What we think
The Rebels win strengthens Alabama and Georgia’s resume. Nothing more.
No. 9 - Penn State Nittany Lions
Where Things Stand
Record: 10-2
Last Result: Won vs. Michigan State, 42-0
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: No. 10 (⇑)
What we think
Penn State won and James Franklin will get another year to see if he can beat Ohio State and Michigan. The Nittany Lion win adds to both the Wolverines and Buckeye’s overall resume.
No. 8 - Florida State Seminoles
Where Things Stand
Record: 12-0
Last Result: Won at Florida, 24-15
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: 8 (⇔)
What we think
It wasn’t pretty, but Florida State remains undefeated. Even with a backup quarterback, if the ‘Noles win against Louisville next week, they’re in. Ohio State needs Louisville to beat FSU in the ACC Championship game.
No. 7 - Alabama Crimson Tide
Where Things Stand
Record: 11-1
Last Result: Won at Auburn, 27-24
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: No. 7 (⇔)
What we think
It’s a rivalry game and crazy things happen in Jordan-Hare, but Alabama should’ve lost this game. Good for it on playing to the very end. If the Tide can pull off the upset against Georgia in the SEC Championship game, there’s a good chance two SEC teams end up in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State needs the Tide to lose next week.
No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes
No. 5. Texas Longhorns
Where Things Stand
Record: 11-1
Last Result: Won vs. Texas Tech, 57-7
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: 6 (⇑)
What we think
This is where the results start to get complicated. Ohio State needs Texas to lose next week in the Big 12 Championship Game. However, if Florida State wins, the Longhorns win and Oregon beats Washington, there will be great debate on who gets the final spot.
No. 4 Oregon Ducks
Where Things Stand
Record: 11-1
Last Result: Won vs. Oregon State, 31-7
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: 5 (⇑)
What we think
There seems to be a national perception that Oregon is the most dangerous team in the field right now, but I don’t see it. The Ducks have an excellent shot at avenging this season’s loss at Washington in the rematch in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Even with a win, the committee will have some thinking to do should both Texas and Florida State win as well.
No. 3. Washington Huskies
Where Things Stand
Record: 12-0
Last Result: Won vs. Washington State, 24-21
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: 4 (⇑)
What we think
It’s pretty simple here. If Washington beats Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game, the Huskies are in. But Washington hasn’t looked good and Oregon has been rolling. It doesn’t matter who wins this game as far as Ohio State is concerned. The Buckeyes will not get in over a conference champion.
No. 2 - Georgia Bulldogs
Where Things Stand
Record: 12-0
Last Result: Won at Georgia Tech, 31-23
Last Week’s Klatt Ranking: 1 (⇓)
What we think
Sometimes Georgia looks like the best team in the nation and sometimes the defending champs look like a team sleepwalking through the season. The Bulldogs are almost certainly in unless they were to get blown out against Alabama in the SEC Championship game. In that case, there will be a great deal of conversation. I don’t see a blowout happening, so the best-case scenario for Ohio State is a Georgia win over the Tide.
No. 1 - Michigan Wolverines
Joel Klatt's opinion rankings X thread after Week 12
My new CFB Top 10 (11/26)
1) @UMichFootball
2) @GeorgiaFootball
3) @UW_Football
4) @oregonfootball
5) @TexasFootball
6) @OhioStateFB
7) @AlabamaFTBL
8) @FSUFootball
9) @PennStateFball
10) @OleMissFB— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) November 26, 2023
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