Ohio State’s potential CFP opponents: Who Buckeyes could face in every round

Ohio State’s Potential College Football Playoff (CFP) Opponents: Who the Buckeyes Could Face in Every Round

As the Ohio State Buckeyes make their push toward the College Football Playoff (CFP), they face the possibility of meeting several elite programs along the way. The 2023 season has once again proved that the Buckeyes are one of the premier teams in college football, with a high-powered offense and a stout defense capable of taking on any team in the country. To navigate through the CFP and potentially secure a national title, Ohio State will need to be prepared to face a mix of powerhouse programs from across the country. Here’s an analysis of who the Buckeyes could face in each round of the CFP and what to expect from these potential matchups.

The Road to the CFP: Understanding the Format

The College Football Playoff (CFP) consists of four teams: the top four ranked teams in the country based on a committee’s evaluation of their performance throughout the season. The playoff is divided into two semifinal games, with the winners advancing to the national championship game. These games typically take place at neutral sites, with the semifinals rotating among major bowl games—such as the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Orange Bowl.

The ranking process takes into account a variety of factors, including record, strength of schedule, conference championships, and head-to-head results. For Ohio State to make the playoff, they will need to be among the top four teams in the final rankings, meaning they’ll need to be successful in their Big Ten Championship and likely against non-conference opponents as well. With that in mind, let’s look at who Ohio State could face in each round of the CFP.

Semifinal Round: Potential CFP Opponents

In the first round of the CFP, the Buckeyes are likely to face one of the top four teams in the country, which could include programs from across the nation. While the exact matchups will depend on the final rankings, several teams stand out as potential opponents.

1. Georgia Bulldogs: Defending National Champions

The Georgia Bulldogs are once again one of the top teams in the country and are a serious contender to win back-to-back national titles. Led by head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia’s defense is a terrifying force, combining elite pass rushers, stout defensive linemen, and a secondary capable of shutting down any passing attack. Quarterback Carson Beck has shown poise under pressure, and the Bulldogs’ running back room remains one of the best in the country.

For Ohio State, a matchup with Georgia would present a daunting challenge. The Buckeyes would need to find ways to move the ball against Georgia’s elite defense, while also limiting the Bulldogs’ potent running game. Ohio State’s defense, led by standout players such as J.T. Tuimoloau, would need to play one of its best games of the season to slow down Georgia’s high-powered offense. In a potential showdown between these two teams, Ohio State’s offensive line would need to step up to protect quarterback Kyle McCord, who could face constant pressure from Georgia’s pass rush.

2. Michigan Wolverines: The Big Ten Rivalry Renewed

The most obvious and bitter rival of Ohio State is the Michigan Wolverines. While it is rare for teams from the same conference to meet in the playoff (due to the conference championship game), it is not impossible. If Ohio State and Michigan both perform well enough during the season, there could be an epic rematch between these two teams in the CFP semifinals.

Michigan’s strength lies in its physicality and balance. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has instilled a brand of football that is both hard-nosed and efficient. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has developed into one of the top signal-callers in the country, and Michigan’s ground game, led by running back Blake Corum, can wear down opposing defenses. Defensively, Michigan is known for its ability to generate pressure with an aggressive pass rush while maintaining solid coverage in the secondary.

A potential playoff matchup between Ohio State and Michigan would be a highly anticipated game that would likely be filled with emotion and high stakes. Ohio State’s defense would need to focus on stopping Michigan’s ground game, while the Buckeyes’ offense would need to execute better in the passing game to exploit the Wolverines’ defense. With the rivalry’s history of unpredictability, this game would be one for the ages.

3. Florida State Seminoles: An Emerging Powerhouse

The Florida State Seminoles are back on the national stage under head coach Mike Norvell and could prove to be a formidable opponent for Ohio State. Quarterback Jordan Travis has been playing at an elite level, and Florida State’s offensive line is one of the best in the country. The Seminoles also have a defense that is fast and aggressive, capable of creating turnovers and stopping opposing offenses in their tracks.

While Florida State may not have the historical dominance of programs like Georgia or Michigan, they’ve been building toward a national championship-caliber team. A matchup with Florida State would present a strong test for Ohio State’s offense, which will need to find a way to balance the running game and passing attack to avoid falling into predictable play calling. Defensively, Ohio State would need to match Florida State’s speed and limit explosive plays.

National Championship Game: A Battle for Glory

Should Ohio State emerge victorious from the semifinal round, they will face one of the remaining top teams in the country for the national championship. Here are a few potential opponents that could be waiting for the Buckeyes on the biggest stage of college football.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide: The SEC Juggernaut

Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama is always a top contender for the College Football Playoff, and 2023 is no exception. With one of the best recruiting classes in the country year after year, Alabama always boasts elite talent at every position. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has proven himself to be a dual-threat signal-caller, and the Tide’s defense remains one of the most physical units in the country.

Alabama’s run game is always strong, and their offensive line is known for controlling the line of scrimmage. Ohio State’s defense would need to be disciplined to slow down Alabama’s offense, particularly Milroe’s ability to extend plays with his legs. Offensively, the Buckeyes would need to be aggressive, taking calculated risks to exploit Alabama’s secondary while also establishing a successful ground game.

2. Texas Longhorns: A Resurgent Power

The Texas Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, have made huge strides in the past couple of seasons and could be a dangerous opponent for Ohio State in the national championship game. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has the talent to go toe-to-toe with any defense, and the Longhorns’ offense is versatile, capable of running the ball effectively while also airing it out deep.

Texas’ defense is also vastly improved, with a strong front seven and a secondary capable of locking down opposing receivers. Ohio State would need to execute its offensive game plan to perfection, focusing on spreading the field and taking advantage of mismatches in the secondary. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by Tuimoloau and others, would need to disrupt Ewers’ rhythm and prevent him from getting into a groove.

3. Washington Huskies: The Pac-12 Champion

The Washington Huskies have emerged as one of the most explosive offenses in college football, thanks to the strong play of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix, a former Indiana transfer, has been lighting up defenses with his precise passing and deep ball accuracy. The Huskies also have a talented group of wide receivers, making them one of the most potent passing teams in the nation.

Defensively, Washington is solid but not as dominant as some of the other teams mentioned here. However, the Huskies’ ability to score quickly could force Ohio State to keep pace in a high-scoring affair. The Buckeyes’ defense will need to contain Penix and disrupt Washington’s timing in the passing game, while offensively, Ohio State’s own passing attack will have to find success against a talented but not invincible Washington secondary.

Keys to Success for Ohio State in the CFP

To make it through the College Football Playoff and ultimately secure a national championship, Ohio State will need to execute at a high level in all phases of the game. Here are some key factors that will determine their success:

1. Offensive Line Play: Ohio State’s offensive line will need to dominate in both the run game and pass protection. Whether facing Georgia’s monstrous defensive front or Alabama’s aggressive pass rush, the Buckeyes’ O-line must keep quarterback Kyle McCord clean and provide holes for running back Miyan Williams.

2. Quarterback Play: Kyle McCord’s ability to manage the game and make clutch throws will be crucial. He’ll need to rise to the occasion against some of the best defenses in the country and avoid turning the ball over.

3. Defensive Dominance: Ohio State’s defense, especially its defensive line and pass rush, must keep opposing quarterbacks under pressure. Against high-powered offenses like Washington or Texas, the Buckeyes will need to disrupt the timing of the opposing offense and force turnovers.

4. Coaching Adjustments: Ryan Day’s ability to adjust to the unique challenges each opponent presents will be key. Whether tweaking the game plan to combat Michigan’s physicality or exploiting a weakness in Alabama’s secondary, Day’s strategic decisions will have a significant impact.