OSU: Which Spot In The Playoffs Would They Be In Right Now?

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer receives the College Football Playoff trophy from College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock (left) after the game against Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

What Is Ohio State’s Biggest Obstacle?

Kris Grimes

If the College Playoffs started today, who would be my four playoff teams? Well, if previous years have shown us anything, who’s No.1-4 in October doesn’t always show us who’s really “in.” Many teams like Ohio State and Baylor still have quality ranked opponents ahead of them.

However, the beauty of sports is that we can say what if? So what if the playoffs started today? My top four would have to be Ohio State, Baylor, LSU, and Clemson.

Why these four? Well, first off I have to say that Ohio State is far from a polished overall No.1. Let’s face it, the defense is atrocious right now, and the play of QBs Cardale Jones/J.T. Barrett leaves a lot to be desired. However, what Ohio State does have going for itself are RB Ezekiel Elliott and head coach Urban Meyer.

On a team with these two leading the way, Ohio State is instantly one of if not the top team in college football. Elliott has proven his big game ability and Meyer has the ability to coach the big games.

So even with questions at QB, a shoddy defense, and a weak schedule I’d trust my No.1 overall vote to Ohio State because they will be a No.1 team when it matters– just look at last year’s results. Their biggest obstacles? Themselves.

Next up I have Baylor in second place. Why do I have the Bears here? Style points. Sure they haven’t faced the stiffest of competition yet, but they are blowing teams out and cruising through the Big 12. The real tests for Baylor come in the next couple of weeks with Oklahoma State and TCU on the schedule.

The Horned Frogs are currently ranked third nationally, and despite a few close games will give Baylor all they’ve got. For now though, Baylor secures the second spot in my college playoff rankings.

In third place the LSU Tigers makes a jump. Why? I’m gonna say it, SEC bias. If one team were to currently end up in the college football playoff from the SEC it looks like LSU would be the team to represent them. So does that alone give them the third spot? No, but their quality of schedule, the talent of the team, and like OSU they boast one of the best players in the nation RB Leonard Fournette.

That said, the team has a lot of talented teams left to play on their schedule like the Florida Gators in Saturday and Alabama later in the season. If they handle their business they’ll be a quality playoff team.

Then finally in fourth place I have the Clemson Tigers. As a team they have beaten a highly ranked and touted Notre Dame Irish team early, and boast a top ranked defense. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is a borderline Heisman candidate.

Their big competition will come against Florida State and could be the only thing that stands between them and a potential playoff appearance. Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney’s teams seem to always fall short, but yet they pose a threat almost every year. Maybe this is the year Clemson makes the noise that silences the critics?

Next: There's No Question About No.1