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Paul Finebaum assesses Ohio State's CFP chances, slams Buckeyes schedule

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•11/27/22•

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G Fiume | Getty Images

Following their disastrous loss to Michigan, Ohio State will now likely be on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff. It’s wild to think an 11-1 Buckeye team that has spent the entire season in the Top-3 could be out because of the final game of their regular season. However, Paul Finebaum believes it would be fair considering Ohio State’s strength of schedule.

Paul Finebaum shared his thoughts on the Buckeye’s chances during a recap of Week 13. He said the fact that Ohio State’s best win is Penn State and their loss, in the end, came in embarrassing fashion to the Wolverines more than justifies them to be outside the Top-4 depending on how some of the conference championship games shake out.

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“Somebody asked me this morning what’s Ohio State’s best win? It’s not even debatable. It’s Penn State. And, at the time, it seemed like who cares?,” Finebaum said. “That’s how stupid this is right now. I think we’re pushing toward 12 pretty soon but it’s pretty crazy when we’re struggling here to fill the field.”

“There was a moment (during the game) when I thought these are two of the four best teams in the country. It felt like that until Ohio State once again completely rolled over and died in the fourth quarter.”

Everyone knew what was on the line in this year’s edition of The Game. The top two teams in the Big Ten, who both played lackluster schedules overall, would play for the right to compete in both the Big Ten title game and the CFP. The loser would have to hope for things to break their way come next weekend. That’s the position Ohio State now sits and, considering the combined 62-73 record of their other 11 opponents, they’re going to need some help to make the cut.

Ohio State vs. Michigan was so big this year again because the loser would no longer control their fate. Neither played stout enough competition throughout the season to completely make a case without a conference crown backing them up. With that being so, all the Buckeyes can do now is cross their fingers as the playoff field takes its final shape.