Joel Klatt balks at competition argument between Oregon and Ohio State

FOX college football analyst Joel Klatt was merciless in his reply to one fan’s critique of the Oregon Ducks’ strength of schedule. On his show, Breaking the Huddle, Klatt has a segment in which he replies to takes from fans via Twitter. This week one fan suggested that Oregon should not be ranked third in the CFP rankings because of their competition this season.

The fan wrote “I can’t take you seriously if you put Oregon at three. their level of completion is awful.” the author of the tweet made an error and put completion instead of competition, and that only fueled Klatt’s response even further.

“Well Roy, I can’t take you seriously when you say completion and not competition,” Klatt says to start his reply. “But I digress, let me just answer your question. First of all, Oregon, their level of competition yeah it hasn’t been great, but Ohio States level of competition so far has not been great. Look at their strength of schedule. And oh, by the way, Alabama is playing who this week Roy? Oh, that’s right, New Mexico State, New Mexico State. How’s that level of completion.”

Oregon vs Ohio State debate

When Ohio State and Oregon scheduled a 2021 meeting, it became must-watch television. When the teams brought their squads to the field, it became clear the game would have CFP implications.

The Ohio State offense and Oregon defense squared off in a 35-28 thriller. The Ducks came out with a road win and an upper hand. However, a slip-up against Stanford and several key injuries jeopardized Oregon’s season.

Ohio State’s offense has started clicking and brought back the high-powered numbers many anticipated. The recent results left many wondering whether the eye test or head-to-head result would rule the day.

“Everyone has their own opinions – but as you go through with the 13 members, head-to-head is certainly talked about when you talk about Oregon and Ohio State,” said Barta. “Oregon has had some nice wins, they played very good football. They’ve been through a lot of challenges losing their starting running back and some others – Thibodeaux being their best player – early on. But they beat Ohio State at Ohio State and that was really important to the committee.”

It became clear – as ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit pointed out – that the committee valued these head-to-head meetings, setting the tone for the top four.

Not only can Ohio State jump the field with an unexpected loss from Alabama or Oregon, it holds its own destiny against Michigan State. A second chance at head-to-head bragging rights keeps Ryan Day’s team firmly in the playoff picture.

“Ohio State is playing great football, since that time they’re on a roll,” said Barta. “At the end of the day, that’s why they’re one slot behind Oregon, because of the head-to-head. But right up there near the top because of how terrific they’ve been playing.”