Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes have best odds to make College Football Playoff

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Buckeyes have best odds to make College Football Playoff

Ohio State has never had this much preseason hype. The Buckeyes have been speaking about ‘natty or bust’ all offseason, and now they’re putting in the work to get to that spot here in the preseason.

Ahead of the season beginning in less than three weeks, Fanduel Sportsbook updated its ‘odds to make the College Football Playoff’ list, and Ohio State has the best odds (-650) to make the new 12-team field.

Georgia has the second-best odds to make the CFP (-600). The Bulldogs are a national title favorite with the Buckeyes. They’re followed by Buckeyes’ new Big Ten rival Oregon (-300), Texas (-200), Notre Dame (-165), Penn State (-145), Ole Miss (-130), Alabama (+100), LSU (+125) and Michigan (+150).

Ohio State is the favorite to win the Big Ten and has some of the best odds to win the national title. But when it comes to just making the 12-team CFP field? Well, the Buckeyes stand above the rest. Now it’s time for them to put that on the field and dominate during the regular season.

Ohio State AD Ross Bjork talks future of college athletics on The Tim May Show

Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork joined The Tim May Show last week to break down the future of college athletics, where he sees college football heading and plenty other topics that are pressing.

The other guest? Washington athletic director Pat Chun, who used to work at Ohio State.

It’s a jam-packed edition of the Tim May Show, one you certainly don’t want to miss.

ICYMI: Pair of Buckeyes shed black stripes after Friday’s practice

EDDDRICK HOUSTON LOSES BLACK STRIPE

Ohio State is adding another member to the Rushmen — in an official capacity this time. Freshman defensive end Eddrick Houston shed his black stripe after practice on Friday, officially becoming a part of the Buckeyes football program.

Houston has impressed so far during his first offseason on campus ahead of his freshman campaign.

Ohio State was quite excited to land the former four-star prospect out of Buford, Georgia. Houston had an eventful signing day, one that almost saw him flip to Alabama at the 11th hour.

Now Houston is gearing up for his first season at Ohio State after signing with the Buckeyes. And he’s flashing elite potential early in his career. The latest example of that is a black stripe removal.

JAMES PEOPLES LOSES BLACK STRIPE

Ohio State freshman tailback James Peoples said earlier this week that if he’s called upon to play this season for the Buckeyes, he’ll be ready.

He took a big step forward on his way to having a role in the running back room on Friday, shedding his black stripe to become an official member of the football program.

Peoples is one of two Buckeyes freshmen to lose the black stripe Friday; he was joined by freshman defensive end Eddrick Houston. Freshman safety Jaylen McClain lost his black stripe on Wednesday after practice.

As for Peoples, he has a big season ahead of him as the potential No. 3 running back on the depth chart behind senior TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.

Peoples believes he will be ready for action this fall for Ohio State — in whatever role he’s needed.

Counting Down

Buckeyes vs. Akron: 19 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 110 days

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