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College football has only one game remaining, and with the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs now over, your football viewing options are somewhat limited. Fotunately, there are still six former Ohio State players making their way through the postseason with the Super Bowl in their sights.
Seven Buckeyes played in the Wild Card round, with another six on teams that had a bye week. For Ohio State to have 13 players make it to the postseason is a feat in and of itself, but the number could go up exponentially next season with such a large incoming rookie class.
Steelers vs Bengals
This bitter rivalry game started ugly and ended uglier. Former Ohio State players were highlighted for good and bad plays throughout the evening, but as the scuffling continued for 60 minutes, it all came down to last few seconds. The Steelers clinched the game with a last-minute field goal, just a few plays after the Bengals took a one-point lead.
The Bengals seemed doomed from the start and had a hard time gaining any momentum on offense. The defense did what they could -- A.J. Hawk had a tackle -- and four of the 16 points scored came from the foot of Mike Nugent. The former Buckeye kicker made a 36-yard field goal and point after attempt on the day.
Ryan Shazier came up big for the Steelers with a forced fumble and recovery, but the hit he placed on Gio Bernard, followed by a delayed celebration, drew the ire of many on and off the field. It was a clean hit, and he wasn't penalized for leading with his head, but it was still dangerous.
Among the criticism was also a round of praise from his former teammates at Ohio State; including Roby who will be on the other sideline in the next playoff game.
That's a fumble I see u @RyanShazier
— Bradley Roby (@BradRoby_1) January 10, 2016
Good sh!t boi @RyanShazier
— Carlos Hyde (@elguapo) January 10, 2016
It was a big night for Cameron Heyward too, who may not have gotten as much airtime, but was just as critical to the Steelers' win.
#Steelers DE Cameron Heyward (@CamHeyward) records his first career postseason forced fumble off of #Bengals QB AJ McCarron.
— Dom Rinelli (@drinelli) January 10, 2016
The Steelers came away with the win, meaning three former Buckeyes -- Will Allen, Cameron Heyward, Ryan Shazier -- will be heading to the Mile High city, to take on Bradley Roby and the Broncos for a divisional matchup on Sunday.
Chiefs vs Texans
The Houston Texans were embarrassed 30-0 against Kansas City on Saturday, but former Ohio State linebacker John Simon stood out in a good way. Simon earned the start ahead of injured Jadeveon Clowney, which caused a little pre-game drama, but was able to step in -- even late when J.J. Watt was sidelined.
John Simon still got it I see
— Mike Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 9, 2016
Simon's postseason run has come to an end, but should have a spot with the Texans heading into the 2016 season.
Packers vs Washington
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers finally figured things out in the first round of playoff games, and were able to best Washington 35-18. Former Ohio State player Corey Linsley was back at center for the Wild Card game, and was able to give Rodgers more time in the pocket, which lead to some offensive consistency.
Linsley and team will now head to Arizona to take on the Cardinals for the divisional round of matchups on Saturday.
Week 1 byes
Broncos: Bradley Roby
Panthers: Corey Brown, Kurt Coleman, Ted Ginn Jr., Andrew Norwell
Patriots: Nate Ebner