:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57854847/884622876.jpg.0.jpg)
Let’s get this out of the way: It sucks that Ohio State didn’t make the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes were mostly incredible all season, and it’s a shame that they won’t have the opportunity to play for a national championship after Saturday’s Big Ten Championship win over Wisconsin. That being said, it isn’t the playoff committee’s fault that they aren’t in their third playoff in four seasons. It really only comes down to one thing:
Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa Don't lose by 31 to Iowa
— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) December 3, 2017
When they got blown out by Iowa last month, Ohio State left itself no benefit of the doubt come selection time, and it ultimately cost them a shot at returning to the playoff.
On this episode of The Hangout in the Holy Land, Colton Denning and Patrick Mayhorn discuss the committee’s decision, why they think the criteria to make it is so different from year to year, and how Ohio State’s inconsistency all season didn’t earn them many favors.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, as the guys also break down everything that happened in the Big Ten title game, including:
- J.T. Barrett’s up-and-down performance, and whether it was right for the coaching staff to play him after knee surgery.
- The monster games from Nick Bosa and J.K. Dobbins.
- Recognizing how dominant the Buckeyes were on both the offensive and defensive lines against a stout Wisconsin front.
- Being happy with a season that ends in a Big Ten title, looking ahead to the Cotton Bowl versus USC, and more!