CFB Playoff Week 16 Preview and What These Games Mean for the ‘Noles

BIG 10 Championship Game: #5 Ohio State vs. #13 Wisconsin

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

I have never been a major Ohio State supporter, but I am a huge fan of them this season. Not because they have looked like a great football team, but because they overcame losing their starting QB before the season even started and have been able to put themselves in the position they are in right now. I don’t think Ohio State is a great football team even with J.T. Barrett, but I can respect a team that has defied all odds and simply won football games when it had to.

Sadly, even if the Buckeyes win this game, I don’t think they will make the playoff, but hey, I’ve been badly deceived by the playoff committee before. I am a huge Melvin Gordon fan as well, and I think Wisconsin has a great change at pulling this “upset.” Wisconsin can score points fast and keep Ohio State’s offense off the field because of its vaunted running game.

I don’t think Ohio State is a bad football team and it would probably win this game and clinch a Playoff birth had it been last weekend. The loss of J.T. Barrett will be felt early and often for the Buckeyes, and OSU will leave Lucas Oil Stadium without playoff hopes.

Wisconsin- 31 Ohio State- 20

What does this mean for the ‘Noles? Ohio State won’t be on Florida State’s tail at #5 anymore, and their playoff hopes will be diminished. But if the Buckeyes pull out a convincing win, I am not sold that Florida State is safe at the #4 spot for the CFB Playoff come Sunday afternoon.