But Williams has eSECpn behind him. That's the difference.

Giving the Defensive Backs a C+ is too generous.

I mean better Nebraska at home compared to Penn State on the road.

So true. And chances are #5 goes to the SEC runner-up or Oregon. I see no way Ohio State gets #5. They are either going to be a top 4 or fall below 5 with two losses. The best bet at #5 will be Oregon or the SEC runner-up.

I agree with you to some extent. But Will Howard's weakest attribute is the deep ball. The few he has connected on this year have been underthrown.

They won't get left out, but a road game at Georgia? Alabama? LSU? Anything short of a home playoff game (which might not happen if Ohio State loses to Penn State) would not be a good spot for Ohio State.

3 star to develop into starters 3 years down the road!

Williams simply has a bigger stage. eSECpn behind him all the time. He is going to play on either ABC or eSECpn. Again Smith's best performance wasn't even seen by a large audience, thanks to a 3rd rate streaming service that has nowhere close the viewership as mainstream channels.

Here proves my point. Both Williams and Smith make the list, but of course Williams is two spots ahead! https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/41682270/college-football-player-rank-midseason-2024

Getting downvoted for a fair and rational observation. I think they will underachieve this year. The point guard is the engine for a team. Sheldon is going to be missed more than people realize.

I bet before it's over sadly Williams will win over Smith. Smith's greatest catches this season were watched by fewer people on crappy Peacock. Meanwhile eSECpn will drive the narrative of Williams 7 × 24. Not right. But it's reality.

Yep. They have had a very favorable home schedule so far.

Still think it would be next to Impossible. You have to figure a loss to Penn State will drop you out of the top eight. Winning impressively the other games might get you to the eight or nine spot. But you have to remember with the automatic bids it's not a given that all the top four seeded teams are in the top eight ranked teams.

You have to beat Penn State or at least one goal for the season is gone.  If you cannot even get to the Big Ten championship game with this roster, when can you?

The NCAA has nothing to do with this format. It was the cfp committee that came up with it along with input from the Power 4 Conferences.

Not early anymore either. Half the season is over!

Rather have them than another SEC team. There should be a reward for winning a power conference.

How do you think they get a home playoff game? The losses of the SEC title game will host. The loser of the Big Ten title game will host. That leaves two spots. Notre Dame could take one. ACC runner up could take one if say Miami. Most likely scenario is Ohio as rare is a 9, 10, or 11 seed. It is imperative Ohio Stare win at Penn State. No margin for error now!

If a true freshman quarterback exploits Ohio State's secondary, then there are serious issues with the defense.

He was abysmal! Really embarrassing! Even after getting beat he couldn't tackle! And this is a four year starter! I would also like to ask where was Sawyer?!?!? Never heard his name all night!

This team has issues, but Will Howard isn't one of them. Sure if Cam Ward came or Ewers was still here, Ohio State probably wins the game. But you go with the quarterback you got.

You were pleased with his performance last night? A senior who has made a lot in NIL with aspirations to play at the next level?

If Burke looks like toast in particular!

I think part of it is you got so many more key matchups with the super conferences. Ohio State use to have to deal with Penn State and Michigan. But now Oregon too. Alabama and Georgia also have tougher schedules this year.

There wasn't. But this year it is going to happen twice in the scope of a few weeks. Outside of Notre Dame last year, it does go back quite a few years.

Probably make the CFP, but coming in as a 9, 10, or 11 seed and then a road game at maybe Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee or LSU? I don't think hosting would happen, as the SEC and Big Ten runner-ups will host two spots, then you got say Clemson, Miami, and Notre Dame in the mix to host. Not like Ohio State can't win a big road game, but outside of Penn State when is the last time Ohio State won a road game over a strong opponent? It's been years!