Tough schedule ahead lifts Buckeyes’ playoff hopes
Editor’s note: After each Ohio State football game, beat reporters Bill Rabinowitz and Joey Kaufman discuss the lasting storylines and other key developments.
Ohio State is at the midpoint of the regular season after Saturday's easy 6617 victory over Maryland. The Buckeyes had a bumpy start to the season but have now hit their stride, though it hasn't come against top competition.
That will change soon enough after Ohio State is idle this weekend. The second half of Ohio State's schedule will determine whether the Buckeyes truly are a championship-caliber team.
Rabinowitz: Coach Ryan Day said in his postgame news conference that Ohio State is a much different team than the one that played Minnesota and Oregon. It would be hard to argue with him. Redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to become more comfortable. It helps to have the cast around him that he does. It's really hard to find a weakness on this offense. The defense is not at the offense's level, but it also is improving.
Kaufman: The Buckeyes did work out the kinks at just the right time, because the second half of the season is shaping up to be a gauntlet. Three of their final six opponents are ranked in the top-10 of the latest Associated Press poll with Penn State at No. 7, Michigan at No. 8 and Michigan State at No. 10. Then, if Ohio State reaches the Big Ten championship game, a potential matchup with Iowa awaits. The Hawkeyes are ranked No. 2. Grab some popcorn.
Rabinowitz: That cuts both ways. Yes, it's a difficult road, but if the Buckeyes win out, it'll be awfully difficult to keep them out of the College Football Playoff.