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Still-Perfect Ohio State Falls to Third-Best Odds to Make 4-Team Playoff at -190

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in College Football

Updated Apr 6, 2020 · 11:16 AM PDT

Ohio State Buckeyes band on the field
Ohio State is taking aim at it's 2nd National Championship in the College Football Playoff era. Photo by Sam Howzit (Flickr)
  • #3 Ohio State is now listed as the third-most likely team to make the College Football Playoff
  • They had the shortest odds a few weeks ago and remain perfect on the year
  • Read below to find out if the Buckeyes are still a good bet to make the playoff

The #3-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continue to dominate opponents but, for some reason, their College Football Playoff odds have actually gotten longer over the last few weeks. The Buckeyes now have the third-best odds to make the College Football Playoff, behind Alabama and Clemson.

On October 10th, the Buckeyes had the shortest CFP odds in the nation.

Odds to Make/Miss College Football Playoff

Team Odds to Make CFP Odds to Miss CFP
#1 Alabama -230 +190
#2 LSU -150 +130
#3 Ohio State -190 +165
#4 Clemson -300 +250
#5 Oklahoma -170 +150
#6 Penn State +450 -600
#7 Florida +1000 -1500
#9 Auburn +1000 -1500
#10 Georgia +290 -350

Odds taken Oct. 25

The College Football Playoff odds are evolving every week and it’s undeniable Ohio State has proven to be the best team in the Big Ten so far. With five games left on the regular-season schedule and potentially a date in the conference championship, the Buckeyes are a great bet to make the playoff at the -190 price tag.

Fields & Dobbins have OSU Offense Rolling

Ohio State has the number one offense in the country based on ESPN’s team efficiency rankings. Those rankings take into account quality of opponent, so the gaudy numbers the Buckeyes are putting up are for real.

Quarterback Justin Fields has a 70.7 completion percentage and 22 passing touchdowns against just one interception. In addition to that, he has eight rushing touchdowns, making him one of the biggest dual threats in college football.

J.K. Dobbins is Ohio State’s other elite rushing option. He’s tallied 947 rushing yards, which ranks fourth, to go along with nine combined touchdowns. If teams find a way to shut down Fields and top receivers Binjimen Victor, Chris Olave and K.J. Hill, Dobbins is there to keep the chains moving.

The Buckeyes have scored over 40 points in six of seven games this year thanks to the offensive depth all across the board.

Young & Okudah have NFL Futures

Two players likely to go in the top 5 of the 2020 NFL Draft have the Buckeyes ranked third in defensive efficiency. Chase Young is a lock to go top five, and potentially even number one. The 6’6 defensive end was called a “predator” by FAU head coach Lane Kiffin this year and for good reason. He’s tied for the most sacks in the nation at 9.5 and has the highest win rate of any edge rusher in college football.

Cornerback Jeffrey Okudah is blanketing opposing teams’ top receivers giving Young and the rest of the defensive line time to get home. Okudah leads the team with three interceptions and will be a big name in the NFL soon. Ohio State has made a habit of sending corners to the league – Marshon Lattimore, Eli Apple, Bradley Roby, Gareon Conley and Denzel Ward recently – and Okudah will join them.

Perfect Schedule for Ohio State Down the Stretch

The Buckeyes have the perfect balance in their schedule down the stretch. There are opportunities to impress the committee, coupled with easily winnable contests. They face #13 Wisconsin and #6 Penn State  at home and travel to Ann Arbor to face #19 Michigan.

If Ohio State is able to get through that stretch without a loss, it’s looking like #17 Minnesota could await them in the conference championship.

All of this is to say the Buckeyes will be favored in every game down the stretch and control their own destiny. Bet on them to make the playoff and bet confidently.

PICK: Ohio State to Make CFP (-190) 

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