Ohio State’s Road to Success: A National Championship Game Appearance and a Win Over Michigan
Ohio State finds itself at the top of preseason rankings as Joel Klatt, a prominent college football analyst, has the Buckeyes as the No. 1 team in his Preseason Top 25. However, Klatt believes that a national championship is not the only goal for the Buckeyes, they need to get to the national championship game to be considered successful. Klatt emphasized that with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, just making the playoffs isn’t enough, especially for a program with the pedigree of Ohio State.
Key Takeaways:
- Ohio State is Joel Klatt’s No. 1 team in his Preseason Top 25, but he doesn’t believe a national title is the only benchmark for success.
- Klatt believes a successful season for Ohio State involves making it to the national championship game, as the playoff system makes it almost unrealistic to expect a championship in the current landscape.
- Klatt asserts that Ohio State must beat Michigan to be considered truly successful, as losing to their arch-rival for a fourth consecutive year would be a significant blow.
The Importance of Beating Michigan
Klatt explicitly stated that "You cannot win a national championship, go to the playoff, and do all of that and not beat Michigan." For Ohio State, a win over Michigan becomes not just another in-conference victory, but a key indicator of a successful season, regardless of how far they go in the playoffs. The intensity of the rivalry and the recent dominance of Michigan mean a victory over the Wolverines is a must-have for the Buckeyes to be considered successful in the eyes of many.
The Challenge of the Expanded Playoff
The expansion of the College Football Playoff to a 12-team format is a major factor in Klatt’s reasoning. He believes that the wider field of competition makes it more challenging than ever to win the national championship. As a result, a journey to the national championship game itself is a testament to a program’s strength and resilience.
Ohio State Under Pressure
Klatt’s statements highlight the immense pressure Ohio State faces as they enter the season as a top contender. They have a strong team, talented players, and a long history of success, but their quest for a championship won’t be easy. The expanded playoff, a fierce rivalry, and the expectations of a fanbase yearning for a national title are all factors that will contribute to the challenges facing the Buckeyes. How they handle those challenges will be a significant factor in how their season unfolds.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
The next few months for Ohio State will be crucial as they prepare for a highly anticipated season. Training camp, a challenging non-conference schedule, and the Big Ten conference games will all be key tests for the Buckeyes. Ultimately, their success will be defined by their ability to meet the high expectations Klatt has set out for them, which is nothing less than a national championship game appearance and a crucial victory over their biggest rival.
