Kevin Warren makes case for Ohio State to make College Football Playoff field

Saturday’s installment of “The Game” between Michigan and Ohio State had a College Football Playoff feel to it as both teams fought for a spot in the Big Ten Championship. Ultimately, the No. 3-ranked Wolverines came out on top over the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes, meaning Ryan Day’s group finds itself with a tougher path to the CFP.

He has one important person in his corner, though.

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren spoke with ESPN’s Pete Thamel about the Buckeyes’ playoff chances and he made the case for a two-bid Big Ten even after Ohio State fell 45-23 at The Horseshoe. Warren was on hand for the matchup and saw Michigan dominate in the second half en route to the win.

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“One hundred percent,” Warren told Thamel. “Clearly, Michigan and Ohio State are two of the best four teams in the country, and I think today proved it. Great football game. Epic football game. Without a doubt, I think I think they are clearly two of the best football teams in the country.”

Ohio State took a 20-17 lead into halftime, but Michigan out scored the Buckeyes 28-3 in the second half to walk away with its second straight win over its arch rivals. But despite Ohio State’s rough second half, Warren said the game was still entertaining and had the feeling of a top-four matchup.

“This was a really good football game from start to finish,” Warren said. “These are two powerhouse teams and clearly two of the top four teams in all of college football. You look at all the games you watch. Put even the rankings to the side. If you ask yourself, who are the teams that are better than these two football teams in the country? These are two of the four best teams in the country. By far.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Ohio State got in as a one-loss team. The Buckeyes also achieved that feat in 2016, getting in over Big Ten champion Penn State. Warren acknowledged their chances of getting an at-large bid will be a test of what the CFP committee thinks of the Big Ten.

He’s sold, though.

“I truly believe that through this whole season,” Warren said. “Last season, this season. Today just reiterated how strong Big Ten football is. I’m excited to see these next couple weeks, where everything lands.”

The final CFP rankings will come out Dec. 4, one day after conference championships wrap up. Michigan will take on Purdue at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Dec. 3.