Todd McShay makes his case for two-loss Ohio State making Playoff

Ohio State appeared to lose all hope of making the College Football Playoff following a 42-27 loss to Michigan on Saturday. But television analyst Todd McShay still sees a path for the Buckeyes.

In a tweet following the game, McShay made a case for Ohio State to be included in the top four.

“A lot can happen in the next week,” he wrote.” But if it comes down to to OSU and Cincinnati for the No. 4 spot in the CFP, Ohio State is simply better. Two losses might keep them out but I want the best four teams.”

Despite McShay’s optimism, it seems extremely unlikely that Ohio State will overcome the many obstacles in its way. For starters, the committee has previously placed major emphasis on conference champions. Thanks to Saturday’s loss, the Buckeyes will not get a chance to compete for the Big Ten crown.

Michigan is destined to replace Ohio State in the current top four. If Alabama loses to Auburn on Saturday, that would open up another spot. Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are all one-loss teams currently ranked in the top 10. One would think at least one of those teams would make it in over the Buckeyes, particularly if Oklahoma or Oklahoma State win the Big 12 championship.

Cincinnati has been a major topic of discussion all season long. One of three remaining unbeaten teams, many believe the Bearcats deserve a chance to play for the national championship. However, skeptics will point to a weak strength of schedule and several close calls as reasons to leave them out.

A Group of 5 school has never made the College Football Playoff, so history isn’t on Cincinnati’s side either. Still, even if the Bearcats ultimately don’t make it, there are plenty of options to consider before the Buckeyes.

Unfortunately, all Ohio State can do to make the Playoff is wait and hope for some luck. Perhaps Michigan will lose to either Iowa or Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship, opening the door for another spot.

But it seems more likely than not the Buckeyes will find themselves in a high-profile bowl game, just not the one they expected.