Scarlet Sunrise: Projections point to Orange Bowl bid for Ohio State after loss to Michigan

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Projections point to Orange Bowl bid for Ohio State after loss to Michigan

Ohio State is going to need a lot of help to back its way into the College Football Playoff for the second year in a row.

On one hand, the Buckeyes have two top-10 wins and lost to a top-three team on the road by only six points. On the other hand, they’re once again watching Championship Weekend from home.

Ohio State likely needs Florida State to lose to Louisville in the ACC Championship, Texas to lose to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship, Alabama to lose to Georgia in the SEC Championship and maybe even Oregon to lose to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship.

Lettermen Row rounded up the latest bowl projections after Week 13, a week in which Ohio State dropped four spots in the AP Top 25 after a 30-24 defeat to now-No. 2 Michigan.

Signs are pointing to the Buckeyes making a trip to Miami for the Orange Bowl before New Year’s.

On3: Orange Bowl vs. Louisville

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Oregon
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Florida State

COMPLETE PROJECTIONS

ESPN (Bonagura): Orange Bowl vs. Louisville

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Washington
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Florida State

COMPLETE PROJECTGIONS

ESPN (Schlabach): Orange Bowl vs. Louisville

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Oregon
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Texas

COMPLETE PROJECTIONS

Action Network: Orange Bowl vs. Louisville

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Oregon
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Florida State

COMPLETE PROJECTIONS

CBS Sports: Orange Bowl vs. Louisville

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida State
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Oregon

COMPLETE PROJECTIONS

Athlon Sports: Orange Bowl vs. Louisville

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida State
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Oregon

COMPLETE PROJECTIONS

College Football News: Peach Bowl vs. Oregon

CFP Picks…

• Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas
• Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Florida State

COMPLETE PROJECTIONS

Breaking down PFF snap counts, grades from Michigan game

Ohio State leaned heavily on its starters in Ann Arbor, as expected.

Still, there were a few head-turning snap counts from the Buckeyes’ defeat in The Game, including some surprise contributors on defense and some underused offensive players who had bigger roles much of the year.

Plus, Lettermen Row has PFF offensive and defensive grade takeaways.

For the offensive side of things, head on over here. Check out the defensive breakdown here.

Next steps for Buckeyes as rivalry loss sets in, postseason fate remains unknown

Ohio State has to pick up the pieces from its loss to Michigan and regroup for whatever bowl trip it earns. It’s an all-too-familiar feeling for the Buckeyes, who also had to sit out Championship Weekend the previous two years.

Lettermen Row believes there are four big steps Ohio State needs to take in staying the course during this week — not just for the postseason but for the 2024 campaign, too.

To find out what’s ahead for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, go here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 368 days

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