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Kirk Herbstreit had a blunt outlook on Ohio State’s playoff chances following the most recent rankings release. Despite landing a win over No. 6 Penn State on Saturday, the Buckeyes were still ranked behind Michigan.
OSU is currently undefeated, and that win over PSU far outweighs any victory on the Wolverines’ schedule.
UM has yet to play a ranked team, though they have looked impressive with their 41-6 average scoring margin. Passing the eye test has certainly been beneficial in the minds of the voters as the Wolverines have been considered the nation’s No. 2 team all year. They received 19 first-place votes in the most recent AP Poll.
Ohio State, meanwhile, comes in at No. 3.
Though there’s not much difference at this point in the season, a number of Buckeyes were upset seeing their team ranked behind their rival despite having played a much more vigorous schedule to date.
OSU has already beaten a pair of Top 10 teams in Notre Dame and Penn State, but that hasn’t been enough to jump Michigan, or Georgia for that matter, in the standings.
Kirk Herbstreit, an Ohio State alum, isn’t worried about the polls or perception. He doesn’t believe Buckeyes fans should be either.
“Just win out,” Herbie said in response to a fan asking about OSU’s ranking. “Who gives a s— where anyone is till December?”
He’s got a point.
Ohio State and Michigan will decide it on the field on the final week of the regular season as they do each year. The Wolverines have gotten the best of the Buckeyes the last two meetings, though OSU was able to sneak into the College Football Playoff field last year even with the loss.
For what it’s worth, Kirk Herbstreit currently has Ohio State as his No. 4 team in the country, behind Michigan, Georgia, and Florida State.
If they continue taking down Top 10 teams, a CFP appearance will be in the Buckeyes’ future.