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A conversation with national Cfb analyst Bud Elliott: Indiana-Ohio State implications, CFP discussion

A Conversation with National CFB Analyst Bud Elliott: Indiana-Ohio State Implications and CFP Discussion

As college football season intensifies, the discussions around which teams will make it into the College Football Playoff (CFP) grow louder. One team that has consistently made waves this year is Ohio State, currently a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference. But on the other side, Indiana, despite its struggles in past seasons, has remained a team that analysts like Bud Elliott keep an eye on due to its potential to disrupt the status quo.

In this exclusive conversation with Bud Elliott, a national college football analyst and founder of the “Cover 3” podcast, we dive into Ohio State’s position in the College Football Playoff race, the implications of their upcoming match against Indiana, and what the CFP might look like come December. Elliott’s expertise and insights into the College Football Playoff rankings, the Big Ten race, and the path to a national championship offer a deep understanding of the current landscape.

The State of the College Football Playoff Race

The 2024 college football season has already provided its fair share of surprises, with teams like Michigan, Georgia, and Florida State maintaining their status as heavyweights. However, Ohio State has been under particular scrutiny this year, despite its dominant play. As Elliott explains, the Buckeyes remain a team that could make a serious push for the CFP if they continue to dominate their schedule.

“The Buckeyes have looked solid, but they haven’t looked as dominant as they have in the past under Ryan Day,” Elliott says. “Ohio State has had some close calls in recent seasons, and it feels like they are still trying to find the right balance offensively and defensively. Their defense is legit, but there are questions surrounding the offense, particularly the quarterback play.”

Ohio State’s quarterback play has been a talking point all season, as their new starter has shown promise but has not yet emerged as the kind of game-changing force that fans have become accustomed to in recent years. Even so, the Buckeyes’ defense has more than made up for any offensive inconsistencies, keeping them firmly in the CFP hunt.

“Ohio State’s defense is one of the best in the country. It is consistently elite and allows them to win games even when their offense isn’t clicking on all cylinders,” Elliott notes. “But that offense, especially at the quarterback position, is something they’ll need to continue improving as the season progresses.”

The Buckeyes’ defensive prowess is something that could play a major role in their upcoming match against Indiana, a team that has had a mixed season but has shown flashes of potential. The Hoosiers are underdogs in this matchup, but as Elliott explains, that doesn’t mean they should be written off entirely.

Indiana’s Challenges and Opportunities

Indiana, traditionally not a contender in the Big Ten, has been rebuilding under head coach Tom Allen. Though they haven’t been a powerhouse, the Hoosiers have managed to pull off a few upsets over the years and have played close games against top-tier teams. With Ohio State looming as their next opponent, Indiana has a tough task ahead, but Elliott believes that the Hoosiers could play a spoiler role.

“Indiana is a team that tends to get up for big games, and while they may not have the talent level of Ohio State, they do have some players who can make things interesting,” Elliott says. “The key for Indiana in this game will be to establish the run game and try to wear down Ohio State’s defense. If they can do that and force the Buckeyes into third-and-long situations, they might have a chance to keep it close.”

One of the biggest challenges for Indiana in this matchup is dealing with the Buckeyes’ defensive front. Ohio State’s defensive line is among the best in the country, and it can overwhelm opposing offenses. But Indiana’s ability to protect its quarterback and create running lanes could be the X-factor. Elliott points to the Hoosiers’ ability to adjust to the Buckeyes’ aggressive defensive schemes as something that could give them a glimmer of hope.

However, Elliott also emphasizes that Indiana’s chances are slim. “Indiana doesn’t have the same level of talent across the board as Ohio State, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Buckeyes don’t win this game. But if they make enough mistakes, or if Indiana is able to force some turnovers, anything is possible.”

Implications for Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes

Ohio State’s season is shaping up to be a crucial one in the race for the CFP. A win over Indiana would solidify their position in the top tier of the Big Ten and strengthen their case for one of the four playoff spots. But Elliott notes that it’s not just about winning—how they win will matter as well.

“Ohio State’s margin for error in the CFP race is thinner this year. With a few teams, like Michigan and Georgia, playing at such a high level, the Buckeyes can’t afford to have too many close calls,” Elliott explains. “They need to dominate when they’re supposed to dominate. That’s why a game like Indiana is important—not just for the win, but for the way they win. A convincing victory against the Hoosiers, even with a few mistakes, would go a long way in helping their CFP resume.”

In a season with several elite teams vying for playoff spots, style points do matter. The CFP Selection Committee takes a close look at not only who teams have beaten but how they’ve won. While Ohio State’s defense might carry them to victory over Indiana, Elliott suggests that a more complete performance could make all the difference when it comes to the rankings.

“We’re at a point in the season where the committee is really going to start paying attention to margin of victory,” Elliott says. “If Ohio State wins this game 31-14, that’s fine. But if they win 42-10 or something like that, it will send a strong message to the committee.”

Looking Ahead to the Big Ten Race

Beyond the Indiana game, Ohio State’s road to the CFP is filled with tough matchups, particularly with Michigan looming as a potential playoff contender. The rivalry game between Ohio State and Michigan has been one of the most anticipated matchups in college football for years, and Elliott believes this season will be no different.

“Ohio State-Michigan is one of the marquee matchups of the year, and it’s going to have major playoff implications for both teams,” Elliott says. “If Ohio State can get through their remaining games, including a tough stretch at Michigan, they will be right in the mix for the CFP. But Michigan is no slouch. They are playing at an incredibly high level right now.”

This rivalry has often determined the Big Ten champion and, in recent seasons, has had direct playoff implications. Ohio State and Michigan, both with national championship aspirations, will likely be battling for one of the four coveted spots in the CFP. For Ohio State, it’s crucial to win the Big Ten and take care of business in all of their other games if they want to secure their spot in the Playoff.

What the Future Holds for the CFP

As the College Football Playoff discussion heats up, Elliott offers a broader perspective on how the system might evolve in the future. With the impending expansion of the CFP to 12 teams, there will be new dynamics at play. The expanded field will allow more teams to get a shot at the national title, but it will also mean that every regular-season game becomes that much more important.

“The expansion of the playoff is going to bring a lot of excitement, but it’s also going to make it harder to earn a spot in the playoff,” Elliott notes. “Teams will need to stay sharp all season long, as every game could impact their playoff chances. I think the new system will help some teams that otherwise would’ve been left out of the conversation, but it also means the margin for error is even smaller.”

Elliott also believes that the new format will give teams from conferences like the Pac-12 and the Big 12 more opportunities to showcase their worth on a national stage. This could lead to more unpredictability in the race for the national championship and potentially more upsets in the coming years.

Conclusion

As the Indiana-Ohio State matchup looms, the implications for both teams are significant. For Ohio State, a win would not only bolster their standing in the Big Ten but also move them closer to securing a playoff berth. For Indiana, it represents a chance to play spoiler and potentially shake up the race. But as Bud Elliott reminds us, in a season as unpredictable as this one, anything can happen—especially when the stakes are so high.

As the playoff picture continues to come into focus, Ohio State’s quest for a championship is far from over, but with key games ahead, including their highly anticipated matchup with Michigan, every move they make will be scrutinized. With Elliott’s insights, it’s clear that this season’s journey to the College Football Playoff will be a thrilling one.