The 13th game

[Fjoinkay]

is a chance for separation with Big 12 teams right now, and yesterday Ohio State capitalized big time. The focus is understandably on the QB situation, but in my mind the OSU defense was the decisive factor. They needed to show that they could get off the field against a good offense, and against Wisconsin they pitched a shut out in a 13th game and shut down a great running back. Urban Meyer and his coaching staff lit a fire under that defense. The defense will be crucial again against Alabama.

The selection committee was in a difficult position, and any decision the committee made about the 4th spot was going to be controversial and in many eyes mistaken. I have no problem with OSU being selected at #4 based on OSU dominating in a 13th game when the other two teams only played 12 games. The committee considered the entire body of work, and the Big 12 put it's top teams at a disadvantage. If OSU had lost yesterday (or perhaps even if OSU had been shaky or unimpressive in a win over Wisconsin), I think the committee would have selected Baylor at #4.

In the end I credit OSU. I'm also very excited to see OSU play against Alabama. I think Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are two of the best coaches, if not the two best coaches, in college football right now. On the other side of the bracket FSU playing Oregon is a great game. As a fan of college football, this is awesome.

 

[Madbiker]

Now I can really enjoy watching OSU and the B1G exposed and humbled by Bama. When the B1G plays OOC their brand of slow, lumbering, limited passing game football always gets exposed.

 

[Fjoinkay]

Now I can really enjoy watching OSU and the B1G exposed and humbled by Bama. When the B1G plays OOC their brand of slow, lumbering, limited passing game football always gets exposed.

We'll find out for sure. I hesitate to put any Urban Meyer team into the category you describe. One thing that does seem pretty certain at this point, Alabama has dominated the SEC going back several years under Nick Saban. I see no shame for any team in losing to Alabama in this playoff.

On the flip side, if Ohio State pulls off the upset (or perhaps even if they make this game very interesting late into the 4th quarter) then I think that plays into a new and interesting narrative going forward.