COLUMBUS, Ohio — Breaking down No. 9 Michigan State's 17-14 win Saturday at No. 2 Ohio State:
THE BIG PICTURE: Even though they had been unimpressive and lacked significant victories, College Football Playoff committee chairman Jeff Long was adamant in recent weeks that the Ohio State Buckeyes' best football was ahead of them.
Well, so much for that.
The reigning national champions will likely not be back to defend their title, and it occurred in shocking fashion at home as Michigan State was the more physical team, the more poised team and the team with a better gameplan.