College football's unique in that a single loss could mean the difference between a conference championship (or the ultimate regular-season goal, a College Football Playoff spot) and becoming an also-ran in the FBS ranks. If Ohio State wants to get back to the College Football Playoff, they can't afford to lose more than one game. Here are Ohio State's five toughest games heading into this year:
5) at Iowa Hawkeyes (November 4th)
Iowa is expected to take a small step back this year after losing several key players, namely quarterback C.J. Beathard and cornerback Desmond King, but that doesn't make this game easy. Just ask Michigan how tough it is to play at Iowa in November.
4) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (October 14th)
Another team expected to take a small step back is Nebraska, but they are one of the biggest threats to win the Big Ten West this season. The Cornhuskers have the NCAA record for longest consecutive sellouts and are known for having one of the toughest environments in the country.
3) Oklahoma Sooners (September 9th)
Ohio State absolutely demolished Oklahoma in Norman last year, and you know the Sooners would love to return the favor. Both will start in the preseason top five, and loser won't be able to afford another loss in the College Football Playoff race.
2) Penn State Nittany Lions (October 28th)
Speaking of last season, the Buckeyes are absolutely itching to get revenge for their loss in Happy Valley last year. It's the reason why Ohio State didn't make the Big Ten Championship Game, and these two are the favorites to win the Big Ten East again in 2017. The winner will likely determine who gets that honor.
1) at Michigan Wolverines (November 25th)
Michigan would like to be the third team in that mix, so why are they at the top? It really doesn't need to be explained, but just in case - this rivalry is always intense, and Michigan is determined to finally gain an upper hand on the Buckeyes. Playing in Ann Arbor will be the toughest game the Buckeyes have this year.
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