In 2014, a team with an ugly early-season loss to a mediocre team jumped higher-ranked teams to earn a spot in the first College Football Playoff.
Ohio State, the beneficiary of the playoff selection committee’s decision, might be in the position of hoping that history does not repeat this weekend. This year, North Carolina would be that late-rising team, if the Tar Heels can upset Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.
Ohio State, which probably will be ranked No.6 when the penultimate playoff rankings are announced tonight, can only sit on the sideline and hope for some chaos this week.