As uninteresting and lethargic as parts of this and other college football seasons can be, the stretch runs are almost -- we said almost -- worth it. Take the case of Ohio State.
Most would agree that when it comes to determining the College Football Playoff four-team field, a loss in November isn't the same as one in September. So in essence, the Buckeyes on Saturday against Michigan State will begin what they hope is a trip through a five-round tournament.
Beat the Spartans and Ohio State's playoff hopes live for another week. Lose and the team up north will still be on tap the following weekend, but the stakes will be greatly reduced and dreams of returning to the CFP likely vanquished.