After Ohio State lost to Michigan State in devastating fashion, it seemed like all hope was lost. Then came the realization that they could still make the Big Ten Championship game with a Penn State upset over the Spartans during rivalry week. When those hopes were dashed, the Buckeyes' repeat playoff dreams became even more remote.
But don't count the Buckeyes out yet.
If this week's championship games break just right, Ohio State might back their way in to the playoff conversation for the playoff committee: a North Carolina and/or Florida upset, combined with a USC win over Stanford, might be enough for the Buckeyes to get in.