To get to the College Football Playoff, Ohio State had to pull off a double overtime win against arch rival Michigan after losing to Penn State weeks before the game. After some tough goings against lesser opponents the Buckeyes bounced back just in time and found themselves face to face with Deshaun Watson and the second-ranked Clemson Tigers. Alabama awaited the winner between Ohio State and the Tigers, after taking care of business against Washington in the Peach Bowl semifinal. In somewhat of a “rebuilding” year, the Buckeyes proved they continued to reload despite losing so many starters to the NFL, but ran into a talented Tigers team to which they fell 31-0.