College Football Playoff Dream Has Likely Ended For Ohio State Buckeyes

Ryan Day and his Ohio State Buckeyes fell in a close loss to the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines, and as a result, their College Football Playoff hopes are likely over.

It's been done before.

In fact, Ohio State made the College Football Playoff on a whim just a season ago after losing to Michigan in Columbus. Could it possibly happen again?

The teams still in contention for a berth are:

1. Georgia (11-0, 8-0 SEC)

Georgia will likely beat Georgia Tech in their rivalry matchup today, but the Bulldogs are looking forward to an SEC Championship game against Alabama next week. Even If Georgia loses to the Tide, they likely still will be in the top four.

2. Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten)

3. Michigan (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten)

With the Wolverines' win over the Buckeyes, Michigan could finish as the top seed. Although No. 17 Iowa has one of the top defenses in the country, it's hard to imagine they can take down the Wolverines in Indianapolis.

And even if the Hawkeyes pull off the miracle against Michigan, the Wolverines get in over the Buckeyes.

4. Washington (11-0, 8-0 Pac-12)

One of the biggest storylines in football has been Heisman contender Michael Penix Jr., who has led the No. 8 offense in the country. Sitting right on the border, the Huskies can't afford to lose either one of their last games of the season.

With a win over Washington State, they should move up in the rankings. That said, they will still have to face No. 6 Oregon in a rematch in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

If Washington loses to Oregon, they will likely be out, which, in theory, could open the door for Ohio State. That said, a lot more has to happen.

5. Florida State (11-0, 8-0 ACC)

Although quarterback and Heisman contender Jordan Travis went down with a season-ending injury last week, the Seminoles are still in a big position to win this conference.

The ACC is not the strongest conference by any means — Florida State must win out if they want to stay in contention, but they have to beat rival Florida on Saturday, and No. 10 Louisville, who lost to Kentucky on Saturday as well.

6. Oregon (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12)

Oregon is a team likely no one wants to face in the playoffs. With Heisman front-runner Bo Nix, the Ducks have looked unstoppable all season.

How it looks right now, the Ducks will likely be in over the Buckeyes should they win the Pac 12, as the playoff committee will more likely consider a one-loss conference champion over a one-loss team non-champion.

7. Texas (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has led a dominant Texas team on both sides of the ball this season. With quarterback Quinn Ewers back, they are in a position to take on either No. 13 Oklahoma or No. 20 Oklahoma State in the conference championship.

Similar to the other teams above, if they lose, the Longhorns are out. If they win the Big 12 Championship Game, they will have arguably the best case to make the CFP out of any one-loss team by virtue of their win over Alabama, and their superior resumé to any other one-loss team.

8. Alabama (10-1, 7-0 SEC) 

Alabama and Georgia round out a big championship week. If Alabama loses, they're out, but they have picked up dominant wins over current No. 12 Ole Miss, No. 21 Tennessee and No. 14 LSU despite a loss to Texas.

If Alabama beats Georgia, they likely need Texas, Oregon, and Florida State to lose. Despite being ranked at No. 8. Their resume is also superior to that of Ohio State, so it is unlikely the Buckeyes would get in over Alabama if the Tide gets a win over Georgia.

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Ohio State is not technically out of playoff contention yet. That said, the Buckeyes will have to hope for a miracle to sneak into the CFP. 

That miracle being losses for each of Oregon, Texas, Florida State and Alabama in their conference title games. In fact, if even one of those teams wins, the Buckeyes are likely out.

Is it out of the realm of possibility? No. It is, however, highly unlikely. 

That said, because of the timing of the loss, in conjunction with the lack of quality wins outside of Penn State and Notre Dame, it is hard to imagine the committee will put the Buckeyes in over any one-loss conference champions.