Joel Klatt 'Will Not Be Shocked' If Ohio State Buckeyes Are No. 1 In College Football Playoff Rankings
The Ohio State Buckeyes have not been flawless in 2023, but they do have a perfect 8-0 record and No. 3 AP Top 25 ranking heading into their Big Ten matchup against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday.
But before that trip to New Jersey, the Buckeyes await their fate with the initial College Football Playoff Rankings, which are set to be released on Tuesday night.
According to college football analyst Joel Klatt, the Buckeyes have the best case in the country for the No. 1 overall spot in those rankings.
"I will not be shocked if Ohio State is number one. Now, I won't be shocked if they aren't. But let's not be surprised if the Buckeyes are number one because – up to this point – they have the most impressive résumé in the country," Klatt said. "Have they been the most impressive at winning the eye test? No, probably not. But, at least on paper, their résumé continues to get stronger with how Notre Dame is playing."
Klatt also was insistent that, while Ohio State teams in years past were great, particularly offensively, this year's version of the Buckeyes might be the best equipped to win a national title.
Why? The defense, which to this point in the season, has been the best Ohio State has fielded in recent memory.
The Ohio State defense celebrates vs. Penn State.
USA Today Sports
"Ohio State is a lot different than what they have been the last couple of years. ... I think I know why people are so critical of this year's team,' Klatt said. "This is a team that, in the last three seasons, was quarterback-reliant... But the defense was always a concern over the last three years."
Klatt may have a point as well.
In the past, Buckeyes teams have faltered in the playoffs due to not being able to get critical stops when needed.
That was the case as recently as last season against the Georgia Bulldogs, who were able to march down the field on a five-play, 72-yard touchdown drive to take the lead.
The Buckeyes of course had their chance to redeem themselves on a last-second field goal but missed it.
"If I am an Ohio State fan, I'm gonna take this version," Klatt said. "You can have the best offense in the country, but if you can't get stops, it's not gonna work. Not at the top end. Not with where you want to go. Not if you want to beat Michigan after a couple of years of not beating them. Not if you want to beat Georgia in the College Football Playoff. Not if you want to beat Alabama in the national championship game. If you want to win those games, (the defense-first) vein is probably better."
The rankings will be released at 7 pm ET, with the Buckeyes faithful hopeful that their resumé will speak for itself.
