In my opinion, this week is probably the most crucial in Ohio State's season. They absolutely cannot allow themselves to be distracted by the stunning upset by Illinois. They are Number 7 in the country, with 10 wins and 1 loss, so they still have a chance at the Rose Bowl. However, this week provides the biggest challenge of the year. Ohio State and Michigan (#23) are both at 6 wins and 1 loss in the Big Ten. Saturday's game in Ann Arbor will determine the Big Ten champion and whether or not Ohio State goes to the Rose Bowl.
I am still optimistic about Ohio States chances of getting to the title game. Even though their season ends on Saturday, L.S.U. and Oregon both have up to 3 games left on their schedule. Between Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, two will eventually grind it out for the Big 12 title. Also, earlier this year, 5 out of the Top 10 teams were defeated by unranked opponents on one day. I still believe this could happen again, if some teams get too sure of themselves. If 5 teams ranked higher than Ohio State lose and the Wolverines lose, then Ohio State will most likely return to the ranking of second in the country. If that happens, then Ohio State is almost guaranteed a berth in the title game in New Orleans.
I am really worried if the title game is Ohio State verses Oregon. I am not so worried about L.S.U. though. The reason being is that Oregon's offense works almost the exact same way Illinois' did, except better. If the Buckeyes give up 260 rushing yards to the fighting Illini, then who knows what would happen if Oregon's offense tried it out.
