Story perspectives

Ohio State's Playoff Hopes Rest on Cotton Bowl Outcome

12/10/2025

Summary

Ohio State's Playoff Challenge

Ohio State faces a challenging College Football Playoff path, starting with the Cotton Bowl winner between No. 10 Miami and No. 7 Texas A&M.
Miami has won its last four games by 27.5 points on average, despite two losses.
Notre Dame was left out of the playoff despite a higher ranking earlier, a decision that could influence future CFP structures for independents.

Summary

Indiana's Rose Bowl Edge

2025 College Football Playoff bracket is finalized, with Indiana favored in the Rose Bowl against Oklahoma or Alabama.
Analysts say Indiana's strong performance, including a win over Oregon, gives it an edge.
The playoff begins on December 19 and uses a 12-team format with byes for top seeds.
Alabama's struggles have raised questions about their playoff viability, while Georgia and Ohio State remain strong contenders per Joel Klatt's rankings.

History

Historical Context

Established in 2014, the College Football Playoff (CFP) replaced the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to enhance competitive fairness in determining the national champion of NCAA Division I FBS football. The inaugural playoff featured four teams, culminating in Ohio State's victory over Oregon on January 12, 2015. The CFP has since expanded to 12 teams, addressing ongoing debates about inclusivity, particularly for independent teams like Notre Dame.

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Ohio State's Playoff Challenge

Ohio State faces a challenging College Football Playoff path, starting with the Cotton Bowl winner between No. 10 Miami and No. 7 Texas A&M.
Miami has won its last four games by 27.5 points on average, despite two losses.
Notre Dame was left out of the playoff despite a higher ranking earlier, a decision that could influence future CFP structures for independents.

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