Overview
- The Buckeyes open in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal on Dec. 31 against the winner of No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 10 Miami after a first-round bye.
- Ohio State leads the nation in scoring and total defense, reinforcing confidence the unit can carry a title defense despite the Big Ten title game loss.
- Recurring short-yardage and red-zone problems, including Julian Sayin’s limited rushing threat and a missed 31-yard field goal vs. Indiana, headline the offensive concerns.
- Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, newly hired as South Florida’s head coach, called plays against Indiana and is expected to do so in the CFP as Day evaluates staffing during the prep period.
- Analysts cite a manageable route but caution about potential hurdles such as Georgia, Indiana, Oregon and Texas Tech, with added motivation for Jeremiah Smith after the Biletnikoff went to USC’s Makai Lemon.