Ohio State's Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance

First-Round Matchups and Potential Opponents

If Ohio State moves up to No. 7, they could face Indiana in the first round. Indiana is likely to be the No. 10 seed unless Clemson jumps them. If the Buckeyes stay at No. 8, they will host Tennessee in Round 1. The field for the inaugural 12-team playoff will be announced during ESPN's College Football Playoff selection on Sunday.

The debate between Texas and Notre Dame is intense. Texas A&M is the best win for both, but Notre Dame has a better average scoring margin. I lean towards Notre Dame getting the edge. The debate between Ohio State and Penn State is also close. Ohio State has a head-to-head win over Penn State and a narrow defeat to Oregon compared to Penn State's loss to Oregon by eight points. However, Penn State has 11 wins to Ohio State's 10.

Conference Champions and At-Large Berths

Oregon is the Big Ten champion and a virtual lock for the No. 1 seed. Georgia is the SEC champion and a safe bet for the No. 2 seed. The first two at-large berths are likely to go to Notre Dame and Texas. No at-large team ranked below Ohio State last week will jump them, so they can focus on hosting a first-round game.

Boise State is the Mountain West champion and likely to be the No. 3 seed, while Arizona State is the Big 12 champion and likely to be the No. 4 seed. Clemson is the ACC champion and could potentially jump Indiana for the No. 10 seed.

The Big Debate: SMU vs. Alabama

The big debate entering Selection Sunday is whether SMU will get the final spot in the CFP over Alabama. Last year's precedent shows that the selection committee may sacrifice an ACC team for Alabama's benefit. After SMU's late-game comeback against Clemson, it might be enough to secure them a spot in the field.

Overall, Ohio State's seed and the final playoff bracket are uncertain until early Sunday afternoon. The selection committee's decisions will have a significant impact on the teams' playoff hopes.