Big Ten’s Playoff Contenders Stumble as USC Beats Ohio State
USC defeated Ohio State 30-18 on Saturday night in Los Angeles, adding to questions about the Big Ten’s strength and its playoff prospects. Indiana and unbeaten UCLA are among the conference’s other leading teams.
The Big Ten’s recent hold on college football’s national title looks unlikely to continue this season, as its leading teams have shown weaknesses and USC handed Ohio State a 30-18 loss on Saturday night. The Buckeyes are now 7-2, while the conference’s overall record against other major conferences trails those of the SEC, ACC and Big 12, based on figures cited in the reports.
USC’s win came a week after a 24-7 defeat at Wisconsin. The Trojans’ defense pressured Ohio State and took control early, building a 27-9 lead. Ohio State quarterback Luke Fahey, making his first college start in place of Julian Sayin, passed and ran for more than 200 yards combined. Receiver Jeremiah Smith caught 10 passes for 83 yards, but Ohio State lacked a consistent second receiving option.
The loss narrows Ohio State’s margin for reaching the playoff, though its remaining schedule offers a possible route to 10 wins. Indiana, meanwhile, has survived several close games, including an overtime win over Minnesota. UCLA is 8-0, but has faced questions about the difficulty of its schedule and how it would fare against top-ranked opposition.
The SEC has made the stronger case so far, including a 10-2 record against power-conference opponents in one tally. USC, now outside the top 25, has a bye before closing its schedule against Indiana, Maryland and UCLA. Winning all three could put the Trojans in contention for the Big Ten championship game and a playoff place.