Looks like that lofty No. 1 ranking in the Football Power Index (FPI) doesn't mean everything over at ESPN.
The Buckeyes have a hefty lead in the preseason metric rankings, but analyst Jason Sehorn has a different look at things considering the schedule. Sehorn is booking two losses for Ohio State in 2017 — one at home to Penn State, and on the road against rival Michigan.
ESPN FPI says @OhioStateFB has the best chance to go undefeated in 2017.
We pick every game on the Buckeyes' schedule: pic.twitter.com/SWhBy2rrOg
— ESPNU (@ESPNU) April 18, 2017
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Losses to both Michigan and Penn State would likely knock the Buckeyes out of any sort of consideration for the College Football Playoff, as they would be a two-loss team that would likely have no chance to make their conference title game. Sure, Ohio State made the Playoff last year despite not making the Big Ten title game, but that was different considering that they only had one loss all season.
Ohio State is set to make a good run in 2017, as the Buckeyes return 15 starters from a young and talented team that did make it to college football's final four last year. Whether or not they can make it through a tough schedule that features Oklahoma, Michigan, Penn State, and Nebraska will definitely be a fun story line to watch in the upcoming season.
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