Ohio State's Playoff Dreams Go Up in Flames on Saturday Night in Columbus

Saturday night was one of those games in Ohio State history that will live on for forever. The Oregon Ducks came across the country in a game that they needed to win just as badly as the Buckeyes needed to win.

Ohio State got into an early hole and then it happened, Oregon pulled out all of the stops and emasculated the Buckeyes up and down the field. It was the most thorough beatdown that Ohio State has ever experienced, and that is not hyperbole.

It had been nearly 30 years since Ohio State gave up 38 unanswered points until Saturday night. Trailing 14-0, the Ducks ripped off 38 straight points to go up 38-14 before the Buckeyes added two late touchdowns to cut the lead down.

Early last week, the College Football Playoff committee told Ohio State exactly what they thought of this team. After their embarrassing loss to the USC Trojans, Ohio State received a No. 12 ranking, which put them outside the College Football Playoff.

They had to win out this season or else they would be out of the Playoff. 

That happened on Saturday, and the reasons for it are endless. First and foremost, the offensive plan started great, and then just went directly down the drain. Jeremiah Smith had one catch on the first drive and then another on the third drive, which was still in the first quarter. 

From that point, Smith didn't touch the ball again until there were 55 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Yes, that is not a typo. He did not touch the football again until the end of the third quarter, and it was on a zero-yard pass.

He had a huge fourth quarter, so his numbers still look really good, but it is completely unacceptable for any offense to go nearly two full quarters without their best player touching the football.

Then, the conversation goes to the defensive side of the ball. Ohio State's defense was embarrassed after the Ducks' fake punt. Much like the offense, Ohio State got off to a nice start on that side of the ball, but it didn't last. 

No pressure, chunk plays, missed tackles, and forcing no turnovers were the keys to their demise. They made it really easy for Dylan Raiola to sit in the pocket and pick the Buckeyes apart.

It was an embarrassing day for Ohio State, and they are now sitting outside the College Football Playoffs with three games remaining.