Where is Ohio State going bowling? The experts predict Buckeyes’ postseason destination
I know some of you are still holding out hope that Ohio State will somehow squeak its way into the College Football Playoff, but that’s a long, long shot. I’m here to tell you to treat the CFP Committee like that girlfriend that got away and was clear to you that she just wanted to be “friends.”
It’s over. OSU isn’t getting into all of the fun this year no matter what happens, so it’s time to look at other options that are on the table. The good news is that those options are still pretty good. They won’t end in a national championship trophy, but a New Year’s six game is likely still at the end of the rainbow of 2021, and one of those destinations is about as iconic as you’ll find.
I’m of course talking about “The Grandaddy of ’em all,” the Rose Bowl, in sunny and picturesque Pasadena, California. If you’ve been there, then you get it. It’s a splendid consolation prize for an Ohio State team that could never quite put things together on the defensive side of the ball.
But while Southern California seems like the most likely destination for OSU, it is not a lock. The Buckeyes could also find their way to another big-money bowl if things break another way.
We’ve already projected Ohio State to the Rose Bowl ourselves, but what about other experts that like to weigh in on this sort of thing? We put together a listicle of some of the most-followed national media sites and where they have the scarlet and gray going.
So, off we go …
CBS Sports
Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Roses stamped with Oregon Ducks and Wisconsin Badgers logos prior to the game in the 2012 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
What Jerry Palm Projects
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Oregon Ducks
USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; Tournament of Roses President Gerald Freeny (left) congratulates Ohio State linebacker Wyatt Davis (right) after handing Davis a rose after the Buckeyes defeated the Washington Huskies in the 2019 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl Stadium. Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
What Erick Smith Projects
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Utah Utes
ESPN
Jan 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; General overall view of the 2018 Rose Bowl logo at midfield before a college football playoff semifinal game Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Rose Bowl Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What ESPN (subscription required) Projects
Kyle Bonagura – The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Mark Schlabach – The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Kyle Bonagura – Utah
Mark Schlabach – Oregon
Athlon Sports
Jan 1, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Washington Huskies in the 2019 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What Steve Lasson Projects
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Utah Utes
247Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of the Rose Bowl game logo at midfield during the Rose Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What Brad Crawford Projects
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Utah Utes
The Action Network
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; The Rose Bowl logo on a pylon during the 2021 College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Credit: Robert Franklin-USA TODAY Sports
What Brett McMurphy Projects
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Utah Utes
Sports Illustrated
As if you didn't already know when our game is… 😏
Come join us as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our first game on New Year's Day! https://t.co/2JTTERd6N0 pic.twitter.com/vZ2Vf5ZLY8
— Vrbo Citrus Bowl (@CitrusBowl) May 27, 2021
What Richard Johnson Projects
VRBO Citrus Bowl (This isn’t happening)
Opponent
Kentucky Wildcats
College Football News
Jan 1, 2010; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of the 2010 Rose Bowl between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks with the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop at the Rose Bowl. Ohio State defeated Oregon 26-17. Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
What Pete Fiutak Projects
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One
Opponent
Oregon Ducks
What We Say
Credit: Phil Harrison, USA TODAY Sports
Get it out of your head now that Ohio State won’t get into a New Year’s Six game. The Buckeyes are going to likely be ranked no worse than No. 7, and that’s a sure-bet to get into one of the big-time bowls. If Michigan beats Iowa like many project, it’s likely off to Pasadena because the Wolverines will head to the College Football Playoff.
However, what throws a big ‘ole fly in the postseason ointment is if Iowa finds a way to knock off the maize and blue. If that happens, Iowa will head to Pasadena and Michigan will still head to a New Year’s Six along with, we believe, Ohio State. In that case, Michigan State might have to settle for the Outback or Citrus Bowls, while OSU heads to either the Fiesta or Peach Bowl.
Buckeye fans know and love the Phoenix area very well, but OSU has never played in the Peach. No matter how you slice it, if you like to travel, you’ll be happy with going somewhere scenic and warm. Unless it’s Atlanta, but there are worse things.
So, the question is: Would you rather see Michigan lose and have Ohio State not go to sunny California, or have the Wolverines win and get to eat some In ‘n’ Out Burger and take in all that the L.A. area has to offer?
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