No. 3 Ohio State (3-0) has made a believer out of the ESPN FPI.
The Buckeyes are off to a fast start thus far through the season's first month but have yet to face any legitimate Power 4 competition. They dominated Marshall last Saturday in Columbus despite a slow first-quarter start.
The 49-14 triumph showcased the true potential of transfer quarterback Will Howard. Howard's 275-yard, three-touchdown (two passing, one rushing) performance kept a trend of stellar play since arriving in Columbus.
The Buckeye defense added a turnover, forcing eight penalties. On the other end, OSU out-gained Marshall 569-264 in the total yards category, adding 280 of those on the ground.
Ohio State attempts to spoil Michigan State's (3-1) Big Ten home opener Saturday night in East Lansing. It enters the game 23.5-point favorites and is tabbed at a 92.8 percent chance to win, according to ESPN's FPI.
ESPN FPI likes Ohio State to make College Football Playoff
Even though No. 12 Michigan remained unbeaten with its second-straight 27-24 triumph against Minnesota Saturday, the FPI sees the Buckeyes making the postseason and getting over the proverbial hump of Ryan Day's inability to win the big games.
According to the data, the Buckeyes have a 79.7 percent chance of qualifying alongside three SEC programs – Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama.
Although it's still early, it's good company for some of college football's best.
Related Links
- Full College Football Schedule 2024
- Big Ten Football news and rumors
- SEC Football news and rumors
- Big 12 football news and rumors
