Florida Atlantic. Cincinnati. Miami of Ohio. This is not the nonconference schedule that champions are made of.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I will fully acknowledge all of the rightful arguments that Buckeye fans have. First of all, Ohio State plays nine conference games. So while Alabama will get “credit” in the eyes of the college football world for scheduling Duke (yes, Duke) and three cupcakes, Ohio State gets looked down on for facing two strong Group of 5 teams. The lack of logic is obvious. But that’s the way this sport works too often.

Also, I know Ohio State was originally scheduled to play TCU this year. And yes, TCU is the school that canceled the series, backing the Buckeyes into a corner on short notice. Could Ohio State have found someone better than Miami (OH) just two years out? Maybe, but it might not be fair to expect them to.

Also, Ohio State has been one of the lone programs out there that’s historically tried to schedule tough non-conference opponents — even away from home. That being said, we have to address the question. How will the CFP selection committee view Ohio State’s schedule this season?

Next … How it’s all played out so far