There won’t be a Michigan-Ohio State rematch
Even before USC lost to Utah in the Pac-12 championship game, there was talk of a potential rematch between Michigan and Ohio State in the playoff.
The talk got even stronger when TCU lost to Kansas State as some argued Ohio State should jump up to No. 3 to face Michigan. However, the committee is supposed to avoid rematches for one and two, the Buckeyes didn’t deserve to jump TCU after losing by 22 at home to the Wolverines.
The Buckeyes are in the playoff though and were rewarded with a matchup against Georgia. It’s better to be in the playoff than not in, but it’s hard to see Ohio State winning this matchup.
Georgia has a veteran quarterback, a dominating offensive line, some freaks at tight end, and the best defense in college football. Nobody could slow down Hendon Hooker until he met the Bulldogs and I don’t see it going differently for C.J. Stroud and the Buckeyes.
Ohio State fans have talked about how Michigan is afraid of a rematch. J.J. McCarthy called a potential rematch “a blessing” so I don’t think U-M is scared. The bragging rights that were supposed to be in effect for fans until next November would be on the line.
But regardless of what happens, nothing will take away that 22-point drubbing in Columbus or the fact that it delivered another Big Ten championship to Ann Arbor.
If Ohio State beats Georgia, it will absolutely deserve to play for a national title and might even be favored against the Wolverines. But, would I rather play a team that dominated Michigan last season or one that Michigan just beat by double digits for the second year in a row?
It’s not tough to figure out. That being said, Georgia feels too good to me and I see the Bulldogs improving to 14-0 and setting up a rematch with Michigan for the national title.