Ohio State fans expected harsh treatment from the College Football Playoff selection committee. Undefeated Florida State was denied entry into the four-team 2023-24 CFP because quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a gruesome, ultimately career-ending leg injury, so the Julian Sayin situation was bound to cost the Buckeyes. Apparently, though, decision-makers used the team's spotty defensive showing in last Saturday's 30-18 loss versus USC to explain its No. 12 ranking.

CFP selection committee chairman Hunter Yurachek suggested as much on Tuesday night. While there were certainly uncharacteristic lapses in Los Angeles, Ohio State is still allowing only 15.5 points per game. An inexperienced quarterback in Luke Fahey and 11 penalties for 71 yards obviously played big roles in this humbling defeat.

Citing a generally brilliant Matt Patricia-engineered defense as the reasoning for the Buckeyes' standing is interesting, to say the least. Ohio State now has extra motivation to bombard the visiting Oregon Ducks on Saturday afternoon. CBS Sports analyst Aaron Taylor expects the home team to respond after its failed trip to LA. Desperation and track record form the basis of his argument.

“Their backs are against the wall,” the Super Bowl 31 champion and two-time All-American offensive lineman said on “Inside College Football.” “If they lose, they're out, boys. They've only given up four touchdown passes all season-long, so yeah they took their lumps last week… but this front seven, when they play at their best against Oregon's best, from what we've seen on tape this year, this thing may not be close.”

Ohio State's back is against the wall. 👀@AaronTaylorCFB believes Ohio State will get the job done against Oregon and it might not be close.#ICF pic.twitter.com/Mkl8fMcF86

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 4, 2026

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Ohio State is not inspiring much confidence among the CFP committee, but Taylor effectively sums up why this squad deserves more respect. Furthermore, the Buckeyes have the luxury of playing in Columbus. Fahey should be more comfortable surrounded by thunderous support rather than unsympathetic USC fans. The defense should also be up to task.

If head coach Ryan Day can get his players to cut down on the penalties, the squad's profusion of talent should shine through. Oregon QB Dylan Raiola is coming off a stellar performance versus Northwestern — 71.0 completion percentage, 336 passing yards and three touchdowns — but Ohio State is a different beast, especially in The Horseshoe.

Coming off a second loss, the Buckeyes already have plenty incentive to dispatch of the Ducks, but thanks to Hunter Yurachek and his colleagues, they should have a super-sized chip on their shoulder when they take the field. Opening kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.