Buckeyes Face Playoffs Decision: Home Field Glory or Neutral Turf?
Ohio State’s aspirations for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff were dashed with their loss to arch-rival Michigan.
While the Buckeyes won’t be crowned Big Ten champions this year, they do have a shot at hosting a first-round playoff game at Ohio Stadium, a historic opportunity for the program and its fans. "That would be the first football game played by the Buckeyes in the Shoe in December," the article notes. "It would be a historic game and fans would absolutely pack the stands to see that game."
However, there’s a looming question: will the Buckeyes choose home turf advantage in Columbus or opt for a neutral site in Indianapolis? This debate was sparked during Gene Smith’s tenure as athletic director and lingers today under Ross Bjork’s leadership.
Some believe a neutral location could benefit the Buckeyes, shielding them from Ohio’s wintry conditions. "Does Ross Bjork share that view?" the original article asks. However, many fans, and rightfully so, see a home playoff game as an unparalleled experience.
"If the Buckeyes did host a playoff game in Indy, that would be a disaster. It would rob Ohio State football fans of a historic event happening in Columbus," the article stresses. "Yes, the weather is going to be cold. But that shouldn’t matter, especially if an SEC team has to come to Columbus."
Indeed, the prospect of an SEC team facing the cold, November air of Ohio Stadium could be a significant advantage for the Buckeyes. "In fact," the article adds, "it would be a great advantage for Ohio State to play in the Shoe if an SEC team had to play the Buckeyes. That cold weather is not something SEC teams ever have to deal with. Playing the game in Indianapolis would take away that great advantage."
The decision ultimately rests with Bjork, a relatively new face in the Ohio State athletic department. He’s walked into a situation with high expectations and passionate fans, who wouldn’t take kindly to a potentially controversial decision.
"Ross Bjork has not said that he would try to host a game in Indy," the article concludes. "He hasn’t really said anything on this front. He’s very early in his athletic director tenure. I can guarantee you fans would immediately hate him if he took away a home playoff game. That would be starting his tenure off very rocky."
The coming weeks will reveal whether Buckeye fans will have the chance to witness playoff history unfold in the heart of Columbus or see their team head to a neutral site. Regardless, the stakes are high for Ohio State and its athletic director as the College Football Playoff picture becomes clearer.
Read more about potential playoff matchups for the Buckeyes.
