Those who figured Ohio State might leapfrog LSU again in the College Football Playoff rankings after this weekend’s game at Michigan were proven wrong Tuesday night.
The Buckeyes already made the jump.
Ohio State, which was ranked No. 1 during the first week of the CFP rankings but was replaced by the Tigers following LSU’s 46-41 win at Alabama on Nov. 9, ascended to the top spot for a second time following last Saturday’s 28-17 triumph over visiting Penn State. LSU’s two weeks at No. 1 contained wins over Ole Miss (58-37) and Arkansas (56-20).
“It’s probably that complete-team piece,” CFP committee chair Rob Mullens said on ESPN when asked about the switch. “Ohio State has been really good on both sides of the ball, and it was the defensive piece. They’re obviously both very good on the offensive side, and this week the committee felt that the win over Penn State solidified that Ohio State is a little better on the defensive side of the ball.”
LSU led Arkansas 56-6 before the Razorbacks scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns against Tigers reserves.