Outside of the first ten minutes of the game, Ohio State was in complete control against Penn State last Saturday. Walking into Happy Valley and coming away with a win is never an easy task, regardless of start time. But that’s exactly what the Buckeyes did.
While we still haven’t seen Ryan Day’s club put together a complete game, it was comforting to see a revamped line come together to protect Will Howard and open holes for the running backs against a very talented defense. The result helped reshape a narrative surrounding this Ohio State team both with the local media and the national publication and writers and it’s no different with a guy that called the game live, Fox College Football’s Joel Klatt.
So, where does Klatt have the Buckeyes after the impressive win? Let’s find out as we take a look at his Top-10.
10. BYU Cougars
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. NR
What we think
We have a new team in Klatt’s Top-10… the BYU Cougars. The Cougs do have a couple quality wins over ranked opponents Kansas State and SMU. While BYU is undefeated, it still has to face Utah in the Holy War. Even though they’ve lost four in a row, don’t count the Utes out just yet. Anything can happen in a rivalry game.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 9
What we think
Alabama was off this past week. The Tide squares off against LSU this week, and with both teams having lost two games already, this is most likely a defacto playoff elimination game. Klatt doesn’t have the Tigers in his Top-10, which tells us who he thinks is better, and we tend to agree.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 4
What we think
Well, James Franklin lost another big game, but Penn State is still in a really good position to make the College Football Playoff. Barring a catastrophe, the Nittany Lions will make the field. The good news for Penn State fans is that the last four games of the regular season have no ranked opponents.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 8
What we think
Another week, another mediocre win over a so-so opponent. To be fair, Kentucky has put up some good fights this year. However, Tennessee hasn’t looked the part just yet. But a showdown with Georgia looms in two weeks and the Vols will have the opportunity to put all the doubts to rest.
6. Indiana Hoosiers
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 7
What we think
The Hoosiers were losing a game for the first time this season when they found themselves in a 10-0 hole against Michigan State this past Saturday. Then Indiana rattled off 47 unanswered points. This team can light up the scoreboard and do it fast. The Hoosiers get Michigan at home this week before an off week and then a trip to Columbus. Win or lose to Ohio State, this Indiana team could crash the College Football Playoff party.
5. Miami Hurricanes
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 10
What we think
Another week, another come-from-behind win for the Hurricanes. Miami trailed Duke 28-17 in the third quarter before pulling away late. Cam Ward is as good as advertised and is a Heisman frontrunner for good reason. Outside of Ward however, this team feels very average.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 5
What we think
Texas is in a good spot and an off week couldn’t have come at a better time to allow the Longhorns to get healthy and refocused. Assuming there’s no stumbles, Texas should be a lock for the CFP.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 2
What we think
One week, Georgia looks like they might be the best team in the country, and another week the team looks as average as they come. One thing is for sure… if the Dawgs hope to make any kind of run, Carson Beck has to be better. The UGA quarterback has thrown 11 interceptions in the past five games.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 3
What we think
Ohio State got the signature win it needed, defeating Penn State on the road in hostile Beaver Stadium. The win could’ve looked even more impressive, but the Buckeyes missed on a few plays that should’ve been scores. Still, OSU looks the part of a true title contender.
1. Oregon Ducks
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 1
What we think
All of Buckeye Nation were Oregon fans on Saturday as the Ducks went into the Big House and pushed the Wolverines around. Oregon had no problem with Michigan and is cruising to a spot in the Big Ten Championship game.
Klatt’s Full Ranking
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Where is Ohio State in Joel Klatt’s latest ranking after win over Penn State?
