The Buckeyes, 41-21 victors over previously-undefeated Oregon, look like the best team left in the College Football Playoff. Texas awaits in the semifinals.

All it took for Ohio State was complete and utter embarrassment 32 days ago. In the same afternoon at The Shoe on that brisk Nov. 30, Michigan first stuck it to the Buckeyes, then stuck its flag in the ground.

Ohio State should send Michigan a thank you card for forcing the Buckeyes to live up to expectations, including a 41-21 pounding of Oregon.

First, Ohio State trounced Tennessee 42-17 in the first round of the College Football Playoff and on New Year's Day the Buckeyes exacted revenge over Oregon in a 41-21 drubbing of the No. 1 team in the country. Ohio State is now two wins away from winning its ninth National Championship, all while fans call for their head coach to be fired.

Just weeks ago fans and pundits were calling for Ryan Day's job at Ohio State and now the Buckeyes are headed to the semifinal after beating Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

On the day the Internet fired Ryan Day, in the aftermath of a brawl and another putrid loss to rival Michigan, hope was fleeting. Ohio State's season