Here's an interesting hypothetical to consider with the College Football Playoff, presuming a few things over the coming weeks:
a) Alabama barely squeaks past UGA in the SEC title game (Dec. 1).
b) West Virginia and Oklahoma split its upcoming two-game series (season finale/Big 12 championship).
c) Washington State falls to Washington in next week's Apple Cup. Subsequently, the Cougars are denied entry into the Pac-12 title game.
d) Ohio State beats Michigan next Saturday in Columbus and then uses that landmark victory as a springboard to the Big Ten title (knocking off Northwestern in Indy).
Within this four-part hypothetical, would Georgia or LSU (both with two losses) garner consideration above the one-loss Buckeyes for the four-team Playoff?
If not, Bulldogs fans might live to regret the unusual events of Saturday, specifically the Ohio State-Maryland matchup.
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For those who didn't watch the game, Maryland raced to a big lead in the opening quarter and, for the most part, maintained that advantage late into the fourth; and when the Buckeyes posted a game-tying touchdown in the final seconds of regulation, the Terrapins had seemingly missed their window for the upset.
But there were shenanigans in overtime, as well. In fact, when Maryland scored a touchdown on its first possession, directly countering Ohio State's scoring drive in overtime, Terps head coach Matt Canada was left with an interesting dilemma:
Kick the game-extending PAT ... or go for the jugular with the two-point conversion?
The interim coach opted for the latter.
Here's the clip of Maryland's chance at overtime glory. It was a well-designed play and seemingly executed to near-perfection ... minus one crucial detail.
WATCH
Would Maryland QB Tyrell Prigrome like a do-over on that final pass?
You betcha.
For at least 1.5 seconds, the Maryland receiver was wide open and attentive in the end zone; but alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Of course, this heartbreaking ending for Maryland might only become a nightmare for Georgia fans ... if Ohio State beats Michigan next week and the Dawgs fall to 'Bama the following Saturday.
If those pieces fall into place, OSU coach Urban Meyer could have one more Playoff visit on his career resume ... even though the Buckeyes hardly resemble an elite team.
