COLUMBUS, Ohio — Much like this time a year ago, Ohio State enters the final week of its regular season with one loss on its resume and its postseason aspirations still up in the air.
But unlike last season, which ultimately resulted in the Buckeyes capturing the first-ever College Football Playoff championship, Ohio State doesn't control its own destiny and is going to need help if it's going to have any shot at defending its crown.
The Buckeyes' 17-14 last-second loss to Michigan State on Saturday transferred control of the Big Ten East to the Spartans, with Ohio State and Michigan still in contention for the right to play Iowa in the Big Ten title game.