Paul Finebaum Questions the College Football Playoff’s Biggest Overlooked Threat: Ohio State
As the College Football Playoff (CFP) moves into the quarterfinals, veteran college football analyst Paul Finebaum is raising eyebrows with a provocative question: Why is no one talking about Ohio State? On The Matt Barrie Show, Finebaum dissected the dynamics of the bracket, highlighting Indiana’s rise, Alabama’s struggles, and a growing concern that the Buckeyes may be the quietly dangerous team nobody is watching.
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Indiana: The Unexpected Contender
Finebaum began by praising Indiana, which has defied expectations all season. “Time and time again, they’ve proved us wrong,” he said, referencing Indiana’s near-upset against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. The Hoosiers, now seeded against Alabama in the quarterfinals, are being underestimated due to their historical reputation.
“They have a chip on their shoulder,” Finebaum explained. The team’s success is tied to head coach Kurt Signetti, whose leadership has instilled confidence and aggressiveness throughout the roster. Indiana boasts a collection of talented players, including Heisman contender Fernando Mendoza and skilled receivers Elijah Serat and Omar Cooper Jr., as well as running back Roman Hembi. Finebaum believes this combination of talent and attitude makes them a legitimate threat, even against a program as storied as Alabama.
Alabama: A Program of Highs and Lows
Alabama, meanwhile, remains an enigma. Finebaum acknowledged the Tide’s history of dominance but noted inconsistencies that have plagued the team this season. While capable of reaching peak performance, Alabama has shown vulnerability at critical moments. “Alabama can play at the highest level, but it doesn’t do it very often,” Finebaum said.
The upcoming match against Indiana adds another layer of intrigue. Finebaum pointed out that, while the Tide may appear stronger on paper, the Hoosiers’ proven success and confidence could level the playing field. “Brandwise, we’re looking at probably the second or third winningest program of all time versus one of the programs with the most historic underdog narratives. It makes Indiana’s story even more compelling,” he said.
The Role of the Bracket
Finebaum also highlighted the unique opportunities created by the current bracket. Indiana avoided facing heavyweights like Oregon, Texas Tech, or Miami in the quarterfinals. Instead, they face Alabama, a team that has dominated the CFP era since its inception. This setup gives Indiana a chance to make a statement and potentially shift the narrative around the program. “To me, Paul, that makes the better story,” co-host Matt Barrie observed. Finebaum agreed, noting that the matchup is perfect for showcasing the Hoosiers’ resilience and growth under Signetti.
Conversely, Alabama faces a program that has grown confident in recent years. Finebaum suggested that the Tide might have preferred facing a less battle-tested team, but the challenge against Indiana presents an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance.
Miami and the Chip on the Shoulder
Moving beyond the Alabama-Indiana matchup, Finebaum praised Miami for its first-round victory over Texas A&M. The Hurricanes, who were criticized for their head-to-head loss against Notre Dame, silenced doubters with a performance in College Station. “They went punch for punch with one of the most hostile teams in the playoff’s opening round,” Finebaum said. Miami now has a chance to emulate Ohio State’s path from a year ago, when the Buckeyes entered the playoff with a chip on their shoulder after being left out of the conference championship.
Miami’s success reflects the value of momentum and motivation in the CFP. Teams that feel slighted or overlooked often rise to the occasion, and the Hurricanes fit that narrative perfectly.
Ohio State: The Quiet Threat
Yet for Finebaum, the bigger story may be Ohio State. “Nobody’s really talking about them,” he said, expressing concern that the Buckeyes are flying under the radar. Traditionally considered one of the best teams in the nation, Ohio State entered the playoff quietly, with much of the public conversation dominated by Alabama, Georgia, and other programs. Finebaum warned that this lack of attention could work in Ohio State’s favor, allowing them to prepare and execute without external pressures.
The Buckeyes, he emphasized, are a team that historically responds well to being overlooked. With talent and experience, they have the potential to upset expectations once again. “We assumed they were the best team in the country until proven otherwise, and now they’re just hanging around. Does anybody remember us?” Finebaum remarked, highlighting the danger of underestimating a program of Ohio State’s caliber.
The SEC vs. Big Ten Debate
Another key theme Finebaum explored was the ongoing debate between the SEC and Big Ten. While the SEC has long been viewed as the dominant conference, the bracket has created opportunities for Big Ten teams to shine. Indiana’s matchup against Alabama is a prime example, with the potential to disrupt SEC dominance in the playoff. Finebaum pointed out that this could lead to an all-Big Ten final if Ohio State and Indiana advance, creating a historic scenario where the conference could compete for three consecutive national championships.
This dynamic adds intrigue to the playoff and raises questions about conference perception and media narratives. Finebaum stressed that the outcomes of these games could redefine which conferences are considered the elite in college football.
The Role of Coaching in the Quarterfinals
Coaching also plays a significant role in playoff outcomes. Finebaum praised Indiana’s Kurt Signetti for his ability to instill confidence and consistency in his team. Similarly, Alabama’s coaching staff, led by a program accustomed to championship success, faces the challenge of preparing for a confident underdog. Finebaum highlighted that playoff success is often tied to leadership and preparation, not just talent. Programs that can adapt and execute under pressure tend to rise, while teams relying solely on reputation risk being exposed.
Format Controversies
Finebaum also addressed criticism of the CFP format, particularly regarding the inclusion of teams like James Madison. While some fans complain about perceived unfairness, Finebaum argued that the format itself dictates selections. “The format that was signed and agreed on years ago made it such that those were going to be the teams getting in,” he explained. He suggested that frustration should be directed at the system rather than the individual teams, emphasizing that upsets and unexpected runs are part of the playoff’s design.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal Storylines
As the CFP moves into the quarterfinals, several storylines emerge:
Alabama vs. Indiana: A classic underdog-versus-legacy matchup that tests Indiana’s resolve and Alabama’s consistency.
Miami vs. Ohio State: A clash between motivated, slighted teams, each with a chip on its shoulder and a chance to redefine expectations.
Conference supremacy: With potential all-Big Ten and all-SEC matchups, the quarterfinals could challenge perceptions of conference dominance.
Coaching impact: Leadership, preparation, and adaptability will be critical factors in determining which teams advance.
Finebaum emphasized that these matchups go beyond talent alone. Momentum, confidence, and mental toughness could determine which programs continue toward the semifinals.
Why Ohio State Deserves Attention
Perhaps the most compelling warning Finebaum delivered is about Ohio State. Despite media silence, the Buckeyes’ talent, experience, and historical playoff success make them a serious contender. “We’re talking about a team that has responded to adversity before and quietly builds momentum,” Finebaum noted. The potential for Ohio State to upset expectations mirrors past playoff surprises, highlighting why analysts and fans should pay closer attention.
Closing Thoughts
Finebaum’s insights underscore the complexity and unpredictability of the College Football Playoff. While storylines like Indiana’s underdog run or Miami’s motivated resurgence capture headlines, Ohio State may quietly be the team that disrupts expectations. Alabama’s matchup against Indiana represents a test of consistency against a confident underdog, while the broader playoff bracket offers opportunities for both Big Ten and SEC programs to redefine narratives.
As Finebaum warned, “You want this, you got that? No way. Watch them walk right past you. Run fast. Run fast while you have a chance.” The quarterfinals promise high drama, unexpected upsets, and storylines that could reshape college football’s championship landscape.
The stage is set. Indiana, Alabama, Miami, Ohio State—the spotlight is on the teams that have earned their way here, and the nation is about to witness a playoff full of tension, strategy, and high stakes.
