The Ohio State Buckeyes are focusing squarely on their game next week against the Penn State Nittany Lions after an emotional loss on the road to the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday. The Buckeyes certainly don't control their own destiny in the Big Ten's Leaders Division anymore, but finishing the season strong can still improve the bowl game they play in to finish the season.
SB Nation's latest bowl projections have Ohio State playing Texas Tech in the Meineke Car Car Bowl of Texas in Houston, Texas on December 31st. This presumes the Buckeyes will be number six in the Big Ten's bowl pecking order which seems about right after this weekend's results.
Despite the overtime loss at Purdue, the latest College Football News bowl projections have Ohio State slated to play in the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona on December 30th against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Insight Bowl takes the Big Ten's fourth or fifth team, so Ohio State will have to win out to at least catch Penn State in the division. The Nittany Lions finish the season against Ohio State and Wisconsin, so the schedule sets up well for Ohio State at least hang on to second place in the Leaders Division.
For more 2011 college football bowl projections make sure to head over to SB Nation's college football hub, and for more on Ohio State head over to Along The Olentangy.