The opening round of the College Football Playoff is beginning the gain some clarity.
With the Oregon Ducks set to play James Madison Saturday night, the Big Ten already has a playoff matchup finalized thanks to a thrilling 10-3 win for the Miami Hurricanes against the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station Saturday afternoon.
The Hurricanes' late interception meant that the Ohio State Buckeyes' road to a repeat national title will officially begin New Year's Eve in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Arlington at AT&T Stadium.
Almost instantaneously, the way-too-early betting odds are out for Buckeyes-Hurricanes.
As it currently sits, the Buckeyes are a 9.5-point favorite over their ACC counterparts according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Coach Ryan Day previously told reporters the mission was simple: regardless of which team the Buckeyes draw, they would be ready.
“The committee recognized the body of work that we had this year,” Day said. “We're excited about where we are. And going down to Dallas again and playing against a really good opponent, either A&M or Miami, two really good teams.”
Day has yet to speak about the Hurricanes from a holistic standpoint, but did say he is ready to see how his team responds with ample time since a 13-10 Big Ten title loss to the Indiana Hoosiers earlier this month.
“We're going to respond like men,” Day said. “You're not going to sit around and point fingers and feel sorry for ourselves. We lost. We were not at our best… you have to get the issues fixed.”
Day, too, said time off for his team remains a big deal.
“It's a significant layoff,” Day said. "So the first thing we want to do is the guys who have played a significant amount of football, let them get their legs underneath them, but also, as we get into next week, make sure that they're keeping their edge.”
But, the postseason is nearly here.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, as part of the quarterfinals in the College Football Playoff.