Former Ohio State QB reacts to Alabama AD being concerned over potential fallout of upcoming matchup

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) scrambles against Alabama Crimson Tide safety Nick Perry (27) in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

The University of Alabama’s Athletic Director Greg Byrne is concerned about the way strength of schedule is considered in the current College Football Playoff format.

This concern is heightened with a marquee non-conference home-and-home series against Ohio State scheduled in 2027 and 2028. Alabama wants to play those games, but the Crimson Tide also wants the strength of those matchups to be considered when it is time to select the teams for the College Football Playoff.

“This college football playoff structure, they list strength of schedule as the number one kind of foundational item,” Byrne said on “The Triple Option Show.” “But we have real concerns about how the decisions are made and who you schedule. We’ve got a series against Ohio State on the books. We want to play that game. At the same time, too, if whoever loses that game is treated as that’s the same loss as if you’re playing, you know, some other school out there that maybe doesn’t have the history that Ohio State has, that needs to be recognized.”

Byrne’s statement was met with a response from former Ohio State quarterback, Cardale Jones, who led the Buckeyes to a win over the Tide in the Sugar Bowl in 2015.

“Well, win,” Jones commented on Instagram.

The home-and-home series is scheduled to start on Sept. 18, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio. The Tide will host the Buckeyes on Sept. 9, 2028.