Ohio State holds steady at No. 2 with a 4–1 record and a rating of 28.8, unchanged from last week despite the dominant 31–14 road win over Iowa in Week 5. The Buckeyes are converting third downs at 48%, which keeps drives alive, but a red-zone TD rate of just 14% suggests they're leaving points on the field in critical situations—a pattern that could matter in close conference games ahead. GIE projects them to win 8.4 games and gives them a 73% chance to make the playoff, though their conference championship odds sit at just 12%. Maryland visits this week, but the real tests loom later. Ohio State's ceiling remains high, but tightening up in the red zone will be essential if they want to close stronger than their current efficiency indicates.