On Saturday, Kevin Warren had a front-row seat to watch Ohio State get boat-raced by Michigan for the second consecutive season. This drubbing from the Wolverines came on the Buckeyes’ own field. Last year, it was a 42-27 win in Ann Arbor that exorcised some demons for Michigan. A trash-talking-filled year later, Michigan went to Columbus and won 45-23.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had the best game of his career, throwing three touchdown passes and running for another score. Running back Donovan Edwards ran for 216 yards on 22 carries. Michigan shredded Ohio State with explosive play after explosive play.

The loss was Ohio State’s first of the season and it ensured Michigan will play for a second consecutive Big Ten title. Ohio State will enter Selection Sunday without so much as a conference title appearance.

And Warren told ESPN after the game he thinks the performance made clear the Buckeyes still deserve a spot in the College Football Playoff.

“One hundred percent,” Warren told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “Clearly, Michigan and Ohio State are two of the best four teams in the country, and I think today proved it. Great football game. Epic football game. Without a doubt, I think I think they are clearly two of the best football teams in the country.”

Ohio State entered the game ranked No. 2 in the CFP rankings. Michigan was No. 3. The Wolverines appear to be on their way to another CFP appearance.

Unbeaten TCU figures to move up from No. 4. What happens with No. 5 LSU and No. 6 USC will be interesting.

The Trojans could be 12-1 with a Pac-12 championship in hand if they’re able to beat Notre Dame on Saturday and then win next week’s title game in Las Vegas.

If Warren has his way, they’d be left out for an Ohio State team that lost the most important game it played.