The three best moments during the Ohio State football team’s national title run

The three best moments during the Ohio State football team’s national title run

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ national title run in the 2014-2015 College Football Playoff (CFP) is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling and unexpected championship victories in college football history. Led by coach Urban Meyer, Ohio State’s journey to the national championship was filled with dramatic moments, but three in particular stand out as the defining highlights of their unforgettable season: the emergence of third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, the victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, and the dominant performance in the national championship game against Oregon.

 

### 1. Cardale Jones’ Unlikely Rise to Prominence

 

When starting quarterback Braxton Miller was lost to a season-ending injury in the preseason, it was a huge blow to Ohio State’s national championship hopes. Then, after second-string quarterback J.T. Barrett also went down with a broken ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan, it seemed the Buckeyes’ championship dreams were dashed. But in stepped Cardale Jones, a third-string quarterback with little experience at the college level.

 

Jones had spent most of the season as a backup, but when thrust into action in the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin, he delivered an unexpected and sensational performance. Jones threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to a resounding 59-0 victory. His performance not only secured Ohio State’s place in the inaugural College Football Playoff, but it also announced his arrival as a serious contender in the national title race. Jones’ calm and collected demeanor, paired with his strong arm and athleticism, gave Ohio State the confidence to move forward in the postseason with a true underdog at quarterback. His play throughout the playoff was exceptional, and his rise to prominence became one of the defining stories of Ohio State’s national title run.

 

### 2. The Sugar Bowl Victory Over Alabama

 

Ohio State’s semifinal matchup in the 2015 College Football Playoff was set against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the top-seeded team and a powerhouse under head coach Nick Saban. The Buckeyes were heavy underdogs, facing the perennial national title contenders in their home state of New Orleans, but what followed was one of the most impressive wins in Ohio State history.

 

Ohio State came into the game with the mindset of proving themselves as legitimate contenders despite their initial doubts. The Buckeyes dominated in all phases, with Jones throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown, while running back Ezekiel Elliott shredded Alabama’s defense for 230 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State’s offensive line, which had been questioned all season, showed up in a big way, opening holes for Elliott and providing Jones with the time he needed to make plays.

 

The defense also played an instrumental role in the 42-35 victory, as they stifled Alabama’s high-powered offense, including a crucial interception by safety Tyvis Powell late in the game. The Buckeyes controlled the tempo and proved they were more than capable of beating the best team in the country. The victory over Alabama was not just a win—it was a statement to the rest of the college football world that Ohio State was a force to be reckoned with.

 

### 3. Dominating Oregon in the National Championship Game

 

After knocking off Alabama, Ohio State found itself in the national championship game against the Oregon Ducks, a team that had been nearly unstoppable throughout the season with its high-octane offense led by quarterback Marcus Mariota. The matchup seemed poised to be a high-scoring affair, but Ohio State’s defense and running game dominated from the start, silencing Oregon’s potent attack.

 

The game began with a bang as the Buckeyes took control early, jumping out to a 21-10 lead by halftime. Jones, now fully settled into the starting role, was efficient and composed, throwing for 242 yards and a touchdown. But the real star of the game was Elliott, who rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that sealed the 42-20 victory. His performance was nothing short of legendary, as he powered Ohio State’s offense in a way that had never been seen before in a national championship game.

 

The Buckeyes’ defense, which had been underestimated all season, also stepped up in a big way, limiting Mariota and Oregon’s offense to just 20 points. Ohio State’s defense kept Oregon off balance throughout the game, with linebackers and defensive backs flying to the ball and making key stops.

 

When the clock hit zero, Ohio State had claimed its eighth national championship, capping off a remarkable season filled with resilience, grit, and teamwork. The 2015 College Football Playoff title was a testament to Urban Meyer’s leadership, the strength of the team’s offensive and defensive units, and the unexpected rise of players like Cardale Jones and Ezekiel Elliott. The Buckeyes’ national title run will forever be remembered for these unforgettable moments, which defined one of the most thrilling postseason runs in college football history.