Yesterday The Ohio State Buckeyes became the first College Football Playoff Champions. Although Oregon took the lead early and got with in one point of Ohio State in the third quarter they were never able to take the lead again. Oregon scored right away, but let up two Ohio State touchdowns before the end of the first quarter. The second quarter started with Ohio State's Cardale Jones rushing for a touchdown and the half ended with Oregon kicking a field goal. Going into the second half the score was 21 - 10 Ohio State, and Oregon knew they had to change things up. Oregon scored a touchdown and a field goal to pull within one point of Ohio State, but that was the last time the Ducks would put any points on the board. Ohio State went on to scored 3 more touchdowns and win the game 42 - 20.
What happened to Oregon?
For Oregon it was not just one thing that kept them away from winning their first ever national championship. For one I think their injuries finally caught up to them. They were playing without two receivers and this hurt their high octane offense. Besides injuries there defense could not stop Ohio State. The Ducks caused 4 turnovers, but if they weren't getting turnovers then Ohio State was marching their way across the field and scoring. Cardale Jones had a good performance, but the real problem was trying to stop Ohio States run game. The Ducks allowed 296 rushing yards. All put together the Ducks just could not find a way to beat Ohio State.
What did Ohio State do to Win?
Besides for the four turnovers, Ohio State played a great game. Urban Meyer was on his toes a called a timeout before a trick punt play by Oregon. Ezekial Elliot broke championship game records in rush attempts, rush yards, and rush touchdowns. Cardale Jones passed for just under 250 yards, threw for a touchdown, and ran one in. The big factor was that even when the offense turned over the ball the defense was able to hold Oregon's offense, only allowing 10 points on those 4 turnovers (sometimes giving Oregon great field position). Altogether, the combination of offense and defense showed why they deserved to be playing in the National Championship Game, even after being questioned if they should even be in the top 4.
Three Stars
First Star
Ezekial Elliot : 36 carries, 246 yards, and 4 TDs
Second Star
Cardale Jones: 16/23, 242 pass yards, 38 rush yards, 1 pass TD, 1 rush TD, 1 INT
Third Star
Marcus Mariota: 24/37, 333 pass yards, 39 rush yards, 2 pass TDs, 1 INT
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