Ohio State is on the brink of completing a dream College Football Playoff run as they prepare to face off against No. 7 Notre Dame in the national title game. The Buckeyes enter this clash as the hottest team in the country and are heavily favored to secure the championship. But how did they get here?
Ohio State’s Path to the National Championship
To reach this pivotal moment, Ohio State had to navigate a challenging path, winning three consecutive games against formidable opponents. This impressive run is reminiscent of their last national title victory, which also featured a series of convincing wins. The Buckeyes are no strangers to the pressure of big games, and their current form suggests they are ready to seize this opportunity.
A Look Back at Ohio State’s Last Championship Win
When was the last time Ohio State lifted the National Championship trophy? The Buckeyes made history by becoming the first-ever champions during the College Football Playoff era, triumphing 42-20 over Oregon in January 2015. As the No. 4 seed in the inaugural playoff bracket, Ohio State upset No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the championship game, where they faced the No. 2 Ducks.
Oregon came into that game riding high after a blowout victory against No. 3 Florida State, led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. However, Ohio State had a secret weapon in running back Ezekiel Elliott, who racked up an astounding 1,878 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns that season. The Buckeyes’ quarterback situation was less stable, as Cardale Jones, who started the year as the third-stringer, stepped up after injuries sidelined Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett.
The Championship Game: A Turning Point
The championship game started with Oregon scoring the first touchdown, but Ohio State quickly responded with a 21-0 run, highlighted by Elliott’s 33-yard touchdown. The Buckeyes took an 11-point lead into halftime, but the Ducks closed the gap to just one point with 6:39 left in the third quarter.
What happened next was nothing short of spectacular. Behind Elliott’s heroics, Ohio State surged ahead, scoring the last 21 points of the game. Elliott finished with an incredible 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries, solidifying his place in Ohio State lore.
Jones also made his mark, totaling 246 passing yards, 38 rushing yards, and two combined touchdowns in that decisive win. While he spent most of the season as a backup, Jones became an Ohio State legend by leading the team through three must-win games to finish the season.
Ohio State’s National Championship History
Ohio State has a storied history in National Championship games. Since the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) began in 1998, the Buckeyes have participated in five national championship games, boasting a 2-3 record overall. In the College Football Playoff era, they have played in two title games: a victory over Oregon in 2015 and a loss to Alabama in 2021.
Before the CFP, Ohio State competed in three BCS National Championships. They claimed their first title in January 2003 against Miami (FL), but faced tough losses in back-to-back years, falling to Florida in 2007 and LSU in 2008. With eight total championships to their name, six were secured before the BCS era, between 1942 and 1970, none of which were decided in a designated National Championship game.
The Road Ahead: What It Means for Ohio State
As Ohio State prepares for this monumental clash against Notre Dame, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Buckeyes are not just competing for a title; they are also looking to add to their rich legacy in college football. With a strong roster and a history of overcoming adversity, they have the potential to make history once again.
The excitement surrounding this game is palpable. Fans are eager to see if Ohio State can replicate the success of their last championship run, and the players are undoubtedly feeling the weight of expectations. Will they rise to the occasion and bring home another title?
As the countdown to kickoff begins, one thing is certain: Ohio State is ready to leave it all on the field. With their impressive track record and the momentum they’ve built, the Buckeyes are poised to make a statement in the national title game.
In the world of college football, anything can happen, but Ohio State’s journey thus far has shown resilience, talent, and a commitment to excellence. The stage is set, and the Buckeyes are hungry for victory. Will they etch their names in history once more? Only time will tell.
