They overcame an early season loss to Virginia Tech.
They had to beat Wisconsin and Alabama in order to prove to the world what they believed all along- that they belonged.
And tonight the Ohio State Buckeyes did more than that. By beating the Oregon Ducks 42-20, they proved that not only did they belong, but that they were the best team in the country.
Despite four offensive turnovers, the Buckeyes were able to control the game, especially in the second half, by dominating the line of scrimmage and running the ball. Star sophmore running back Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 246 yards and 4 TDs on 36 carries and was named the Offensive MVP of the game. Third string QB Cardale Jones, who took over the reins at QB at the end of the season due to injuries to Braxton Miller and JT Barrett, threw for 242 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.He also added one rushing touchdown.
Many favored the Oregon Ducks and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, who threw for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also threw 1 interception at the end of the game.
The highly touted hurry-up offense of the Ducks started out quickly, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive; but after that, the physical style of the Buckeyes took over, both on defense and offense, leading to three straight touchdowns in the first half before the Ducks kicked a field goal to make it a 21-10 game at the end of the quarter. But the second half was all about the Buckeyes, who scored 21 points and dominated the time of possession through the blocking of the offensive line and the legs of Elliot, who seemed to break tackle after tackle after tackle en route to his three touchdowns in the second half.
