El equipo de fútbol americano Ohio State Buckeyes de 2014 representó a la Universidad Estatal de Ohio en la temporada de fútbol americano FBS de la División I de la NCAA de 2014. Fue la temporada número 125 de los Buckeyes en general, la número 102 como miembro de la Conferencia Big Ten y la primera temporada como miembro de la recién reorganizada División Este. El equipo fue dirigido por Urban Meyer , en su tercer año como entrenador en jefe, y jugó sus partidos de local en el Ohio Stadium en Columbus, Ohio . Terminaron la temporada con 14 victorias y 1 derrota (14-1 en general, 8-0 en la Big Ten), como campeones de la Big Ten y como campeones nacionales después de derrotar a Oregon en el Juego inaugural del Campeonato Nacional de Playoffs de Fútbol Universitario . Ganar 14 juegos en una temporada empató el récord escolar establecido por el equipo campeón nacional anterior de los Buckeyes .
Después de una temporada de 12-2 el año anterior , Ohio State firmó una clase de reclutamiento altamente clasificada y comenzó la temporada en el puesto número 5 en la encuesta de AP y el número 6 en la encuesta de pretemporada de los entrenadores. En el segundo juego de la temporada, Ohio State fue derrotado por Virginia Tech , 35-21. Después de la derrota, Ohio State ganó cinco juegos consecutivos, incluidos cuatro contra oponentes de Big Ten. En el noveno juego de la temporada, Ohio State derrotó a Michigan State en una revancha del Juego de Campeonato Big Ten del año anterior. Después de la victoria 49-37 sobre los Spartans, los Buckeyes pasaron al top ten en todas las encuestas principales. Después de una victoria 42-28 sobre su rival Michigan , Ohio State completó su tercera temporada regular consecutiva invicta en Big Ten y obtuvo su segundo lugar consecutivo en el Juego de Campeonato Big Ten, donde derrotó a Wisconsin 59-0. En la primera temporada del College Football Playoff , Ohio State fue seleccionado como el equipo número 4, donde derrotó a Alabama en el Sugar Bowl 42-35. La victoria avanzó a los Buckeyes al Juego del Campeonato Nacional del College Football Playoff 2015 , donde derrotaron a Oregon 42-20 para capturar el campeonato nacional 2014. Fueron votados campeones nacionales por consenso ya que Associated Press (AP) y la Encuesta de Entrenadores (AFCA) los nombraron el equipo número 1 en sus encuestas finales.
El dos veces Jugador Ofensivo del Año de Big Ten, Braxton Miller, iba a ser el mariscal de campo titular de Ohio State para el año, pero sufrió una lesión en el hombro que le puso fin a la temporada en la práctica solo unas semanas antes del inicio de la temporada. [1] El estudiante de primer año de camiseta roja JT Barrett fue titular como mariscal de campo durante la mayor parte de la temporada, hasta que él también sufrió una lesión que le puso fin a la temporada debido a una fractura de tobillo durante el final de la temporada regular contra Michigan . [2] El estudiante de segundo año de camiseta roja Cardale Jones , que era el mariscal de campo de tercera fila al comienzo del verano, llevó a los Buckeyes a victorias en el Juego de Campeonato de Big Ten, Sugar Bowl y el Campeonato Nacional CFP en sus primeras tres aperturas de su carrera como mariscal de campo.
El ala defensiva Joey Bosa lideró la Big Ten en capturas, tackles por pérdida y balones sueltos forzados, y fue nombrado Jugador Defensivo del Año de la Big Ten . Bosa fue nombrado unánimemente All-American del primer equipo . Bosa, Barrett, el liniero ofensivo Pat Elflein y el back defensivo Doran Grant obtuvieron honores de primer equipo de la conferencia .
Después de la temporada invicta de 2012 , el entrenador en jefe Urban Meyer entró en su segunda temporada en Ohio State en 2013 y trajo su segunda clase consecutiva de reclutamiento entre los cinco primeros. [3] Los Buckeyes entraron en la temporada 2013 en el puesto número 2 en todas las encuestas principales, y muchos los consideraban favoritos para ganar el campeonato Big Ten, y también estaban en la discusión por el campeonato nacional. [4] Ohio State continuó construyendo sobre los éxitos del equipo de 2012, extendiendo su racha ganadora a 23 juegos después de una victoria de 42-14 sobre Indiana Hoosiers , un récord escolar de victorias consecutivas. [5] Los Buckeyes ganaron su segundo juego consecutivo sobre su archirrival Michigan y completaron su segunda temporada regular consecutiva invicta, al mismo tiempo que ganaban la División de Líderes y se clasificaban para el Juego de Campeonato Big Ten . [6] Después de una derrota de 34-24 ante Michigan State en el juego de campeonato de la conferencia, Ohio State fue seleccionado para jugar en el Orange Bowl como un equipo general de BCS . [7] Los Buckeyes sufrieron su segunda derrota consecutiva contra los Clemson Tigers en el Orange Bowl, y terminaron la temporada con un récord general de 12-2, un récord de 8-0 en el Big Ten. [8] Ohio State ocupó el puesto número 10 en la encuesta final de entrenadores y el número 12 en la encuesta final de AP . [9]
Urban Meyer estaba en su tercer año como entrenador en jefe de los Buckeyes durante la temporada 2014. En sus dos temporadas anteriores con Ohio State, llevó a los Buckeyes a un récord general de 24 victorias y 2 derrotas (24-2), mientras que también ganó el campeonato de la División de Líderes Big Ten en esas dos temporadas. El 21 de diciembre de 2013, el co-coordinador defensivo Everett Withers aceptó el puesto de entrenador en jefe en James Madison . [11] El 23 de enero de 2014, Ohio State anunció la contratación de Chris Ash para reemplazar a Withers como co-coordinador defensivo, además de ser nombrado entrenador de safeties. [12] El entrenador de línea defensiva Mike Vrabel también dejó el personal de Ohio State después de la temporada 2013 para aceptar un puesto de entrenador con los Houston Texans . [13] El 15 de enero de 2014, el ex entrenador de Penn State Larry Johnson fue incorporado al personal de Ohio State como línea defensiva y entrenador en jefe asistente. [14]
Ofensa
Defensa
Fuerza y acondicionamiento
Antes del Día Nacional de la Firma el 6 de febrero de 2014, siete jugadores de la escuela secundaria de la clase de reclutamiento de 2014 se inscribieron para el semestre de primavera con el fin de participar en la práctica de primavera. [15] Estas inscripciones tempranas incluyeron: el mariscal de campo Stephen Collier, los receptores abiertos Johnnie Dixon y Curtis Samuel , los linieros ofensivos Marcelys Jones y Kyle Trout, el apoyador Raekwon McMillan y el pateador Sean Nuernberger. [15]
La clase de reclutamiento de Ohio State fue destacada por once jugadores del " ESPN 300", incluyendo cinco del top 100: No. 13 Raekwon McMillan (linebacker interno); No. 34 Johnnie Dixon (receptor abierto); No. 45 Marshon Lattimore (esquinero); No. 58 Damon Webb (esquinero); y No. 74 Jamarco Jones (tackle ofensivo). [16] Los Buckeyes firmaron la clase de reclutamiento No. 3 según Rivals.com y 247Sports.com , la clase de reclutamiento No. 5 según Scout.com , y la clase de reclutamiento No. 7 según ESPN. [17] [18] [19] [20]
La práctica de primavera de Ohio State comenzó el 4 de marzo y consistió en quince sesiones de práctica separadas, que culminaron con el juego de primavera el 12 de abril. [23] Después de una cirugía de hombro el 21 de febrero, el mariscal de campo Braxton Miller estuvo limitado en la práctica, mientras que el receptor Evan Spencer, todavía rehabilitándose de una lesión durante la temporada anterior, no participó en ningún ejercicio de práctica de primavera. [24] El juego de primavera fue transmitido por Big Ten Network y regresó al Ohio Stadium, después de jugarse en el Paul Brown Stadium en Cincinnati , Ohio, en la temporada anterior. [25]
Como se hizo en temporadas anteriores, los Buckeyes se dividieron en dos equipos, con el equipo Gray derrotando al equipo Scarlet 17-7 en el juego anual de primavera. [26] El juego comenzó con el equipo Scarlet recibiendo el balón y se vio obligado a despejar después de seis jugadas. [21] En la jugada ofensiva inicial para el equipo Gray, Rashad Frazier capturó al mariscal de campo de primer año JT Barrett y forzó un balón suelto, que fue devuelto para un touchdown, dando al equipo Scarlet una ventaja de 7-0. [22] El equipo Gray cerró la brecha más tarde en el primer cuarto con un gol de campo de 43 yardas de Sean Nuernberger. [27] Una serie de quince jugadas y 80 yardas para comenzar el segundo cuarto por parte del equipo Gray resultó en una carrera de touchdown de 2 yardas de Bri'onte Dunn y le dio al equipo Gray la ventaja de 10-7. [26] Una carrera de touchdown de 3 yardas de Warren Ball en el cuarto cuarto le dio al equipo de Gray la ventaja de diez puntos y también fue la última jugada anotadora del juego. [26]
El mariscal de campo titular Braxton Miller no compitió en el juego. [26] JT lideró al equipo Gray en pases, completando 17 de 33 pases para 151 yardas, mientras que Cardale Jones lideró al equipo Scarlet en pases después de completar 14 de 31 intentos de pase para 126 yardas. [21] Warren Ball fue el líder general en carreras con 55 yardas en ocho intentos, incluido un touchdown. [21] Chris Worley lideró a ambos equipos en estadísticas defensivas con seis tackles en solitario. [21]
Siete jugadores separados de Ohio State estuvieron en las listas de vigilancia de premios de pretemporada en once categorías de premios diferentes. Estos incluyeron a Michael Bennett y Joey Bosa por el Premio Bednarik , el Trofeo Bronko Nagurski y el Premio Lombardi ; Bennett por el Trofeo Outland ; Devin Smith por el Premio Biletnikoff ; Curtis Grant por el Premio Butkus ; Braxton Miller por el Premio Davey O'Brien , el Premio Maxwell y el Premio Walter Camp ; Jeff Heuerman por el Premio Mackey ; así como Cameron Johnston por el Premio Ray Guy . [28] Ohio State abrió su campamento de otoño el 4 de agosto . [29] El 19 de agosto, se anunció que el mariscal de campo Braxton Miller, quien se sometió a una cirugía en su hombro de lanzamiento en febrero de 2014, se perdería toda la temporada, después de volver a lesionarse el hombro durante el campamento. [30]
Titulares y suplentes. [31]
La Conferencia Big Ten publicó el calendario para la temporada 2014 el 16 de mayo de 2013. [32] Con la incorporación de Maryland y Rutgers, la Big Ten abandonó su formato anterior para dar cabida a la expansión. [32] Como resultado, Ohio State se enfrentó a los seis oponentes de la División Este: Indiana , Maryland , Michigan , Michigan State , Penn State y Rutgers . [32] Ohio State también se enfrentó a dos oponentes de la División Oeste: sus rivales Illinois y Minnesota . [32] Ohio State jugó cuatro partidos fuera de conferencia: Navy , un FBS Independent , Kent State de la Mid-American Conference , Virginia Tech de la Atlantic Coast Conference y Cincinnati de la American Athletic Conference . Ohio State tuvo dos semanas de descanso durante la temporada, la primera entre sus partidos contra Kent State y Cincinnati y la segunda entre sus partidos contra Maryland y Rutgers. Tras su victoria sobre Indiana, Ohio State ganó el campeonato de la División Este de Big Ten y se clasificó para jugar en el Juego de Campeonato de Big Ten contra Wisconsin , a quien derrotó 59-0. [33] Ohio State fue seleccionado para participar en el College Football Playoff inaugural , como el cuarto equipo clasificado, y se enfrentó al mejor clasificado Alabama en el Sugar Bowl , a quien derrotaron 42-35. [34] Después de su victoria en el Sugar Bowl, los Buckeyes avanzaron para enfrentar al segundo clasificado Oregon en el CFP National Championship Game , a quien derrotaron 42-20. La clasificación entre paréntesis a continuación son las clasificaciones del comité de selección de College Football Playoff .
Todos los partidos de la temporada 2014 se transmitieron por la Ohio State Football Radio Network. Paul Keels encabezó el equipo con las narraciones jugada por jugada , Jim Lachey con los comentarios en color , Marty Bannister como reportero de campo y vestuario, y Skip Mosic como presentador del programa previo al partido y del entretiempo. [35]
[36]
El 2 de marzo de 2010, los funcionarios tanto de Ohio State como de la Academia Naval de los Estados Unidos acordaron un enfrentamiento entre los Buckeyes y los Midshipmen en el estadio M&T Bank . [39] En el juego, Ohio State derrotó a los Midshipmen 34-17. [37] [40]
El estudiante de primer año JT Barrett comenzó como mariscal de campo de los Buckeyes luego de una lesión que terminó con la temporada de Braxton Miller durante el campamento de otoño. Ohio State comenzó el juego en la ofensiva, con Barrett completando su primer intento de pase en la primera jugada del juego, sin embargo, la defensa de Midshipmen forzaría un despeje. [38] Ohio State anotó los primeros puntos del día en su segunda serie ofensiva con un gol de campo de 46 yardas de Sean Nuernberger para darle a los Buckeyes la ventaja de 3-0. [40] El mariscal de campo de Navy, Keenan Reynolds, condujo a los Midshipmen 75 yardas en once jugadas en su siguiente posesión ofensiva, y la serie resultó en una carrera de touchdown para DeBrandon Sanders, lo que le dio a Navy una ventaja de 7-3 al comienzo del segundo cuarto. [40]
A mitad del segundo cuarto, Barrett lanzó una intercepción, poniendo fin a la serie de 67 yardas de los Buckeyes y acorralando a Navy en lo profundo de su propio territorio. [41] La siguiente serie ofensiva de los Buckeyes terminaría en un segundo gol de campo de Nuernberger. Después de un gol de campo fallado de los Midshipmen al final del segundo cuarto, Navy se fue al medio tiempo con una ventaja de 7-6. [38] Navy recibió el balón para abrir el tercer cuarto, sin embargo, en la quinta jugada de la serie, los Midshipmen perdieron el balón, que fue devuelto para un touchdown por Darron Lee y le dio a Ohio State la ventaja en 13-7. [41] Después de una devolución de patada inicial de 59 yardas, Navy terminó una serie de 4 jugadas y 84 yardas con un touchdown de Reynolds, dándole a Navy la ventaja nuevamente en 14-13. Ohio State respondió al final del tercer cuarto con un pase de touchdown de 80 yardas de Barrett a Devin Smith. [40]
Un gol de campo a principios del cuarto cuarto fue la última jugada anotadora para los Midshipmen. [41] Una carrera de touchdown de 10 yardas de Ezekiel Elliott en la siguiente serie ofensiva de Ohio State y un pase de touchdown de Barrett a Michael Thomas pusieron a los Buckeyes muy por delante, con el marcador final siendo 34-17 a favor de Ohio State. [37] Barrett, quien hizo su primera titularidad universitaria, completó 12 de 15 intentos de pase para dos touchdowns, mientras que también lideró al equipo en carreras con 90 yardas. [40] Por sus logros, Barrett fue reconocido como el co-Big Ten Freshman de la Semana. [42] Con la victoria, Ohio State mejoró su récord general contra Navy a 5-0. [43]
En el primer partido en casa de la temporada 2014, Ohio State fue derrotado por los Virginia Tech Hokies en el primer encuentro entre las dos escuelas. [44] [46] Virginia Tech recibió el balón para abrir el juego, con la defensa de Buckeye forzando una pérdida de balón en una intercepción lanzada por el mariscal de campo Michael Brewer al esquinero Eli Apple. [47] Después de que la defensa de Hokie forzó un tres y fuera, recibieron el balón en territorio de Ohio State después de un despeje de 24 yardas. [46] Virginia Tech aprovechó la posición de campo, avanzando 43 yardas y anotando en una carrera de touchdown de Shai McKenzie, lo que les dio una ventaja de 7-0. [44] JT Barrett y la ofensiva de Buckeye respondieron en su siguiente serie, avanzando 83 yardas en siete jugadas y anotando en una carrera de 2 yardas de Barrett. [46] Los Hokies nuevamente comenzaron cerca del medio campo después de una gran devolución de patada inicial y tomaron la delantera nuevamente, esta vez con una carrera de 14 yardas de Marshawn Williams, dándole a Virginia Tech una ventaja de 14–7. [46] Después de recibir el balón nuevamente al final de la mitad, los Hokies ampliaron su ventaja, anotando en un pase de touchdown de Brewer a Sam Rogers, dándole a Virginia Tech una ventaja de 21–7 en el medio tiempo. [47]
La ofensiva de los Buckeyes siguió teniendo problemas y se vieron obligados a despejar en su primera posesión de la segunda mitad. Ambas defensas siguieron dominando el juego, con Ohio State obligando a los Hokies a despejar en sus siguientes dos posesiones y Virginia Tech interceptando un pase de Barrett. [47] Ohio State redujo la ventaja de Virginia Tech a finales del tercer cuarto con un pase de touchdown de Barrett a Michael Thomas. [44] La defensa de los Buckeyes obligó a Brewer a realizar su segunda intercepción del juego en su siguiente posesión ofensiva, aunque Ohio State se vería obligado a despejar. Ohio State volvió a forzar una pérdida de balón en la siguiente posesión de los Hokies, esta vez con una recuperación de balón suelto de Rashad Frazier. [46] Dos jugadas después, Ohio State empató el juego con una carrera de 15 yardas de Ezekiel Elliott. [46] Virginia Tech armó una serie de 6 jugadas y 65 yardas en su siguiente posesión y volvió a anotar con un pase de touchdown de Brewer, lo que les dio una ventaja de 28-21. [46] Después de que Barrett fuera capturado dos veces en su siguiente posesión, los Buckeyes se vieron obligados a despejar y aunque la defensa de Buckeye forzó una parada de los Hokies, una intercepción de Barrett nuevamente le dio impulso a los Hokies. [45] Otra intercepción de Barrett regresó para un touchdown con menos de un minuto restante en el juego, selló 35-21 la victoria sorpresa para Virginia Tech, que también terminó la racha de 25 victorias consecutivas de Ohio State en la temporada regular. [46] [48] Este es el único juego en el que Ohio State anotó menos de 31 puntos en la temporada 2014.
En su tercer partido de la temporada 2014, Ohio State derrotó a los Kent State Golden Flashes de la Mid-American Conference por 66-0 en Columbus. [49] [51] Ohio State abrió el partido a la ofensiva, anotando en cinco jugadas con un pase de touchdown de 14 yardas de JT Barrett a Michael Thomas. [51] Un tres y fuera de la defensa de Buckeye le devolvió el balón a la ofensiva de Ohio State, que luego avanzó 65 yardas y tomó una ventaja de 14-0 con un pase de Barrett a Rod Smith. [52] Después de que ambas defensas forzaran intercepciones en las siguientes dos posesiones, los Buckeyes ampliaron su ventaja a finales del primer cuarto con una carrera de touchdown de Rod Smith. Después de avanzar profundamente en el territorio de Golden Flash, la ofensiva de Buckeye se estancó y se vio obligada a conformarse con un gol de campo a principios del segundo cuarto, lo que le dio a Ohio State una ventaja de 24-0. [52] La ofensiva de Ohio State anotó en cada una de sus posesiones en el segundo cuarto, que incluyó un pase de touchdown de 63 yardas de Barrett a Michael Thomas, así como pases de touchdown a Marcus Baugh y Devin Smith, que le dieron a los Buckeyes una ventaja de 45-0 en el medio tiempo. [50] [51]
Después de una parada defensiva de Buckeye en la primera posesión de Kent State de la segunda mitad, Barrett y la ofensiva de Ohio State armaron una serie de 6 jugadas y 28 yardas que terminó en un pase de touchdown de Barrett a Jalin Marshall, ampliando la ventaja de los Buckeyes a 52-0. [52] En la siguiente posesión ofensiva de Ohio State, Barrett fue reemplazado por el mariscal de campo suplente Cardale Jones, quien llevó a Ohio State 32 yardas, con Curtis Samuel anotando en una carrera de 3 yardas. [51] Una segunda carrera de touchdown de Curtis Samuel a principios del cuarto cuarto fue la última jugada de anotación del juego. JT Barrett fue reconocido como el Jugador Ofensivo de la Semana de Big Ten, así como el Jugador Novato de la Semana por sus seis pases de touchdown que igualaron el récord. [53] Con la victoria, mejoraron su récord de todos los tiempos contra Kent State a 3-0. [54]
In their final non-conference game of the 2014 season, Ohio State defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats of the American Athletic Conference 50–28 in Columbus.[55][57] Cincinnati jumped out to an early lead, after a 60-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Kiel to Chris Moore, on their first possession of the game.[57] The Buckeyes responded with an 8-play drive that ended in a 3-yard touchdown run from Rod Smith. On their second offensive possession, Ohio State drove 91 yards and took their first lead of the game on a 3-yard run from Ezekiel Elliott.[58] On the first play of Cincinnati's ensuing possession, the Buckeye defense forced a fumble in the endzone, which was recovered by the Bearcats for a safety, extending Ohio State's lead to 16–7.[59] Ohio State continued to execute on offense after the safety, scoring their third touchdown on a 19-yard pass from J. T. Barrett to Devin Smith.[57]
The Buckeyes extended their lead to 30–7 on their first possession the second quarter, after a touchdown pass from Barrett to Evan Spencer.[59] An Ohio State fumble on their next possession set up the Bearcats to score their second touchdown of the game on a Kiel pass to Johnny Holton.[57] An 83-yard touchdown pass from Kiel to Chris Moore late in the first half closed the gap, with the Buckeyes holding onto a 30–21 lead at halftime.[57] After Ohio State settled for a field goal on their first possession of the second half, Cincinnati again closed the gap with their first possession, scoring on another long touchdown pass from Kiel to Moore, cutting Ohio State's lead to 33–28.[56] Ohio State began to pull away late in the third quarter with another field goal and a 24-yard touchdown pass from Barrett to Dontre Wilson, expanding the Buckeyes lead to 43–28.[57]
A 34-yard touchdown pass from Barrett to Devin Smith early in the fourth quarter gave Ohio State a 50–28 lead and would be the last scoring play of the game.[58] Quarterback J. T. Barrett completed 26 of 36 pass attempts for 330 yards with four touchdown passes, along with 79 rushing yards and was recognized as co-Big Ten Freshmen of the Week.[60] With the victory, Ohio State improved their overall record against Cincinnati to 7–0.[61]
For the first time, Ohio State traveled to College Park to play Maryland in the first conference game of the season, in which Ohio State defeated the Terrapins 52–24.[62][64] Ohio State received the opening kickoff and scored eight plays later on a Rod Smith touchdown run.[65] Ohio State scored again on their second possession, this time on a 9-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Jalin Marshall, giving them an early 14–0 lead.[65] Maryland scored their first points of the game on their second possession, scoring on a 57-yard field goal from Brad Craddock.[64]
Early in the second quarter, Ohio State again added to their lead after driving 56 yards and scoring on a 25-yard pass from Barrett to Michael Thomas.[65] A Sean Nuernberger field goal on the Buckeyes' next possession gave Ohio State a 24–3 lead.[66] Maryland scored their first touchdown following a 13 play, 75-yard drive that ended with a Wes Brown run.[62] Late in the first half, the Ohio State defense forced a turnover on a pass intercepted by C.J. Brown, setting up the Buckeye offense at the Terrapin 1-yard line.[64] Ohio State took advantage of the turnover, and scored on a pass from Barrett to Nick Vannett, giving the Buckeyes a 31–10 lead at halftime.[64] Both teams failed to score on their first possessions of the second half. On the Buckeyes' second drive of the third quarter, Barrett completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith, giving Ohio State a 38–10 advantage.[64] The Terrapins responded on their ensuing possession, driving 75 yards and scoring on a Brandon Ross touchdown run.[62]
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Ohio State again added to their lead, scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run from Barrett, and giving them a 45–17 lead.[65] Maryland quarterback Caleb Rowe again led the Terrapins down the field and scored on a Stefon Diggs 4-yard touchdown reception on their first possession of the fourth quarter.[62] Rowe was intercepted on Maryland's ensuing possession by Raekwon McMillan, who returned it 19 yards for a touchdown.[64] With the win, Ohio State extended their Big Ten regular season win streak to 17 games, dating back to the 2012 season.[67]
In their first conference home game of the 2014 season and in the first meeting between Ohio State and Rutgers, the Buckeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights 56–17 in Columbus.[68][70] Rutgers received the opening kickoff and was forced into a three and out by the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes drove 52 yards on their first possession of the game and scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback J. T. Barrett to Nick Vannett.[70] Ohio State scored again on their next possession, with a touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott, his fourth of the season.[71] Rutgers responded on their next drive, going 66 yards in ten plays and scoring on a touchdown run from Desmon Peoples, and cutting the Buckeyes' lead to 14–7.[70]
Ohio State expanded their lead early in the second quarter, scoring on another Barrett touchdown pass to Vannett.[70] The Buckeye defense scored in their third consecutive game, this time on a fumble recovery by Eli Apple, which was returned four yards for a touchdown.[70] Rod Smith scored on a three-yard touchdown run later in the second quarter, which gave Ohio State a 35–7 lead.[71] The Buckeye defense forced another turnover after the Scarlet Knights drove 83 yards to the Buckeye six-yard line, securing Ohio State's four-possession lead going into halftime.[72] Ohio State, who received the second half kickoff, scored on a 4-play, 79-yard drive, which ended with a 33-yard run from Barrett.[70] Barrett again rushed for a touchdown on Ohio State's next possession, giving Ohio State a 49–7 lead.[68] Rutgers scored for the second time on their next possession, this time on a 42-yard field goal from Kyle Federico.[71] Ohio State continued to dominate on offense, and responded to the field goal by scoring another touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Barrett to Evan Spencer.[68]
Rutgers put together an 8-play, 80-yard drive that ended in a 12-yard touchdown run for Desmon Peoples early in the fourth quarter.[70] Backup quarterback Cardale Jones eventually entered the game for Barrett as the Buckeyes began to run down the clock.[71] Neither team scored again in the fourth quarter making the final score 56–17 in favor of the Buckeyes. Following the game, Barrett was recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week as well as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week.[73]
In their annual rivalry game, Ohio State defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 31–24 in double overtime.[74][76] The Nittany Lions received the opening kickoff and were stopped by the Buckeye defense, who forced an interception by Christian Hackenberg, which was recovered by Vonn Bell.[76] Ohio State capitalized on the turnover, scoring in seven plays on a 10-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott.[74] Following the touchdown, both defenses stepped up, with neither team scoring for the remainder of the first quarter. Ohio State had their second scoring drive early in the second quarter, driving 59 yards and extending their lead to 10–0 after a 49-yard field goal from Sean Nuernberger.[74] Ohio State scored again midway through the second quarter on a touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Jeff Heuerman, giving the Buckeyes a 17–0 lead going into halftime.[77]
Ohio State received the opening kickoff of the second half. The Nittany Lion defense forced a Barrett interception on the third play of the drive, with Anthony Zettel returning it 40 yards for Penn State's first scoring play of the game.[78] Midway through the third quarter the Buckeyes drove into Penn State territory, but were unable to capitalize on the field position, with Nuernberger missing a 41-yard field goal.[77] The Ohio State defense forced their second Hackenberg interception on the Nittany Lions' ensuing possession, but were unable to put together to take advantage, eventually punting after a three and out.[76] Penn State chipped the Buckeyes' lead to 17–14 early in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from Hackenberg to Saeed Blacknall.[78] Following defense stops by the Nittany Lions' defense, Penn State drove 77 yards in 19 plays, and setting up a 31-yard field goal for Sam Ficken, tying the game at 17–17 and sending it to overtime.[74]
Penn State received the ball first in overtime and scored on a touchdown run from Bill Belton.[74] The Buckeyes responded on their possession, scoring in three plays on a run from Barrett, sending the game to a second overtime.[77] Following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Penn State, Ohio State again drove the ball into the end zone on three plays, taking a 31–24 lead.[77] Penn State was unable to score on their ensuing possession, with Hackenberg being sacked on the final play of the game by Joey Bosa, sealing the victory for the Buckeyes.[76] Bosa was recognized for his achievements, which included six tackles and 2.5 sacks, by being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.[79] With the win, Ohio State improved their overall record against Penn State to 17–12 .[80]
In their traditional game for the Illibuck Trophy, Ohio State defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 55–14 in Columbus.[81][83] The Buckeyes kicked off to start the game and forced a turnover on the seventh play of the game, when Darron Lee intercepted a Reilly O'Toole pass.[83] Ohio State took advantage of the turnover, scoring in three plays on a 23-yard Curtis Samuel touchdown run, giving the Buckeyes the early 7–0 lead.[84] Ohio State scored on their next two drives with a field goal from Sean Nuernberger and a 32-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Devin Smith, extending their lead to 17–0.[81] The Buckeye continued to put pressure on the Illini, forcing a fumble by running back Josh Ferguson that was recovered by Tyvis Powell late in the first quarter, and a second interception for O'Toole recovered by Curtis Grant.[83] Ohio State capitalized off of the interception, scoring a Curtis Samuel touchdown run, his second of the game.[85] After a 25-yard punt return late in the first half, Ohio State scored in two plays on a touchdown pass from Barrett to Devin Smith, giving the Buckeyes a 31–0 lead going into halftime.[83]
After the first half, backup quarterback Cardale Jones replaced Barrett for the remainder of the game.[84] Ohio State, who received the opening kickoff of the second half, scored on an 8-play, 79-yard drive that ended in a touchdown pass from Cardale Jones to Dontre Wilson.[85] Illinois' ensuing possession ended after quarterback Aaron Bailey was sacked and fumbled the ball, with Curtis Grant recovering the fumble.[83] Ohio State extended their lead off of the turnover on a 26-yard field goal from Nuernberger, giving the Buckeyes a 41–0 lead.[81] Ohio State again scored quickly on their next possession, with Jalin Marshall scoring on a 30-yard touchdown run.[81] Illinois scored their first points of the game late in the third quarter on a touchdown run from Donovonn Young.[83] Ohio State scored early in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from Jones to Michael Thomas.[85] A 7-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Bailey to Matt LaCosse by the Illini to make the final score 55–14.[85] With the win, Ohio State retained the wooden turtle trophy for which the game is famous for, and improved their all-time record against Illinois to 66–30–3 – including 62 Illibuck Trophies since it was established in 1925.[86]
In a rematch of the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State defeated the Michigan State Spartans 49–37 in East Lansing.[87][89] Ohio State received the opening kickoff and drove 45 yards in nine plays and failed to score after a missed field goal from Sean Nuernberger.[90] Michigan State scored the first points of the game on their first drive off of a 15-yard touchdown pass from Connor Cook to Keith Mumphery.[87] The Buckeyes responded on their ensuing possession, tying the game at 7–7 after a touchdown run from J. T. Barrett.[90] A 33-yard run from Jeremy Langford on the Spartans' next possession, gave Michigan State a 14–7 lead.[87]
Ohio State tied the game again early in the second quarter on a second touchdown run from Barrett.[88] The Spartans' responded on their next drive, going 66 yards, and taking a 21–14 lead on another Langford touchdown run.[87] On the ensuing kickoff, Dontre Wilson fumbled the ball for the Buckeyes, turning it over to the Spartans, though they were unable to score off of it.[89] Ohio State and Barrett quickly recovered on their next possession, scoring in one play on a 79-yard touchdown pass to Michael Thomas.[90] A touchdown pass from Barrett to Devin Smith late in the first half gave Ohio State their first lead of the game at 28–21.[89] Michigan State received the ball to start the second half and settled for a 40-yard field goal from Michael Geiger, cutting the Ohio State lead to 28–24.[89] The Buckeyes responded on their first possession of the half, scoring on an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run and expanding their lead to two possessions.[91]
Ohio State began to pull away early in the fourth quarter, with a touchdown pass from Barrett to Wilson, giving the Buckeyes a 42–24 lead.[90] A touchdown pass from Cook to Josiah Price on the Spartans' next possession cut the lead again down to eleven points, 42–31.[90] Elliott again scored a rushing touchdown for the Buckeyes on their ensuing possession.[90] A touchdown run from Langford on the next Spartan drive was the last scoring play of the game, giving the Buckeyes the 49–37 victory.[89] Quarterback J. T. Barrett was recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week for his achievements.[92][93] With the win, Ohio State continued their streak of 21 consecutive Big Ten regular season wins, and improved their all-time record against the Spartans to 29–13.[94]
In their final road conference game of the 2014 season, Ohio State defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 31–24 in Minneapolis.[95][97] Both teams failed to convert first downs on their opening drives, with both defenses forcing three and outs.[97] Ohio State scored their first points of the day on their second offensive drive, with an 86-yard run from quarterback J. T. Barrett, giving Ohio State a 7–0 lead.[98] The Buckeyes scored again on their ensuing possession, with a 57-yard pass from Barrett to Jalin Marshall. Holding a 14–0 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Buckeye defense did not allow a first down conversion by the Golden Gophers during the quarter.[97]
Minnesota opened the second quarter with a David Cobb touchdown run, off of a J. T. Barrett interception, which closed the score to a one-possession game.[98] A fumble by Jalin Marshall deep in Minnesota territory, gave the ball again to the Golden Gophers' off of a turnover.[98] Minnesota took advantage of the turnover, putting together an 11 play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 30-yard touchdown run by Cobb, tying the game a 14.[95] On the Buckeyes' ensuing possession, they drove 57 yards and ended the first half with a 22-yard field goal by Sean Nuernberger, giving Ohio State a 17–14 lead at halftime.[97] Minnesota opened the second half with a missed field goal on their first drive. Ohio State drove 65 yards on their first possession of the third quarter and scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Michael Thomas, extending the Buckeyes' lead to 24–14.[99] The Buckeye defense forced an interception on the ensuing Golden Gopher drive, which was returned for 28 yards by Doran Grant, though the Ohio State offense failed to take advantage and score.[97]
Ohio State scored on a touchdown pass to Evan Spencer on their first drive of the fourth quarter.[98] Minnesota scored their first points of the half on their next offensive drive, with David Cobb scoring his third touchdown of the game, making the score 31–21 Ohio State.[98] A 34-yard field goal by Ryan Santoso late in the game closed the score to a one-possession game, though the Golden Gophers were unable to stop the clock, which gave the Buckeyes the 31–24 victory.[97] Quarterback J. T. Barrett was recognized after the game as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his achievements.[100] With the win, Ohio State improved their overall record against Minnesota to 44–7.[101]
In a conference divisional matchup, Ohio State defeated the Indiana Hoosiers in Columbus 42–27.[102][104] Ohio State received the opening kickoff and drove 76 yards in three plays, scoring on a 65-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott.[105] Ohio State scored again on their ensuing offensive drive, on a four-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Jeff Heuerman, giving the Buckeyes a 14–0 lead.[104] The Hoosiers responded on their next drive by scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Tevin Coleman, cutting the lead to one possession.[104] A fumble on Ohio State's next drive, allowed the Hoosiers to cut the Buckeye lead to 14–10 after a 30-yard field goal from Griffin Oakes.[105] After forcing a second interception from J. T. Barrett, the Hoosiers took advantage, scoring on another Oakes field goal early in the second quarter, making the score 14–13 Ohio State at halftime.[102]
After both teams failed to score on their respective opening possessions, the Hoosiers scored on their next drive on a 90-yard touchdown run from Coleman, giving Indiana their first lead at 20–14.[104] The Buckeyes retook the lead on a 54-yard punt return by Jalin Marshall, making the score 21–20 Ohio State.[104] The Buckeyes' first drive of the fourth quarter ended with a touchdown pass from Barrett to Marshall and gave the Buckeyes a 28–20 advantage.[105] Following a Tyvis Powell interception, the Buckeyes took a two-possession lead late in the fourth quarter on another touchdown pass from Barrett to Marshall.[106] Another touchdown on a connection between Barrett and Marshall sealed the game for the Buckeyes, who took a 42–20 lead.[106] Indiana scored late on a 52-yard touchdown run by Coleman, making the final score 42–27.[104] Following the game, Jalin Marshall was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week with his four touchdown receptions.[107] With the victory, Ohio State clinched their third straight division championship, securing a place in the Big Ten Championship Game and improved their overall record against Indiana to 71–9–4.[108]
In the 2014 edition of The Game, Ohio State defeated the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 42–28 in Columbus.[109][111] Michigan received the opening kickoff, though the Buckeyes forced a turnover on the third play of the game, on a Devin Gardner pass intercepted by Vonn Bell.[111] The Buckeyes took advantage of the turnover, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Nick Vannett, to give Ohio State a 7–0 lead.[111] Michigan tied the game up midway through the first quarter after a 7 play, 80-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass from Gardner to Jake Butt.[111]
The Wolverines' drove 95 yards on their first possession of the second quarter, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run from Drake Johnson, giving Michigan their first lead at 14–7.[112] Late in the second quarter, the Buckeyes scored their second touchdown of the game on a 25-yard run from Barrett, tying the game at 14 going into halftime.[109] Ohio State received the opening kickoff of the second half and drove 72 yards in 5 plays, capping the drive with another touchdown run from Barrett, giving the Buckeyes a 21–14 lead.[111] Michigan responded on their ensuing possession, scoring on a second Drake Johnson touchdown run and tying the game at 21.[112] The Buckeyes again responded, driving 81 yards, and taking the 28–21 lead on an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run.[111]
The Buckeyes began to take control of the game early in the fourth quarter, on another Elliott touchdown run making the score 35–21 Ohio State.[113] During the drive, quarterback J. T. Barrett sustained an injury to his leg and was carted off of the field, not returning for the remainder of the game.[112][114] On Michigan's ensuing possession, the Buckeye defense sacked Gardner, with Joey Bosa forcing a fumble, which was returned 33 yards by Darron Lee for a touchdown, which gave Ohio State a 42–21 lead.[111] Michigan scored on their next offensive possession, on a touchdown pass from Gardner to Freddy Canteen making the score 42–28.[111] Ohio State was able to run out the clock on their next possession, securing their third straight victory over the Wolverines' and a third consecutive undefeated Big Ten regular season.[115] Following the game, J. T. Barrett was recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his accomplishments.[116] With the victory, Ohio State improved their record over Michigan since 2001 to 12–2.[117]
at Lucas Oil Stadium • Indianapolis, Indiana
In the program's second consecutive appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 59–0.[118][119] Ohio State received the opening kickoff and scored on their opening drive on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith from quarterback Cardale Jones, who was making his first career start at Ohio State.[119] Midway through the first quarter, the Buckeyes scored on a 2-play drive, which ended in an 81-yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott, giving Ohio State the 14–0 advantage.[119] The Buckeye defense forced their first turnover of the game on the Badgers' ensuing possession, with Joel Stave having a pass intercepted by Vonn Bell.[120]
The Buckeyes took advantage of the turnover, scoring on a 7-play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard field goal from Sean Nuernberger.[118] The next Buckeye possession also resulted in scores, with a 44-yard touchdown reception by Devin Smith from Cardale Jones and a 14-yard run from Elliott, extending the Ohio State lead to 31–0.[120] The Buckeye defense forced the Wisconsin offense in the three and outs three times during the second quarter, and got a score on a fumble recovery, returned by Joey Bosa, which gave Ohio State a 38–0 lead going into halftime.[119]
The Buckeye defense again stopped the Badgers' on their first possession of the second half. Ohio State drove 77 yards in 5 plays on their first possession of the half, scoring on another touchdown pass from Jones to Smith, making the score 45–0 Ohio State.[119] The Buckeye defense forced another Badger turnover late in the third quarter, on a Stave pass that was intercepted by Doran Grant, though they were unable to score off of it, with the Badgers blocking a field goal attempt.[121] A 12-yard run by Curtis Samuel midway through the fourth quarter gave Ohio State a 52–0 lead.[119] Ohio State's ensuing possession also ended with points off of a Samuel touchdown run.[120] The Buckeye defense continued to stop the Badgers and finished the game with their second shutout of the season, with the Buckeyes winning 59–0.[119]
The victory gave Ohio State their first outright conference championship since the 2009 season.[122] Quarterback Cardale Jones was named the MVP of the game after completing 12 of 17 pass attempts for 257 yards, and throwing three touchdown passes.[123] With the victory, Ohio State improved their all-time record against Wisconsin to 57–18–5.[124]
On December 7, 2014, the final College Football Playoff standings were released with Ohio State ranked No. 4, selected to face the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl.[34][128] In the game, the Buckeyes defeated the Crimson Tide 42–35 to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship.[129][130] Alabama started the game on offense, with the Buckeye defense forcing a three and out.[126] The Buckeyes' first drive of the game went 80 yards and ended with a 22-yard field goal from Sean Nuernberger, giving Ohio State a 3–0 lead.[131] Ohio State's next possession ended with a fumble by Ezekiel Elliott, recovered by the Crimson Tide in Ohio State territory. Alabama took advantage of the turnover, scoring on a Derrick Henry 25-yard touchdown run, giving them a 7–3 lead.[126] The Buckeyes settled for another field goal on their next possession, cutting the score to a one-point game.[132] A 15-yard touchdown pass from Blake Sims to Amari Cooper gave the Crimson Tide a 14–6 lead at the end of the first quarter.[131]
Quarterback Cardale Jones, starting his second career game, threw an interception to Cyrus Jones early in the second quarter, setting up an Alabama drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run from T. J. Yeldon, extending the Crimson Tide lead to 21–6.[129] Ohio State responded on their next possession, going 71 yards in 12 plays, and scoring on an Elliott touchdown run, cutting the score to 21–13 Alabama.[129] The Buckeyes closed out the first half by scoring on a trick play, a 13-yard pass from Evan Spencer to Michael Thomas, cutting the Crimson Tide lead to 21–20 going into halftime.[131]
Ohio State received the opening kickoff of the second half, drove 75 yards, and scored on a 47-yard pass from Cardale Jones to Devin Smith, giving them the lead with a score of 27–21.[131] Midway through the third quarter, Blake Sims threw an interception to Steve Miller that was returned 41 yards, and increased the Buckeye lead to two possessions at 34–21.[129] Alabama responded on their ensuing possession, scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run from Sims, making the score 34–28 Ohio State at the end of the third quarter.[129]
Blake Sims threw his second interception of the game early in the fourth quarter, though the Buckeyes were unable to capitalize off of the turnover.[126] An 85-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott with less than four minutes in the game, gave the Buckeyes 42–28, after the successful two-point conversion.[132] Alabama went 65 yards in a minute and a half on their next possession, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Sims to Amari Cooper, to cut the game again to one possession.[133] The game ended on a Hail Mary pass from Sims that was intercepted by Tyvis Powell, giving Ohio State the 42–35 victory.[129][130] For their achievements, running back Ezekiel Elliott was named the offensive MVP of the game, and Darron Lee was named the defensive MVP.[134][135] The loss was the Southeastern Conference's second straight major bowl loss to Ohio State.[136]
Following victories in their respective bowl games on January 1, the No. 4 Buckeyes and the No. 2 Oregon Ducks advanced to face each other in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship at AT&T Stadium.[139][140] Coming into the game, Ohio State had never lost to Oregon, holding an 8–0 all-time record against the Ducks.[141]
Oregon won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball the start the game.[142] The Ducks' first drive featured running back Thomas Tyner and quarterback Marcus Mariota driving Oregon 75 yards and scoring on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to Keanon Lowe to give Oregon an early 7–0 lead.[137][143] The Buckeye offense struggled on their first drive, going only 17 yards, and was forced to punt.[142] The Buckeye defense stopped Oregon at midfield on their next possession and forced them to punt, setting up Ohio State inside their own 3-yard line.[142] During the drive, Ohio State went 97-yard and scored their first points of the game on a 33-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott, tying the game at 7–7.[137][144] The Buckeye defense forced the Ducks to punt on their next two possessions.[142] The Ohio State offense took advantage by scoring on a touchdown pass from Cardale Jones to Nick Vannett, making the score 14–7 Ohio State at the end of the first quarter.[137][143]
On the fourth play of the second quarter, Ohio State turned the ball over on a fumble by Cardale Jones, giving the Ducks' possession of the ball at own 41-yard line.[142][145] The Ducks' drove down to the Ohio State 3-yard line, but were unable to take advantage of the turnover after failing to convert on fourth down.[142] The Buckeye offense took over at their own 1-yard line and quickly drove to midfield.[142] The drive ended, however, on another Ohio State turnover, this time on a pass from Jones to Corey Smith that was fumbled by Smith, which allowed Oregon to take over at their own 9-yard line.[142][145] Oregon, again, was unable to capitalize off of the turnover, with the Buckeye defense forcing a three and out.[142] The ensuing Ohio State possession took only 6 plays and ended with a touchdown run from Jones, giving Ohio State a 21–7 lead.[143][144] The next Ducks' possession went 66 yards in 12 plays and ended with a 26-yard field goal from Aidan Schneider.[137] After the Oregon defense forced a three and out on the Buckeyes' next possession, Oregon went into halftime, trailing Ohio State 21–10.[137][146]
Ohio State received the opening kickoff of the second half.[142] Ohio State turned the ball over on their first possession of the half on a Cardale Jones pass intercepted by Danny Mattingly returned to the Oregon 30-yard line.[142][145] The Ducks took advantage of the turnover in one play on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota to Byron Marshall, making the score 21–17 Ohio State.[137][143] The Buckeyes turned the ball over for a fourth time on their next possession, with Jones fumbling the ball inside Ohio State territory.[142][144] Aidan Schneider made a 23-yard field goal off of the turnover, with the score 21–20 Ohio State.[137] The Buckeyes' ensuing possession went 75 yards in 12 plays, ending on a 9-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott to make the score 28–20 Ohio State at the end of the third quarter.[137][144]
After a Buckeye defensive stop, the Ohio State offense and Ezekiel Elliott again scored a touchdown, making the score 35–20 Ohio State early in the fourth quarter.[137][143] Both teams exchanged punts on their drives.[142] With less than three minutes remaining in the game, the Oregon offense attempt to convert a fourth down, though the pass from Marcus Mariota was incomplete.[142][144] Ohio State regained possession and scored on a fourth touchdown from Elliott.[137][143] The last play of the game was a Mariota pass that was intercepted by Eli Apple and made the final score 42–20.[137][138][143][144]
For their performances, Ezekiel Elliott was named the game's offensive MVP, and Tyvis Powell was named the game's defensive MVP.[143] Ohio State improved their all-time record against Oregon to 9–0, won the first ever College Football Playoff national championship, and the program's first national championship since 2002.[141][147] It was Ohio State's eighth claimed national championship, and sixth national championship by vote of the AP and Coaches' polls.[147] The fourteen season victories tied the 2002 season for the most in program history.[147]
Entering the 2014 season, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 5 in the AP and No. 6 in the Coaches' Preseason Polls.[148] After a 35–21 loss to Virginia Tech on September 6, Ohio State dropped to No. 22 in the AP and No. 18 in the Coaches' Polls.[149] When the first College Football Playoff rankings came out on October 28, the Buckeyes were No. 16.[150] After Ohio State defeated No. 7 Michigan State 49–37 on November 8, they moved up to No. 8 in the AP and No. 7 in the Coaches' Poll, as well as moving up to No. 8 in the CFP rankings.[151] Entering the Big Ten Championship Game, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 6 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls, and No. 5 in the CFP rankings.[152] Following the 59–0 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State moved up to No. 5 in the AP Poll and No. 4 in the Coaches' Poll.[153] On December 7, it was announced that Ohio State had passed TCU in the CFP rankings into the No. 4 ranking, which qualified them to participate in the inaugural College Football Playoff.[34][154] After the victory over Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State finished in the No. 1 position unanimously in both the AP and Coaches' polls as consensus national champions.[155]
_-_renamed_Honorary_Champions_Drive.jpg/1280px-N._High_St._(Dublin,_Ohio)_-_renamed_Honorary_Champions_Drive.jpg)
Following their victory over Oregon for the national championship, the team returned to Columbus on January 13, where they were greeted by fans upon their arrival at Port Columbus International Airport, as well as when they returned to the campus.[158] On January 18, the official championship celebration was held at Ohio Stadium, which was attended by an estimated 45,000 fans.[159] The event included a performance by the Ohio State University Marching Band, as well as speeches from athletic director Gene Smith, head coach Urban Meyer, Braxton Miller, and Ezekiel Elliott.[159]
Following their win over Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State's final team statistics were released. On the offensive side of the ball, Ohio State ranked ninth in total offense (511.6 yards per game), eighth in rushing offense (264.5 yards per game), 51st in passing offense (247.1 yards per game), and fifth in scoring offense (44.8 points per game).[160] In conference, Ohio State ranked first in total offense, second in rushing offense, and third in passing offense.[161] On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State ranked 19th in total defense (342.4 yards per game), 34th in rushing defense (141.3 yards per game), 28th in passing defense (201.1 yards per game), and 26th in scoring defense (22.0 points per game).[160] In conference, Ohio State ranked fifth in total defense, fifth in rushing defense, and sixth in passing defense.[161]
Individually, Ezekiel Elliott led the team in rushing with 1,878 total yards (125.2 yards per game), scoring 18 touchdowns, and ranking 12th nationally in rushing yards per game.[162] J. T. Barrett finished the season completing 203 of 314 pass attempts, with 2,834 passing yards, 34 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions.[163] Cardale Jones finished the season completing 56 of 92 pass attempts, with 860 passing yards, 7 touchdown passes, and 2 interceptions.[163] Joshua Perry led the team 124 total tackles and 73 solo tackles.[164] Vonn Bell led the team with 6 interceptions, and Joey Bosa led the team with 13.5 sacks.[165][166]
Thirty-one former players have been selected in the NFL Draft so far:
