In the ever-evolving drama that is the College Football Playoff, Ohio State has emerged from the shadows, shedding any doubts that may have surrounded its legitimacy. For much of the season, the Buckeyes’ potential was discussed in hushed tones—often overshadowed by the annual Michigan rivalry, or perhaps lost in the shuffle of a chaotic and unpredictable college football landscape. Yet, when it mattered most, Ohio State stepped forward and declared, “We are the team to beat.”
There’s a timeless saying in football that coaches and analysts alike often repeat: “Jimmys and Joes beat X’s and O’s.” Simply put, talent often trumps strategy, and a team with superior athletes can overwhelm any tactical advantage. When Ohio State took the field for their College Football Playoff games, it was clear that the Buckeyes had both—the game-changing talent and the strategic execution. It was this rare combination that set them apart from the competition and made them not just a contender, but a legitimate national championship threat.
Let’s start with the talent. Ohio State has long been known as a factory of elite football players, churning out first-round picks at nearly every position. In 2023, this tradition continued with a roster filled to the brim with future stars. The Buckeyes’ roster is a smorgasbord of skill positions, from dynamic wide receivers to an offensive line that can both protect and punish. But it’s the quarterback, the most important position on the field, who often separates the best teams from the rest. And in 2023, Ohio State had one of the most gifted signal-callers in the nation.
In their College Football Playoff opener, Ohio State looked almost unstoppable. Their offense, led by their talented quarterback and a supporting cast that could seemingly score at will, put up an offensive display that left their opponents scrambling for answers. On defense, the Buckeyes proved that they were far more than just a one-dimensional team, stifling the opposing offense with precision and power. The defensive line applied consistent pressure, and the secondary, often overshadowed by the offense, made sure to keep everything in front of them, preventing big plays and forcing mistakes.
It wasn’t just about raw talent, though. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has demonstrated an ability to take that talent and mold it into a well-oiled machine. The team’s offensive and defensive schemes were sophisticated yet effective, creating mismatches that no opponent could solve. From creative play designs that exploited weaknesses in the defense to aggressive, disciplined defensive schemes that never let up, Ohio State’s X’s and O’s were as refined as their Jimmys and Joes were formidable.
But here’s where the Buckeyes took it a step further. They didn’t just win; they dominated. The back-to-back blowout victories in the College Football Playoff showed a team that was not only capable of winning big games but also of flexing its muscle in a way that left no doubt as to who the real threat was. Many people had expected Ohio State to potentially stumble or show vulnerability in these high-pressure games. After all, the program had been vulnerable in past seasons, even with similar levels of talent. But this time, the Buckeyes erased any notion of weakness. They didn’t hide behind a few good plays or a lucky bounce—they imposed their will on both sides of the ball, dismantling their opponents with a cold, calculated precision.
In a season where chaos often reigned—where upsets became the norm and every team seemed to have its flaws—it was refreshing to see a team that rose above the madness. Ohio State’s performance in the Playoff was a reminder of what makes great teams great. It wasn’t just about the talent or the strategy, but the ability to put it all together when it mattered.
For years, we’ve seen Ohio State and its fans deal with the aftermath of heartbreaking losses to Michigan, or come up just short in big games. The narrative around this program had always included a sense of “what could have been.” But in 2023, that narrative was flipped on its head. The Buckeyes weren’t just a good team—they were a team that knew how to capitalize on their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. They were a team with a singular focus: to prove they belonged at the very top.
No more hiding in plain sight, Ohio State. No more playing possum, or waiting for a stumble to make the world doubt you. The Buckeyes have taken their seat at the table, and they’ve made it clear: they’re not just here to compete, but to dominate. The shadow of Michigan no longer looms as large over the program. The talk of a down year or an underachieving team is a thing of the past. The Buckeyes are no longer the hunter—they are the hunted.
What made Ohio State’s run in 2023 all the more impressive was their ability to rise above the noise. In a sport where narratives are often shaped by a single game, a single moment, or a single loss, Ohio State proved that true championship-caliber teams transcend the ups and downs of the regular season. They entered the College Football Playoff with the understanding that their journey had to be more than just about a couple of wins or losses—it had to be about showing the world who they were: a powerhouse that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of all-time programs.
When you look at Ohio State’s potential, it’s impossible not to see comparisons to some of the greatest teams in recent history. They’re reminiscent of 2019 LSU, a team that seemed unstoppable on offense and devastatingly efficient on defense. They have echoes of 2020 Alabama, with a high-octane attack and the ability to make critical stops when needed. And there’s a resemblance to Georgia’s 2022 squad, a team that not only had talent but also the discipline and mindset to never take their foot off the gas.
It is no longer a question of whether Ohio State has what it takes to win a national championship; the question now is how high their ceiling truly is. As they prepare for their Cotton Bowl showdown with Texas, and whatever challenges may lie ahead, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves as the team to beat. They’ve earned their place as the front-runner, and they’re ready to live up to the billing. The College Football Playoff won’t be the same with Ohio State in the mix—they’re the colossus that no one can afford to underestimate. The Buckeyes have made their statement: they’re not just participating in the race for the national title—they’re leading it.
