The Road to the Championship Game at Ohio State

The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team is one of the most storied and successful programs in college football history. Each season, they begin with high expectations and a legacy to uphold. With multiple national championships and a history of dominance, the Buckeyes enter every year as one of the leading contenders for the College Football Playoff (CFP) and a national title. The 2024 season was no different, as Ohio State’s journey to the championship game was filled with highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. From the early-season challenges to the final moments of the national championship, Ohio State’s road was marked by resilience, skill, and the will to succeed.

Early Season – Building Momentum

The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes entered the season with a strong and well-rounded team, boasting a mix of talented veterans and promising newcomers. Coming off a solid performance the previous season, they were determined to return to the top of college football and reclaim the national championship. While Ohio State was ranked highly in the preseason polls, they faced numerous early challenges that tested their ability to navigate the road to the championship.

Head coach Ryan Day, who had taken over the reins from Urban Meyer in 2019, had built a dynamic program that featured an explosive offense and a tenacious defense. The Buckeyes’ offense was anchored by a new quarterback, who was replacing a star player from the previous season. Despite the uncertainty at the quarterback position, there was no lack of talent on the roster. The team boasted a deep pool of wide receivers, running backs, and a strong offensive line that could give any opponent trouble.

The defensive side of the ball was another area of strength for Ohio State. Their defensive line was known for its ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and their secondary was loaded with experienced players capable of making big plays in critical moments. The linebackers were fast and aggressive, helping to stifle opposing run games while also making key tackles in passing situations.

While the team was talented, the early part of the season would present challenges that would force them to prove their mettle. One of the first tests of the year was a non-conference matchup against a team from a power conference. Although Ohio State was favored to win, the game highlighted some early struggles on offense, as the team had difficulty finding a rhythm in the passing game. Despite these growing pains, the Buckeyes’ defense kept them in the game, and they were able to escape with a narrow victory.

The Rise to the Top: Conference Play

As the season progressed and Ohio State entered Big Ten conference play, the intensity of the competition ramped up. The Big Ten is one of the premier conferences in college football, with each team bringing its own unique challenges. Ohio State would need to be at its best week in and week out to stay on track for a spot in the College Football Playoff and ultimately the national championship game.

The first real test came when the Buckeyes faced off against one of their top rivals, Penn State. Penn State had a reputation for playing tough, physical football, and their defense was known to be one of the best in the Big Ten. Ohio State’s offense was starting to click by this point in the season, with the quarterback beginning to settle in and develop chemistry with his playmakers. Despite a solid performance from Penn State, the Buckeyes were able to pull away late in the game with big plays from their offense and timely stops on defense.

As the weeks continued, Ohio State also faced strong challenges from other conference foes, including Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Iowa. Each game offered its own unique set of challenges. The game against Wisconsin, for example, was a defensive slugfest. Wisconsin was known for its physicality and grinding, clock-consuming offense. However, Ohio State’s defensive line asserted its dominance, consistently putting pressure on the quarterback and forcing turnovers that would prove crucial in securing a victory.

But perhaps the most anticipated game of the season—and certainly the one that would shape Ohio State’s path to the championship—was the annual rivalry game against Michigan. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in all of college football, and every year, the stakes are incredibly high. For both teams, the game is about more than just a victory; it’s about bragging rights, pride, and, often, playoff implications.

The Michigan Game: A Defining Moment

The 2024 edition of the Michigan-Ohio State game was no different. Both teams entered the game with undefeated records, making the matchup a de facto playoff game. Ohio State had a chance to not only claim victory over their archrivals but also secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and a strong position for the College Football Playoff.

The game began with both teams showing their strengths, with Michigan playing a well-balanced style of offense and defense. Ohio State’s offense struggled early, as Michigan’s defense was able to slow down the Buckeyes’ passing game and prevent big plays. However, Ohio State’s defense rose to the occasion, keeping Michigan’s offense from finding a rhythm. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage.

In the second half, Ohio State’s offense finally began to click. The Buckeyes capitalized on a few key turnovers by Michigan and took control of the game with a series of explosive plays. Their quarterback found his rhythm, connecting on deep passes, and the running game began to wear down the Michigan defense. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Ohio State had built a commanding lead.

The victory over Michigan secured Ohio State’s spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and was an emotional and significant moment in their journey to the championship. Not only had they defeated their bitter rivals, but they had also overcome adversity, showing that they had the resolve to keep fighting even when things weren’t going their way.

The Big Ten Championship Game

With the Michigan win in hand, Ohio State shifted its focus to the Big Ten Championship Game, where they would face a tough opponent in the form of Iowa. Iowa’s defense was known for being one of the most disciplined in the country, and their head coach, Kirk Ferentz, had built a team that was capable of pulling off an upset in big games.

Ohio State came into the Big Ten Championship Game as the clear favorite, but they knew that Iowa would give them everything they had. The game started with Iowa playing a gritty, defensive-minded game, and Ohio State struggled at times to find consistency on offense. However, the Buckeyes’ depth proved to be the difference-maker. With their offensive line dominating in the trenches and their skill players making big plays when needed, Ohio State was able to pull away late in the game. The final score reflected Ohio State’s dominance, as they secured their place in the College Football Playoff with a Big Ten title in hand.

The College Football Playoff

With the Big Ten Championship and a perfect season intact, Ohio State turned its attention to the College Football Playoff. As one of the top four teams in the country, the Buckeyes would face an opponent from another major conference in the semifinal. The opponent was a powerhouse from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and Ohio State knew that this would be one of their toughest challenges yet.

The semifinal was a hard-fought battle from start to finish. Both teams came out with a sense of urgency, knowing that the winner would earn a chance to compete for the national championship. Ohio State’s defense was critical in this matchup, as they stifled the SEC team’s high-powered offense and kept them off balance with a relentless pass rush. On offense, Ohio State’s quarterback showcased his growth over the season, making big-time throws and keeping the defense on their heels. In the end, Ohio State’s balanced performance in all phases of the game was enough to secure a hard-fought victory and a ticket to the national championship.

The National Championship Game

The stage was set. Ohio State had reached the pinnacle of college football, and the national championship game would be their final hurdle. Standing in their way was another powerhouse, a team that had been equally dominant throughout the season. The stakes were incredibly high, and the entire football world was watching.

The game began with both teams playing at an elite level, each showcasing their strengths. Ohio State’s offense, which had been explosive all season, faced a tough challenge against a defense that was capable of shutting down even the most high-powered offenses. Similarly, Ohio State’s defense would need to come up big against a dynamic offense that had been scoring at will throughout the season.

As the game wore on, Ohio State’s experience and depth began to shine. Their offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, providing time for their quarterback to make key passes down the field. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s defense made timely stops, preventing their opponent from gaining momentum. In the final moments of the game, with the score tied, Ohio State’s kicker stepped up and delivered a game-winning field goal to secure the victory.

The Buckeyes had done it. They were the national champions once again, capping off a remarkable season filled with adversity, growth, and triumph. The 2024 Ohio State team had earned its place in college football history, and their road to the championship would forever be remembered as one of the greatest journeys in the sport.