Ohio State’s National Championship Victory: How an Alabama Play Led to a Historic Win

In college football, strategy, innovation, and the ability to adapt are often what separate champions from also-rans. The 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game between Ohio State University and the University of Alabama was one of the most watched and talked about games in recent memory. Ohio State’s commanding 52-24 victory not only captured their eighth national title but also saw them use key elements of a playbook borrowed from one of the sport’s most successful programs: Alabama. This incorporation of an Alabama football play into their strategy played a pivotal role in securing the championship, showcasing how adaptability and understanding an opponent’s strengths can lead to victory.

The Context: Ohio State and Alabama’s Clash for the Title

The 2020 national championship game was held on January 11, 2021, and saw the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide square off against the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Alabama, led by head coach Nick Saban, entered the game with a perfect record, boasting an explosive offense powered by quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, the eventual Heisman Trophy winner.

On the other hand, Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, was also a powerhouse, led by quarterback Justin Fields, running back Trey Sermon, and wide receiver Chris Olave. The Buckeyes had shown their offensive potential in previous games but were perceived by many as the underdogs heading into the national championship showdown.

Despite Ohio State’s overall talent, it was Alabama’s proven dominance in the SEC that gave them the edge in the eyes of many analysts. Yet, Ohio State’s coaching staff devised a game plan that incorporated elements from Alabama’s own offensive strategies, helping them overcome the Tide’s potent attack and secure a convincing victory.

Borrowing a Page from Alabama’s Playbook

One of the key strategies that Ohio State utilized during the game was their ability to replicate an offensive concept that had been a hallmark of Alabama’s success. Specifically, they leveraged the zone run scheme coupled with a play-action pass – a strategy that Alabama had mastered under Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who would later become the head coach at Texas.

Alabama’s zone read plays, in which the quarterback reads the defensive end to determine whether to hand the ball off to the running back or keep it and run himself, had been the foundation of their offense for several years. The key to this scheme’s success lies in its ability to create mismatches and force defenders into difficult decisions, often leading to big gains. Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Kevin Wilson, recognized the effectiveness of this system and adapted it to fit the talents of his own roster.

In the national championship game, Ohio State’s running back Trey Sermon played a pivotal role in executing the zone run plays, often following his offensive line as they manipulated Alabama’s defensive front. The success of this strategy allowed Ohio State to consistently move the ball on the ground, setting up play-action opportunities that put pressure on Alabama’s secondary.

The Impact of Ohio State’s Adaptation

One of the most significant moments in the game came in the second quarter when Ohio State ran a critical play-action pass after establishing success on the ground. Justin Fields, who had been nursing an injury throughout the game, executed a flawless fake handoff to Sermon, fooling Alabama’s linebackers and safeties. Fields then found wide receiver Garrett Wilson streaking down the field for a crucial touchdown.

This play was a perfect example of how Ohio State had learned from Alabama’s offensive system and tailored it to their own strengths. The execution was nearly identical to some of the signature plays that Alabama had run under Sarkisian’s offense earlier in the season, particularly in their high-scoring victory over Florida in the SEC Championship. By mimicking Alabama’s play-action approach, Ohio State was able to not only sustain drives but also create big plays that kept the Alabama defense off balance.

Ohio State’s Offensive Line: Key to Success

A critical component in Ohio State’s ability to use the zone run and play-action pass effectively was their offensive line. The Buckeyes’ offensive line had been dominant throughout the 2020 season, and they showcased their prowess in the championship game by creating running lanes for Trey Sermon and providing Justin Fields with the time he needed to survey the field. This unit, led by tackle Thayer Munford and center Josh Myers, was able to consistently move Alabama’s defensive front off the ball, allowing Ohio State to dictate the tempo of the game.

In many ways, Ohio State’s offensive line mirrored Alabama’s own offensive lines of the past decade—units that were powerful, disciplined, and capable of controlling the line of scrimmage. By replicating Alabama’s offensive play designs and executing them with precision, Ohio State’s offensive line ensured that the Buckeyes’ offense remained balanced and unpredictable.

Justin Fields’ Masterful Performance

Of course, no conversation about Ohio State’s victory would be complete without acknowledging the extraordinary performance of quarterback Justin Fields. Fields, who had been a dual-threat quarterback throughout his college career, showed off his full range of skills in the national championship game. While he is known for his running ability, Fields displayed incredible poise in the pocket, especially when executing the play-action pass that had been borrowed from Alabama’s playbook.

Fields threw for 462 yards and six touchdowns in the game, showcasing an ability to read the defense, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate throws. His chemistry with wide receivers Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jameson Williams—who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State before the season—was on full display as they consistently found open spaces against a talented but overmatched Alabama defense.

One of the more remarkable aspects of Fields’ performance was his ability to process information quickly and make decisions on the fly, something that is crucial when running an offense built around the zone read and play-action concepts. Fields’ ability to read the defensive end and make quick decisions on whether to hand the ball off or keep it and run was reminiscent of Alabama quarterbacks who thrived in a similar offensive system, such as Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts.

Alabama’s Defense Struggles to Adjust

While Alabama’s offense continued to put up points throughout the game, their defense was unable to stop Ohio State’s dynamic attack. A key reason for this was Ohio State’s ability to consistently exploit Alabama’s defensive weaknesses using the zone run and play-action pass. As Alabama’s defense was forced to respect the threat of the run, they became vulnerable to play-action fakes, which led to big plays downfield.

Throughout the season, Alabama’s defense had been susceptible to big plays, particularly against offenses that could effectively establish the run. Despite their star-studded roster, including players like linebacker Dylan Moses and defensive back Patrick Surtain II, Alabama struggled to contain Ohio State’s offense, which used Alabama’s own play concepts against them.

One of the more striking aspects of Alabama’s defensive issues was their inability to stop Ohio State’s wide receivers on crossing routes and deep shots, which were made possible by the success of the run game. This mirrored some of the challenges that Alabama’s defense had faced when playing against high-powered offenses in the SEC.

A Historic Victory for Ohio State

By the time the final whistle blew, Ohio State had not only won their eighth national championship but had done so by executing an offensive game plan that was, in many ways, a tribute to Alabama’s success over the years. Ohio State’s ability to replicate key aspects of Alabama’s zone read and play-action pass concepts was instrumental in their 52-24 victory, as they systematically wore down the Alabama defense and created big plays at crucial moments.

The victory also solidified head coach Ryan Day’s place in Ohio State football history. In just his second season as head coach, Day had led the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of college football, overcoming a highly talented and experienced Alabama team in the process. Day’s willingness to adapt and incorporate successful elements from Alabama’s offense was a testament to his coaching acumen and his understanding of the modern game.