Ohio State’s National Championship Victory: A Strategic Play from Alabama’s Playbook

The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and its opponent, the Alabama Crimson Tide, was a game filled with drama, athleticism, and strategic ingenuity. For Ohio State, winning the national championship was not only a triumph of talent and preparation but also a testament to the team’s ability to adapt, learn, and execute on the biggest stage. One of the most fascinating aspects of their victory was the strategic use of a football play borrowed directly from the Alabama playbook—an unexpected but effective choice that played a crucial role in their championship run.

The Context of the Game

To fully appreciate the significance of the play from Alabama’s playbook, it is essential to understand the broader context of the 2024 season and the stakes surrounding the championship game. Ohio State had been one of the dominant forces in college football, consistently fielding high-powered offenses, suffocating defenses, and a program known for its depth and coaching excellence. However, their road to the championship was far from smooth. They faced fierce competition from the likes of Michigan, Penn State, and other top-tier programs that posed significant challenges, but Ohio State’s ability to adjust in critical moments was a key factor in their success.

Meanwhile, Alabama—coached by Nick Saban, a living legend in college football—had proven themselves to be perennial contenders, a team known for its physicality, exceptional talent, and unmatched coaching pedigree. Despite a couple of early-season losses, Alabama’s recovery and dominance in the SEC had made them the favorites for the national title once again. The Crimson Tide’s offense, powered by a high-octane passing game and a powerful running attack, was poised to give any defense a nightmare.

As the two programs squared off in the national championship game, the anticipation was palpable. For Ohio State, a win meant not only validating their place as the top team in college football for 2024 but also a testament to their ability to innovate under pressure.

Alabama’s Influence on Ohio State’s Game Plan

Alabama’s football program, under Nick Saban’s leadership, had become a blueprint for success in college football. Known for their physicality, disciplined approach, and strategic use of offensive and defensive plays, Alabama set the standard for other teams in the country. For Ohio State, who had a history of facing Alabama in major bowl games, there was a certain respect for the way Alabama ran their programs—especially their ability to execute key plays with precision.

However, Ohio State was not merely looking to imitate Alabama. Instead, they studied Alabama’s offense and defense closely, seeking to identify weaknesses and opportunities to exploit them. One of the plays that caught the attention of Ohio State’s coaching staff was a particular offensive formation that Alabama had used to devastating effect during the regular season and in their own playoff games.

The Play: A Game-Changing Moment

The play in question, a variation of Alabama’s signature “RPO” (Run-Pass Option), was designed to capitalize on defensive misalignments and create mismatches in space. Alabama had used this play throughout the season to perfection, often leaving defenders guessing and out of position. The beauty of the RPO is its versatility—the quarterback has the option to hand the ball off to the running back or to pass to a receiver, depending on how the defense reacts.

In this particular play, Alabama’s offensive line would block as if they were setting up for a running play, with the running back taking an inside handoff. However, the quarterback would pull the ball and look to pass, reading the defense to determine whether to throw it to the tight end or a wide receiver on a quick slant or fade route. If the defense bit on the run, the pass would be open, and if the defense focused on the pass, the running back had the option for a big gain on the ground.

Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, understanding the principles behind Alabama’s RPO success, knew that the key to this play’s effectiveness would be execution and timing. To adapt it to Ohio State’s offense, however, they needed to modify the personnel and rhythm to fit their style of play.

In Ohio State’s championship game against Alabama, this particular play was brought into the fold in the second half when the game was on the line. The Ohio State offense had been moving the ball well, but they had struggled to finish drives against Alabama’s stout defense. Head Coach Ryan Day and his offensive staff had been working to find a way to consistently break through Alabama’s defense, which was known for its ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage.

With the game tied and time winding down in the fourth quarter, Ohio State executed the modified RPO play. The Ohio State offensive line, which had been dominant throughout the season, set up as if they were going to power through the middle for a running play. Quarterback Kyle McCord, who had been excellent all year, showed great poise in reading the defense. As he surveyed the defense’s alignment, he saw that Alabama’s linebackers had moved up to stop the run, opening up a clear passing lane.

McCord pulled the ball from the running back’s hands and quickly made a read to the wide receiver on the outside. The receiver, running a quick fade route, was in perfect position to make a big play. McCord delivered the ball with precision, and the receiver made an exceptional catch, moving Ohio State into the red zone.

This play was not just a game-changer—it was a perfect execution of strategy, where Ohio State had capitalized on the principles they had learned from studying Alabama. The timing, the decision-making, and the attention to detail were all reminiscent of Alabama’s own success with the RPO. In many ways, it felt like Ohio State had borrowed a page from the Alabama playbook, adapting it to their own strengths.

The Impact of the Play on the Game

The success of the RPO play gave Ohio State the momentum they needed to drive down the field and ultimately score the game-winning touchdown. The play not only gave Ohio State a critical first down but also left Alabama’s defense on its heels. The quick and efficient execution of the play demonstrated Ohio State’s ability to think and react under pressure, proving that they had the poise and intelligence to win the game.

Ohio State’s use of Alabama’s play was not just a single moment of brilliance. It was a manifestation of the team’s strategic planning and the coaching staff’s ability to recognize and incorporate the best elements of other successful programs. Ohio State did not simply rely on raw talent but demonstrated an intellectual approach to the game—an approach that involved studying the opposition, understanding their strengths, and adapting their own game plan to maximize their chances of success.

As the clock ticked down and Ohio State held their lead, it became clear that this championship was not just about superior athletes; it was about superior football IQ and strategy. Ohio State had outwitted and outplayed the defending champions at their own game, using a play from their own playbook to finish what had been an incredible season.

Looking Forward: Ohio State’s Future

The 2024 National Championship win marked the pinnacle of Ohio State’s recent dominance in college football. The win solidified Ryan Day’s legacy as one of the top coaches in college football and set the stage for another era of excellence. What was perhaps most impressive about Ohio State’s victory was the way they blended traditional Ohio State toughness with modern, innovative football tactics. By incorporating elements from other programs, like Alabama, and tailoring them to fit their own needs, Ohio State demonstrated that football, at its highest level, is as much about intelligence and adaptability as it is about physicality.

For future seasons, this victory will undoubtedly serve as a blueprint for teams that are looking to emulate Ohio State’s success. Ohio State’s ability to blend strategy with execution will inspire coaches and players across the country to think critically about how they approach the game, both on offense and defense. Furthermore, the victory will be a defining moment in the rivalry between Ohio State and Alabama, as the two programs are likely to continue to clash on the national stage in years to come.