On January 21, 2015, the Ohio State Buckeyes stood victorious, clinching their eighth national title in college football. Their 42-20 triumph over the Oregon Ducks in the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game was not just another championship; it was a story of resilience, redemption, and history in the making. This remarkable victory marked the end of a chapter in college football and the beginning of a new era, redefining the possibilities of the sport. The tale of the Buckeyes’ 2014 season encapsulated passion, determination, and grit, and their championship run left an indelible mark on the history of college football.
A Journey of Triumph and Tragedy
The 2014 season for Ohio State, led by head coach Urban Meyer, began under a cloud of uncertainty. The team was loaded with talent, featuring a high-powered offense and a defense that could stifle any opponent. However, there was one significant challenge that threatened to derail their national championship aspirations before they even began: the injury to their starting quarterback, Braxton Miller.
Miller, a dual-threat quarterback, was the heart and soul of the team. His dynamic playmaking ability made Ohio State one of the preseason favorites to contend for the national title. However, in August 2014, just weeks before the season began, Miller tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder, forcing him to undergo season-ending surgery. The Buckeyes were suddenly faced with the daunting task of finding a replacement for their star quarterback.
Enter J.T. Barrett, a redshirt freshman who had shown promise but had little experience at the college level. Barrett stepped in for Miller, and despite the adversity of losing a key player, he led the Buckeyes to a 12-1 regular season record. Barrett was spectacular, breaking multiple Ohio State records and guiding the team to the Big Ten Championship Game. But just when it seemed like the Buckeyes had found their stride, disaster struck again. In the season finale against Michigan, Barrett suffered a fractured ankle, putting Ohio State’s national title hopes in jeopardy yet again.
With Barrett out, the Buckeyes turned to their third-string quarterback, Cardale Jones. A towering figure at 6-foot-5 and possessing a cannon arm, Jones was virtually unknown outside of Columbus. He had been a backup to both Miller and Barrett, but with no other options, Jones was thrust into the most crucial moment of his life. The challenge was immense: lead Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, followed by a spot in the College Football Playoff, with very little game experience.
The Spark of Cardale Jones
What happened next was one of the most improbable stories in college football history. In his first career start, Cardale Jones turned in a performance for the ages. He was calm under pressure, making precise throws and exhibiting a level of poise that belied his inexperience. Ohio State dominated the Wisconsin Badgers 59-0 in the Big Ten Championship Game, a victory that not only secured their place in the College Football Playoff but also established Jones as a legitimate star in the making.
The win over Wisconsin sent shockwaves through the college football world. Many pundits and analysts had written off Ohio State due to their quarterback situation, but Jones proved them all wrong. With a balanced offense that featured a powerful running game led by Ezekiel Elliott and a defense that bent but didn’t break, the Buckeyes were a force to be reckoned with. The team entered the CFP with a sense of destiny, knowing that they had already overcome so much adversity just to get to this point.
The College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff format, implemented in 2014, consisted of four teams selected by a committee to compete for the national championship. Ohio State, as the Big Ten champion, was selected as the fourth seed, earning a spot in the inaugural playoff. Their opponent in the semifinal was none other than the Alabama Crimson Tide, the defending national champions and perennial power under head coach Nick Saban. The matchup was seen as a monumental challenge for the Buckeyes, who were facing a team loaded with talent and championship pedigree.
But the Buckeyes embraced the challenge. Cardale Jones, now the focal point of the offense, played with confidence, and Ezekiel Elliott ran with a fury that left defenders in his wake. Jones threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, while Elliott rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns, including a 85-yard touchdown run that helped put the game out of reach. Ohio State’s defense also rose to the occasion, stifling Alabama’s high-powered offense and forcing key turnovers. The Buckeyes’ 42-35 victory over Alabama was a stunning upset that solidified their place in the national championship game.
For Ohio State, the victory over Alabama was more than just a football game; it was a statement. The Buckeyes had been written off multiple times throughout the season, but now they were just one game away from the ultimate prize. The road to the championship was long and difficult, but Ohio State had proven that they were a team of destiny.
The National Championship Game
On January 12, 2015, Ohio State faced off against the Oregon Ducks in Arlington, Texas, for the College Football Playoff National Championship. Oregon, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, was a high-flying, fast-paced team known for its explosive offense and high-scoring games. Many experts predicted that the Ducks would overwhelm the Buckeyes with their speed and playmaking ability. However, Ohio State had other plans.
The Buckeyes started strong, with Cardale Jones leading a methodical opening drive that resulted in a touchdown. Oregon responded with a touchdown of their own, but Ohio State’s defense tightened up and limited the Ducks’ offensive opportunities. Meanwhile, Jones continued to play with poise, delivering accurate throws to a talented group of receivers, including Michael Thomas, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer.
The turning point came in the second half. After Oregon cut Ohio State’s lead to 21-20, the Buckeyes exploded for three unanswered touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliott, who had been a workhorse all season, took over the game in the second half, rushing for a 1-yard touchdown and later breaking free for a 33-yard touchdown run. Elliott’s performance was nothing short of legendary; he finished the game with 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns, cementing his place as one of the best running backs in college football history.
Cardale Jones, meanwhile, continued to impress, throwing for 242 yards and one touchdown. His ability to remain calm and execute the offense under the brightest of lights was a testament to his character and skill. The offensive line, led by stars like Taylor Decker and Jacoby Boren, gave Jones time to survey the field, while the defense, led by playmakers like Joey Bosa and Darron Lee, stifled Oregon’s attack.
The Buckeyes’ 42-20 victory was a dominant display of team football. It was a victory that transcended individual performances and highlighted the collective effort of a team that had faced so much adversity throughout the season. Ohio State was not just the best team on the field that night—they were the best team in the country.
A Historic Championship
The victory over Oregon marked the culmination of Ohio State’s remarkable journey. It was the team’s eighth national title and the first under head coach Urban Meyer. For Meyer, the win was especially sweet. He had already established himself as one of the premier coaches in college football, but this championship validated his leadership and vision for the program. Meyer’s ability to guide his team through the adversity of injuries and uncertainty was nothing short of masterful, and the national championship solidified his place in college football history.
For the players, the win was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. Cardale Jones, who had gone from a backup quarterback to a national champion, was the unlikely hero of the championship run. Ezekiel Elliott, who had been a force all season, cemented his legacy as one of the best running backs to ever play at Ohio State. The defense, led by Joey Bosa and Darron Lee, played with ferocity and determination, ensuring that the Ducks’ high-powered offense never got into a rhythm.
The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes became a symbol of perseverance and belief, showing that anything was possible with the right attitude and a relentless drive to succeed. They proved that no matter the odds, no matter the setbacks, a team could rise above and achieve greatness.
