Ohio State Wins College Football's National Championship

BUCKEYES DEFEAT OREGON 42-20

The Ohio State Buckeyes, of the Big 10, accomplished something not many, if any, college football team can say. Coming from what some said was a weak conference and using their 3rd string quarterback, the Buckeyes beat #1 Alabama 42-35 and #2 Oregon 42-20 on consecutive weeks.

The Buckeyes lost their starting quarterback in August, lost at home to Virginia Tech in September and lost their backup quarterback in November.

Despite these setbacks, the Buckeyes won the first ever College Football Playoff by running over, around and through the Ducks defense for 296 yards, 246 by Ezekiel Elliott, to win their 7th National Championship and their first since 2002.

Oregon had opportunities, thanks to 4 turnovers by the Buckeyes, but the Ducks couldn't convert those turnovers into touchdowns.

The key moment for Oregon, came in the 3rd quarter with the Buckeyes leading 21-17. Tyson Coleman, of the Ducks, sacked Cardale Jones for a 17 yard loss and forced a fumble recovered by Arik Armstead at the Buckeye 23 with 8:21 remaining in the quarter. The Ducks drove to the 6 yard line but the Buckeye defense held and Oregon settled for a 23 yard field goal by Aidan Schneider. Instead of the 24-21 lead, the Ducks were still trailing 21-20. They would not score again.

Marcus Mariota threw for 333 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 INT including a beautiful 70 yard catch and run to Byron Marshall that pulled Oregon to within 4 at 21-17.

Cardale Jones completed 16 of 23 passes for 242 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Jones also ran for a 1 yard touchdown.

The player of the game though, was Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 246 yards on 36 carries and 3 touchdowns. Elliott scored the final 3 touchdowns of the game as the Buckeye offensive line controlled the Duck's defensive line and opened big holes for Elliott.

Read the ESPN article here.