Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) throws in the pocket against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State had nine players with at least 15 catches and three quarterbacks average almost nine yards per pass.
The Buckyes are talented on the offensive line and have exhibited enviable depth at the skill positions, starting No. 3 passer Cardale Jones in the B1G Championship and College Football Playoff semifinals after losing two Heisman Trophy candidates at the position.
Here’s a closer look at the Buckeyes:
Running game
Sophomore Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 230 yards and secured the Sugar Bowl win for Ohio State with his 85-yard dash in the fourth quarter that helped the Buckeyes secure their 42-35 victory over Alabama. Elliott was overshadowed during the Big Ten season by a wealth of outstanding running backs in the conference, but he has emerged among the country’s elite in the last half of the season. In 14 games this season, he has 1,632 yards and 14 touchdowns. With 296 yards against Oregon, Elliott would break the school season record set by Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George. Quarterback Cardale Jones also showed his ability to run against the Alabama, gaining 43 yards and using his power to pick up several key first downs and avoid sacks. Oregon’s defense has shown vulnerability against the run, giving up 156.1 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 49th in FBS.
Passing game
Cardale Jones was up to the challenge in the Sugar Bowl when he made his second career start in place of injured quarterback JT Barrett and Braxton Miller. Jones has handled the job with great poise, passing for 243 yards and one touchdown against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and not letting the gravity of the moment affect him. At 6 feet 5 and 250 pounds, Jones also is able to run like a fullback, and as Alabama will attest, he’s sometimes difficult to bring down.
His evasiveness in the pocket could be important, particularly if Oregon decides to pressure Jones with its pass rush. There should be some opportunities in the championship game for Jones to use his howitzer-like arm to put the ball in the hands of wide receivers Devin Smith and Michael Thomas. It should help that All-American Ifo Ekpre-Olono, Oregon’s top defensive back, will not play after injuring a knee during bowl practice last month.
Run defense
Ohio State’s defensive line, anchored by Joey Bosa and Michael Bennett — is considered one of the best in the country. They make it tough for opponents to consistently gain yards on the ground. The Buckeyes controlled Wisconsin’s powerful rushing attack in the Big Ten championship game last month. Oregon’s fast-paced offense poses a bigger threat than any team Ohio State has faced this season.
The Buckeyes’ front seven must come through in defending Marcus Mariota and the Oregon offensive juggernaut, which ranks third in the nation in total offense.
They’ll have to guard against Mariota’s running ability as well. He has rushed for 731 yards and 15 touchdowns this year, and running back Royce Freeman has 1,343 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns. It will be imperative that Ohio State’s linebackers, led by Joshua Perry and Darron Lee, provide run support as well as intermediate pass coverage.
Pass defense
Ohio State’s secondary is gearing up for the ultimate test against Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Marcus Mariota and his stable of talented wide receivers. The Buckeyes might catch a bit of a break, though, with Ducks wide receiver Devon Allen likely to miss the game after suffering a knee injury on the opening kickoff in the Rose Bowl. He’s the NCAA 110-meter hurdles champion who has 41 receptions for 674 yards and seven touchdowns this year. Still, Mariota is the FBS leader in passing efficiency (three interceptions) and ranks third in passing yards (4,111) and second in touchdown (40) passes this season.
In the Sugar Bowl, the Buckeyes were effective in keeping Alabama star wide receiver Amari Cooper from making long game-breaking receptions. Ohio State ranks fourth in the country in interceptions with 24 and is 16th in pass defense, giving up 191.6 yards per game.
Safety Vonn Bell and cornerback Doran Grant are the team leaders in interceptions with six and five, respectively.
Special teams
Ohio State’s kickoff coverage team ranks second in the nation, allowing opponents an average starting field position below the 24-yard line. The Buckeyes have an average starting field position difference of 8.8 yards. The Buckeyes’ ability to tilting field position in their favor could be a key element to watch during Monday’s championship game given Oregon’s propensity to move the ball. Freshman kicker Sean Nuernberger booted two field goals against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, but Ohio State appears hesitant to turn to him for longer attempts. Punter Cameron Johnston averaged 46.5 yards on six points and had two downed inside the 20-yard line against the Crimson Tide.
ROSTER REPORT
–RB/KR Dontre Wilson was still wearing a walking boot on Tuesday at practice but could be back for the College Football Playoff championship game after suffering a broken foot in the win at Michigan State in early November. Wilson said he was ready to play last week in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, but he was held out for precautionary measures. Coach Urban Meyer listed the H-back as probable.
–TE Jeff Heuerman was listed as probable by coach Urban Meyer for the championship game against Oregon on Monday night after suffering an ankle injury in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. But count on the senior at least attempting to play. “I’d have to be dead to miss the national championship game. And even then I’d find a way to make sure we win,” Heuerman tweeted.
— LT Taylor Decker quashed Internet reports that he’s considering an early jump to the NFL. The junior told reporters on Tuesday that he’ll be back at Ohio State next season. “I never submitted for draft feedback or anything like that,” he said. “I just love playing with my teammates. And I ultimately think it would be better for me in the long run as far as my career to have another year here.”
–QBs Braxton Miller and JT Barrett will be watching again Monday night. As soon as the game ends, the attention will be focused on which of the three quarterbacks – Miller, Barrett or Cardale Jones – will win the starting job next fall and how coach Urban Meyer plans to handle the overabundance of talent at the position.
Transfer rumors continue to swirl around Miller. The latest involves Miller considering LSU. Oregon has been mentioned as another possibility. Miller is free to transfer for his final year and not sit out because he already has his undergraduate degree. Coach Urban Meyer expects Miller to return next year, and Jones said Tuesday that he would be back for his redshirt junior year.
–OL Kyle Dodson was medically disqualified from playing football last month because of a neck condition. The redshirt sophomore played in only game this fall after failing to crack the starting lineup.
