The Triumph of The Ohio State Buckeyes: A Look Back at the First College Football Playoff Era National Championship
The year 2014 was a watershed moment for college football in America. That was the year when the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system was retired, making way for the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) era. As the dust settled, it was the Ohio State Buckeyes who emerged as the first-ever CFP National Champions, marking a new chapter in their storied history.
The Preseason Uncertainties
The season was fraught with challenges and uncertainties for Ohio State. The team’s star quarterback, Braxton Miller, was ruled out for the entire season due to a shoulder injury. It seemed like Ohio State’s championship dreams had already been dashed before the first snap of the ball.
However, head coach Urban Meyer had other plans. Insert J.T. Barrett as the starting quarterback, and let’s not forget Cardale Jones, who would later become one of the heroes of the postseason.
The Regular Season Roller Coaster
The Buckeyes started their season with a win but stumbled in week two against Virginia Tech, raising questions about their championship potential. But the team rallied behind Meyer and Barrett, securing dominant victories as they progressed through their schedule. Despite the loss, Ohio State clinched the Big Ten East, setting up a showdown with Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.
It wasn’t just the resiliency that stood out during the regular season; it was also the growth and maturity displayed by a young roster. J.T. Barrett, a redshirt freshman at the time, grew into his role as the starting quarterback, setting several Ohio State records in the process. Under Meyer’s tutelage, the team showcased an ability to adapt and evolve, effectively using a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent. The blend created a dynamic and multi-faceted team that opponents found difficult to handle as the season wore on.
The emotional and tactical evolution of the team became evident during key matches, especially in the game against arch-rival Michigan. Ohio State’s win in “The Game” was more than just another notch in their belt; it demonstrated their ability to perform under immense pressure. This high-stakes win served as a rite of passage for the young team, preparing them for the even more challenging postseason battles that lay ahead. It wasn’t just a victory on the field; it was a victory for the coaching staff, the school, and the community that stood steadfastly behind the Buckeyes through the roller coaster of a season.
The Big Ten Championship: A Statement Win
Ohio State didn’t “just” win the Big Ten Championship; they annihilated Wisconsin in a 59–0 blowout, making a resounding statement to the CFP selection committee. Jones, who had taken over the quarterback reins, was nothing short of magnificent. This win secured Ohio State the fourth seed in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
The statement win was an undeniable showcase of Ohio State’s depth and versatility. Cardale Jones, in just his first start, displayed poise and leadership, tossing for 257 yards and three touchdowns. But it wasn’t just the offense that dazzled; the defense put up a brick wall against Wisconsin’s heralded running game, effectively taking running back Melvin Gordon out of the equation. Gordon, who had been racking up astronomical numbers all season, was held to just 76 yards rushing.
This game wasn’t simply about winning a conference title; it was about legitimizing Ohio State’s place in the larger national conversation. Critics and analysts had been skeptical about whether the Buckeyes deserved to be among the elite four teams to participate in the first-ever College Football Playoff. The Big Ten had faced questions about its competitive strength, but Ohio State’s demolition of Wisconsin laid those questions to rest. The Buckeyes weren’t just Big Ten Champions; they were national contenders, fully deserving of their spot in the history-making playoff bracket.
The Road to Glory
In the semi-finals, Ohio State was pitted against top-seeded Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Buckeyes fans will forever remember Ezekiel Elliott’s 85-yard touchdown run that essentially sealed the win against the Crimson Tide, advancing Ohio State to the championship game against Oregon.
One of the most striking aspects of Ohio State’s win against Alabama was the poise shown by the team in the face of adversity. Alabama had a reputation for being a second-half team, known for wearing down opponents as the game progressed. But Ohio State countered that narrative by displaying remarkable stamina and resilience. Whether it was Jones’ crucial throws or the defense making key stops, the Buckeyes showed they could go toe-to-toe with a powerhouse and emerge victorious.
The game also proved to be a tactical masterpiece for Urban Meyer and his coaching staff. Meyer’s game plan seemed to be a step ahead of Alabama’s Nick Saban, one of the most respected coaches in college football history. From using a balanced offensive attack that kept the Crimson Tide’s defense guessing to deploying defensive schemes that neutralized Alabama’s formidable running game, Ohio State showcased the kind of strategic depth that turns good teams into champions. It wasn’t just about athleticism or individual brilliance; it was about a team functioning as a well-oiled machine, executing a plan to perfection.
With this monumental win, Ohio State demonstrated that they were not just the beneficiaries of a new playoff system; they were a team of destiny, ready to etch their names into college football history.
The Inaugural CFP National Championship
January 12, 2015, will forever be etched in the memory of Buckeye fans. The Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the Oregon Ducks, led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. However, Ohio State’s physicality, talent, and depth proved too much for the Ducks to handle. Ezekiel Elliott ran for 246 yards and four touchdowns, while Jones threw for 242 yards and a touchdown. The defense held Mariota and the Ducks’ high-octane offense in check for much of the game. When the final whistle blew, Ohio State was victorious with a 42–20 win, capturing the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.
The performance of Ezekiel Elliott during the championship game became the stuff of legends. He didn’t just run through the Oregon defense; he dominated in a way that few running backs had ever done on such a big stage. Elliott’s rushing yards and touchdowns were instrumental in controlling the game’s tempo, keeping the Ducks’ fast-paced offense off the field and giving the Buckeyes the opportunities they needed to put points on the board.
But this victory was also a testament to the prowess of Ohio State’s less-heralded units. The offensive line, which had been a point of concern early in the season, stood firm against Oregon’s defensive front, allowing Elliott the lanes he needed and giving Jones time to make key throws. Similarly, Ohio State’s defense, which faced the daunting task of containing Mariota, executed their game plan to near perfection. Defensive end Joey Bosa and the rest of the defensive line put constant pressure on Mariota, while the secondary effectively covered Oregon’s myriad of receiving threats.
With this win, Ohio State not only claimed the national title but also validated the Big Ten Conference’s standing in college football. It was a comprehensive team victory that showed the Buckeyes could excel in all three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams. The first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship was a spectacle that set the bar for future competitions, and it’s a standard that every Ohio State team will aim to live up to in the years to come.
The Aftermath
The win had several implications. Firstly, it solidified Urban Meyer’s legacy as one of the greatest college football coaches. Secondly, it emphasized the importance of depth and resilience in a championship team. Thirdly, it proved the efficacy of the new playoff system, adding a layer of legitimacy that the BCS era often lacked.
But most importantly, it provided a moment of collective triumph and pride that Ohio State fans had been yearning for since their last national championship in 2002. It reminded everyone that in college football, true champions rise through adversity, something that the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes embodied to perfection.
So as we continue to watch future seasons unfold, let’s not forget the Buckeyes team that paved the way in the new era, setting a gold standard for what it means to be a college football champion in the College Football Playoff era. — Brad Kern
