Updated JAN 05, 2015 3:28p ET Ohio State advanced to the College Football Playoff national championship after a 42-35 upset victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes have played Oregon eight previous times, but the meeting on Monday, Jan. 12 in Arlington, Texas, is easily the matchup with the most implications between these two programs. Urban Meyer’s team had to overcome two significant injuries at quarterback this season, yet the offense hasn’t suffered much of a drop with third-stringer Cardale Jones in games against Wisconsin and Alabama. In addition to the steady play from Jones, Ohio State’s offensive line has showed marked improvement since losing to Virginia Tech, and the defense has allowed only 35 plays of 20 yards or more — the fewest in the nation. The Buckeyes enter the national championship with a 12-game winning streak and are looking to win their first time since 2003. Ohio State’s last appearance in the title game came in 2007 with a 38-24 loss to LSU. Here are five reasons to like Ohio State’s chances at beating Oregon and taking home the title. 1. Ezekiel Elliott The Big Ten was home to two running backs (Melvin Gordon and Tevin Coleman) that eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark, so Elliott’s production was largely under-the-radar throughout the course of the season. However, after back-to-back 200-yard efforts, Elliott is quickly emerging as one of the nation’s top running backs. …
Continue Reading: Five reasons Ohio State Buckeyes will win the national title
