Urban Meyer and the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes are set to take college football’s biggest stage to battle second-ranked Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday night.
The Ducks, guided by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, are favored by 6.5 points, according to Odds Shark. But the Buckeyes are getting comfortable in the underdog role—they’ve won both of their last two games against Wisconsin and Alabama, despite facing significant odds.
Can Ohio State pull another upset to win a national title? Here are five bold predictions for the Buckeyes ahead of their big matchup with the Ducks.
Ezekiel Elliott Will Break 220 Rushing Yards for the Third Straight Game
In the Big Ten title game against Wisconsin’s second-ranked total defense, Ezekiel Elliott broke out for 220 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 20 carries. With a similar workload against Alabama’s top-ranked rushing defense in the Sugar Bowl, he tallied 230 yards and another two scores.
He’ll be even better against Oregon. The Ducks’ bend-but-don’t break defense will create some big opportunities for Elliott, who could break 250 rushing yards for the first time in his collegiate career on Monday.
Ohio State Will Pick Off a Marcus Mariota Pass
Mariota has been the most efficient quarterback in the country this season mainly because he takes such good care of the ball. The junior signal-caller has only thrown three interceptions in 408 pass attempts, and he’s thrown at least three touchdowns in half of Oregon’s games this season.
The Buckeyes will fluster him into throwing at least one interception.
Ohio State ranks fourth nationally with 24 interceptions. The defense picked off Blake Sims three times in the Sugar Bowl after he threw just seven interceptions all season. Expect the Buckeyes to get another one against Mariota.
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: 5 Bold Predictions for the Buckeyes vs. Oregon
