2014 College Football Playoff Trophy
(Image courtesy of no2minutewarning.com)
CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
PRESENTED BY AT&T
No.2 Oregon vs. No. 4 Ohio State
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
8:30 PM ET, Monday, January 12, 2015
Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, 2014’s Heisman Trophy winner, vs. Ohio State's Urban Meyer's coaching staff. In our opinion the key to this game lies in the ability of Ohio State's coaching staff to have a game plan that can successfully:
- Slow down Mariota
- Manage 3rd string QB Cardale Jones
- Control the ball and clock via a running game
If Ohio State can do this, they can win; if not, then Oregon wins easily.
Mariota is having an incredible season: 4,121 yards passing; 40 passing TDs; 3 interceptions; 731 yards rushing; 15 rushing TDs; and a QB rating of 184.3. In Oregon's only loss they only managed to score 24 points vs. Arizona. If Oregon can get OSU in a scoring race, then Oregon wins easily. The question is: can the Buckeyes stop Mariota just enough? Oregon has a balanced attack, being 11th in the nation in passing yards, 18th in rushing yards, and they are second in the nation in scoring. Conversely, Ohio State is 26th in the nation in points allowed, and Ohio State is 17th in the country in total defense. The big question: can Ohio State get to Mariota enough to slow him down? We think they can: Bosa is a beast; three Ohio State’s four defensive lineman are good enough to play on Sundays; the secondary can do just enough, and the linebackers are solid.
Cardale Jones is called 12 gauge because of his arm, but he has only two starts in college. However, he has been outstanding in those two starts. He can't carry the team, but the Ohio State staff has devised a game plan where he doesn't have to do it all, and they have been successful. We don't see that changing against an Oregon team that is 27th in the country in points allowed. So, yes, we believe Cardale will do his part with a well prepared game plan by Urban Meyer and his staff.
Ezekiel Elliott has had a breakout sophomore year at Ohio State. He has 1632 yards rushing and 14 TDs. Oregon is 49th in the country in rushing defense. Ohio State is 10th in the country in rushing yards, but beyond that the Ohio State line is playing dominant, we don't see that being any different on Monday night.
The bottom line: Ohio State can slow down Mariota; Cardale Jones will help his team; and the Buckeyes will be able to rush on the Ducks. We are predicting a 42-28 Ohio State victory. What do you think? Please comment via the button below.