Oregon vs. Ohio State: 3 keys to the National Championship game
We give you three keys to the College Football National Championship Game
Oregon (13-1) and Ohio State (13-1) will meet for the first time in their program’s histories on Monday, Jan. 12th in the first ever College Football Playoff Championship.
The Ducks beat Florida State in the Rose Bowl by a whopping 39 points, 59-20. Perhaps what was most impressive was the 639 yards on offense by Oregon.
The Buckeyes upset Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in a 42-35 thriller. Gaining 537 yards of offense against the best defense in the country was impressive for a team that many people counted out.
Oregon comes into the game as an early seven-point favorite, but Ohio State will attempt to ride the underdog title once again. There are three keys for each team in order to win the national championship.
3 Keys for the Oregon Ducks
Oregon is looking to win their first ever National Championship in program history. The Ducks were impressive offensively and defensively against Florida State. However, they will be fighting a different beast in Ohio State.
First, the Ducks have to get pressure on third-string quarterback Cardale Jones. Jones threw for 243 yards against the Crimson Tide and was sharp in the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin. He also proved that he can run the ball effectively with 47 yards in the Sugar Bowl. The Ducks’ defense forced 12 interceptions this season, which is tied for 53rd in the country. They also average 2.57 sacks per game, which is good for 33rd in the nation. Oregon needs to pressure Jones into uncomfortable situations in order to force turnovers and create more offensive possessions.
Secondly, the Ducks need to maintain their offensive identity. They had a season-low, 446 yards offensively in their only loss of the season against Arizona. The Ducks are third in the country offensively, averaging 552.9 yards per game. Their fast-paced tempo nets the Ducks a 47.2 points per game average, good for second in the country. Oregon averages 311 pass yards per game and 241.9 rush yards per game. Trusting their elite quarterback in Marcus Mariota will help the Ducks offensively. Maintaining their offensive identity and fast-paced tempo will wear down the Ohio State front seven and make it easier to score late in the game.
The third key is for Oregon to make a difference with their return game on special teams. The Ducks have a lot of talent and speed at the skill positions. This is an opportunity for someone to change the game with field position and possibly a touchdown. The Ducks are 12th in the country averaging 12.48 yards per punt return and have two punt returns for touchdowns. Oregon’s kick return isn’t as good averaging 20.34 yards per return with zero touchdowns, ranking 77th in the country. The Ducks can change the game on special teams and swing momentum to their side with their talented skill players.
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Even though they are favored, the Ducks will have a tough time against a talented Ohio State defense. If the Ducks can pressure Cardale Jones, maintain their offense and make a difference on special teams then Ducks will be in a good position to win their first National Championship.
3 Keys for the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is looking to win their eighth National Championship and their first since defeating Miami in 2002. The Buckeyes proved worthy of their College Football Playoff berth with a win over Alabama that featured 28 unanswered points. Oregon is the most unique team for anyone to face due to their quickness and fast-paced style of play.
Ohio State’s first key is to keep Cardale Jones comfortable and confident. Jones has throw for 500 yards in his two games as starting quarterback. He utilized his legs, though not known as a running QB, in a win against Alabama to keep their defense off-balance. Jones made it clear that he is there to play football when he enrolled at Ohio State. He will need some help from his favorite targets, Devin Smith, Jalin Marshall and Michael Thomas are going to have to help Jones out by catching the football and moving after the catch. Confidence will be key for the young quarterback to play the best game of his young career.
Cardale Jones' Ohio St bio says he was a scholar athlete in the two quarters BEFORE he sent this tweet pic.twitter.com/8vgCjnZn9B
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 2, 2015
Second, the Buckeyes’ defense needs to stop Oregon’s running attack. Ohio State’s defense has been above average at stopping the run this year, allowing 142 yards per game and 3.94 yards per rush, ranking 34th in the country. The Ducks average 5.54 yards per rush and often use their rushing attack to set up play action. They have reached the end zone 42 times on the ground and through the air. It will be difficult to stop Mariota’s passing attack, which is why it’s important for Ohio State to use their front seven to stop the run and take away half of Oregon’s offense.
The third key for Ohio State is to utilize all of their weapons. This is key for any team, but especially for the Buckeyes who used all of their talent in many different ways against Alabama. Most notably Ohio State’s touchdown pass from Evan Spencer to Michael Thomas with a little trickeration. It will be key for the Buckeyes to be creative with trick plays, special teams and offensive formations to keep Oregon’s defense off balance and utilize all of the talent on their roster.
Ohio State has built momentum from their win over Alabama and will continue to play as the underdog against Oregon. The Buckeyes will need to build confidence with Cardale Jones, stop the Ducks’ rushing attack and utilize all of their talent and weapons to beat the Ducks and win their eighth National Championship.
Statistics from ncaa.com
Bottom Line
Oregon is going to need to step up their defense in order to beat Ohio State. This could be a shootout and both teams have the offensive firepower to keep up with one another. With a win, Marcus Mariota could go down as the best college quarterback of all-time.
Ohio State needs to eliminate an element of Oregon’s offense and get them out of their comfort zone. Oregon hasn’t faced a lot of adversity on offense, and this could be the game with the Buckeyes’ powerful front seven. If Cardale Jones can lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship, he could solidify his spot as the Buckeyes starting quarterback next season.