Ranking every College Football Playoff team in history

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney holds up the National Championship trophy after the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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12 January 2015: Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) prior to the Ohio State Buckeyes game versus the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff National Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Ray Carlin/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /

6. Oregon Ducks – 2015

Result: National Runners-up (Lost to Ohio State, 42-20)

The National Championship loss to Ohio State isn’t wholly indicative of just how impressive the Oregon Ducks were with Marcus Mariota leading the way in a Heisman Trophy winning season. Throughout the entire season, the Ducks were one of the most fun teams to watch — if not topping that list. It was simply electric watching the way that their offense could move the ball and the way playmakers could make passing offenses pay when trying to keep up.

However, the problem that they encountered in their meeting with the Buckeyes is that they weren’t able to execute the gameplan that ultimately led them to that point. Mariota was actually quite good in the title game, throwing for 333 yards and two scores, though he did throw a pick and only rush for 39 yards. Where the Ducks were really hurt, though, was that their defense had no answer for Ezekiel Elliott. As the OSU back rushed for 246 yards and four scores, the Buckeyes controlled all of the action and the results played out as such.

Still, when you consider the talent level of Mariota and just how unstoppable he was, it’s impossible not to give this Oregon team their proper due. Had that game against Ohio State been played out nine more times, you’d likely have nine different outcomes. That’s no slight to the Buckeyes, but rather a compliment to just how good the Ducks were before their quarterback left for the NFL off of winning the Heisman.