It looked like any other game that had come before it instantly. Oregon won the toss, elected to receive and marched down the field with ease. In 2:39, Oregon ran 10 plays and traveled 75 yards to take a 7-0 lead.
However, a couple of uncharacteristic dropped passes, as well as an Ohio State defensive stand at the goal line, seemed to entirely discombobulate the Ducks’ normally routine and fast rhythm.
During that time period, Ohio State took full advantage and leads 21-10 going into the half of the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott carried the ball 11 times for 98 yards, including one where he broke three tackles on his way to a 33-yard touchdown run. Cardale Jones continued the scoring on their ensuing drive, finding Nick Vannett for a 1-yard touchdown pass. It was a part of a scoring barrage, in which Ohio State score 21 unanswered points.
It wasn’t until a 26-yard field goal from Aidan Schneider with 48 seconds remaining in the half, that Oregon scored again. It went 26:33 without scoring.
Key plays:
– Capping off their opening drive with a seven-yard touchdown connection between Marcus Mariota and Keanon Lowe, the Ducks recorded the first score of the game. After marching down the field with ease, the Ducks set the tone early on with this play.
– On what should have been a 40-yard completion, actually ended up being a vital drop by Dwayne Stanford who was all alone deep down the field. The Ducks were forced to punt for the first time, eventually giving Ohio State their first score of the game.
– At the 8:46 mark in the second half, and with Ezekiel Elliott charging down the field, Troy Hill laid a hit, forcing a critical fumble. The Ducks however, failed to convert the following drive into points.
– On a 3rd and 12 with roughly seven minutes to go in the second quarter, Jones connected with Devin Smith for a 45-yard pass. The Buckeyes went on to take a 21-7 lead.
– On two separate 3rd downs, Stanford and Charles Nelson, both of whom had key drops early on, recorded big time grabs to keep Oregon’s drive alive. The Ducks ended the drive with an Aiden Schneider field goal.
Three things to watch for in the second half:
1) Buckle your seatbelts – If the first half is any indication of how this game will progress, we’re in for a wild one. Big plays, major mishaps and momentum swing after momentum swing was the name of the game between Oregon and Ohio State. The atmosphere is crazy and it’ll only get crazier as time ticks away.
2) Oregon went 2-7 on third down and 0-1 on fourth down in the first half. The team’s inability to convert when they need it the most has been a huge boost for the Buckeyes. Charles Nelson and Dwayne Stanford both had two huge drops. Keeping drives alive and keeping their defense on the sideline is huge for the Ducks in the second half.
3) Who steps up for Oregon and helps Marcus Mariota? Mariota can’t do it on his own. He’s escaping the pocket, finding receivers and lowering his shoulder on runs. Drops have hurt, but someone needs to take the pressure of Mariota. Tyner has ran the ball well and could be a leading candidate to fill that role.
On the flip side, Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones has been fantastic. With his huge arm, he’s made big plays in the air – and with his huge frame, he’s made important rushes in the ground game. He’s been doing it all. It’ll be interesting to see how Oregon adjusts in the second half.
Oregon passing
Marcus Mariota – 18-of-23 for 193 yards and one touchdown.
Ohio State passing
Cardale Jones – 10-of-15 for 171 yards and one touchdown
Oregon rushing
Thomas Tyner – 10 carries for 55 yards and one touchdown
Marcus Mariota – eight carries for 24 yards
Royce Freeman – eight carries for 20 yards and one touchdown
Ohio State rushing
Ezekiel Elliott – 11 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown
Oregon receiving
Byron Marshall – six receptions for 75 yards
Dwayne Stanford – three receptions for 29 yards
Keanon Lowe – two receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown
Evan Baylis – four receptions for 16 yards
Ohio State receiving –
Corey Smith – two receptions for 76 yards
Devin Smith – one reception for 45 yards
Jalin Marshall – three receptions for 28 yards
Oregon total offense – 292
Ohio State total offense – 315
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise
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Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim