Sports Update Monday: 5 Things to Know when Oregon & Ohio State Play for the National Championship Tonight
Tonight should be an exciting matchup in the first ever BCS College Football Playoff between Oregon and Ohio State. Even though Oregon is the favorite and knocked off defending champs FSU in the first round, Ohio State has come on very strong over the last few months, especially after upsetting #1 Alabama in their first round matchup. Here’s 5 things to know about the two teams for tonight!
1. Oregon has the reigning Heisman Trophy winner …
However, since 1936, just 10 quarterbacks have won the Heisman and the national championship. The better news for Oregon fans is that three of those seven have come in the last six years, including Jameis Winston, who claimed both titles last year.
2. Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott is playing out of his mind
Elliot has run for six touchdowns and 571 yards in the Buckeyes’ last three games. Contrast Elliott’s last three games with his first 11, where he averaged 96 yards per game and 0.72 touchdowns, it would appear Elliott is peaking when his team needs him the most.
3. Zero
Oregon has never won a national championship, while Ohio State can lay claim to seven. The Buckeyes are also a perfect 8-0 against the Ducks, with the last win coming in 2010 in the Rose Bowl.
4. Oregon’s offense makes you forget they play insane defense
The Ducks have been known for an explosive offense ever since Chip Kelly came to the program. But the Ducks’ defense was huge against Florida State in the Rose Bowl and key to the season’s success. The defense has allowed 22.3 points per game this season, 27th lowest in the FBS, and has allowed 20 points or fewer in five of its last six games. Turnovers have also come fast an furious for the ducks in the home stretch. Through the first eight games of the year, Oregon forced 14 turnovers. In the Ducks’ last six games? Sixteen turnovers.
5. Ohio State has the longest active winning streak in FBS
Since dropping their one loss of the season to Virginia Tech, Ohio State has won 12-consecutive games. Coach Urban Meyer also has a little bit of history on the line. Should the Buckeyes win, Meyer will join Nick Saban as the only FBS coaches to win national titles at multiple schools.