BCS National Championship Surprises Some

By Luke Bond

The BCS National Championship game ended in an outcome which seemed improbable to most, impossible to others.

A third string quarterback at the beginning of the season for Ohio State, Cardale Jones, lead his team to victory over the mighty and heavily favored Oregon Ducks on Monday, January 12.

After Braxton Miller, starting quarterback at the start of the season, suffered a season ending shoulder injury, redshirt freshman JT Barrett came in and replaced Miller for the next twelve games. In a game against Michigan, Barrett went down with a fractured ankle. Cardale Jones had his time to shine, and shine he did. Cardale Jones started the next three games for Ohio State, which included the Big Ten Championship, the playoff semi final, and the National Championship.

Cardale Jones before the National Championship game. Photo by Cardale Jones
Cardale Jones before the National Championship game. Photo by Cardale Jones

Senior Colin Kelly felt the team deserved the win as a whole.

“Ohio State outmatched Oregon’s front seven in terms of physicality,” said Kelly. “Ezekiel Elliott ran for three scores and was averaging over nine yards a carry, and against Oregon’s spread defense? Ohio State ran the ball right over them.”

Ezekiel Elliott (15) accounted for four scores in Monday's game against the Ducks. Photo by Ezekiel Elliott.
Ezekiel Elliott (15) accounted for four scores in Monday’s game against the Ducks. Photo by Ezekiel Elliott.

Teacher Heath Hallman believed that the defense of Ohio State carried them to their championship win.

“Ohio State’s defense shut down Oregon’s running game, which prevented them from getting the quick first downs,” said Hallman. “Oregon relies on that tempo and without that, they had nothing.”

Junior Aidan Kirkendall believes that the Heisman winner, Marcus Mariota, and the Oregon Ducks should have won the game.

Oregon sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota. Photo by Oregon
Oregon sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota. Photo by Oregon

“It was absolute malarkey,” said Kirkendall. “Ohio State came prepared, and Oregon’s offense just couldn’t deal.”

Ohio State won the game 42-20 against the number two seeded Ducks. With three proven quarterbacks on the Buckeye’s roster, more success is sure to come.