The Buckeyes are headed to the CFP Title Game, but Ohio State trades style points for an ugly victory.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been one of college football’s elite programs, and their path to the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game is no exception. However, despite all the individual accolades and the flashy moments that Ohio State has become known for over the years, this particular win wasn’t about style points—it was about gutting out an ugly victory.

In a game where the Buckeyes found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing, struggling, and unable to find their usual rhythm, they still managed to prevail—trading in their typically high-flying offensive fireworks for a gritty, grind-it-out performance that ensured they would be advancing to the championship stage. In this game, Ohio State demonstrated that, even when things aren’t going according to plan, they have the resolve to pull out a win when it matters most.

Setting the Stage: High Expectations and Uncertainty

Heading into the CFP semifinal, Ohio State had established itself as a top contender. Their offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and a dynamic receiving duo in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, had been firing on all cylinders throughout the season. The Buckeyes were expected to bring their usual fast-paced, high-scoring attack to the table, backed by an elite defense that could stifle opposing offenses.

For all the anticipation surrounding Ohio State’s playoff berth, though, the road to the national title game wasn’t going to be easy. The semifinal matchup posed a challenge—whether it was the strength of the opposing team’s defense, the threat of an upset, or simply the pressure of living up to expectations, Ohio State was going to need more than just its usual style of play to win this one. The Buckeyes were going to have to fight for every inch.

From the outset, it became apparent that this would not be a typical Ohio State game. The Buckeyes’ offense looked disjointed, their timing off, and their execution far from flawless. Early on, the team found itself in an unexpected hole, struggling to find rhythm while their opponent capitalized on their mistakes. The defense, however, stood tall, keeping the game from slipping completely out of hand, and giving the offense just enough time to recover.

First Half Struggles: Inconsistent Offense and Missed Opportunities

The first half of the game was filled with missed opportunities, errant passes, and uncharacteristic mistakes for Ohio State. Kyle McCord, who had been nearly flawless throughout the season, threw an uncharacteristic interception early in the game, leading to a scoring drive for their opponent. That turnover immediately placed the Buckeyes on the back foot and created an uphill battle they hadn’t expected.

In addition to McCord’s interception, Ohio State’s offensive line struggled to create running lanes for Miyan Williams and Trevyon Henderson. The running game, which had been a reliable asset all season, sputtered against a tough defensive front that was able to stifle the Buckeyes’ ground game. Ohio State’s inability to establish any sort of consistent rushing attack put more pressure on McCord and the passing game, which was already out of sync.

As the first half progressed, Ohio State found itself unable to execute its usual game plan. The offense had difficulty finding its rhythm, and when the Buckeyes did manage to move the ball down the field, they were often derailed by penalties or turnovers. Whether it was a missed block, an overthrown pass, or a critical third-down failure, Ohio State’s offense seemed to stall at every turn.

On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense, while still playing solid football, found itself struggling against a well-balanced attack. The opponent’s offense was able to move the ball effectively, converting key third downs and keeping the Ohio State defense on its heels. Despite Ohio State’s defensive prowess, the team appeared vulnerable in certain situations, particularly on longer drives and against the opponent’s quarterback, who was able to find success through both the air and the ground.

As the first half came to a close, Ohio State was staring at a deficit that seemed unthinkable given their pregame expectations. The Buckeyes found themselves trailing at halftime, and a sense of urgency began to creep into the locker room. The first half of this CFP semifinal had been far from what Ohio State had envisioned, and their road to the National Championship would now require a major shift in strategy and mindset.

Halftime Adjustments: Playing Through Adversity

When the Buckeyes returned to the field for the second half, they did so with a renewed sense of focus. The team had weathered the storm in the first half, but now it was time for them to rise to the occasion. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day made key adjustments, both offensively and defensively, that would help his team regain control of the game.

One of the most significant changes came on offense. Rather than relying solely on the passing game, which had been inconsistent, Day dialed up more running plays and created opportunities for Williams and Henderson to find success. Ohio State’s offensive line, which had struggled in the first half, began to find more push up front, creating running lanes and allowing the Buckeyes’ backs to gain positive yardage. This shift in approach helped to balance the offense, forcing the opposing defense to respect both the run and the pass.

McCord, who had been erratic in the first half, settled into a more controlled rhythm in the second half. The Buckeyes started to hit on shorter, high-percentage passes, allowing their receivers to do the heavy lifting after the catch. The connection between McCord and Marvin Harrison Jr. started to click, with Harrison, in particular, coming up with several key catches that shifted momentum in Ohio State’s favor.

Ohio State’s defense also made adjustments, particularly in the secondary. With Denzel Burke and Jahad Carter tightening up their coverage, the Buckeyes were able to limit the opponent’s big plays in the second half. The defensive line, which had struggled to apply consistent pressure on the quarterback early on, began to turn the tide. J.T. Tuimoloau, the Buckeyes’ star pass rusher, had a pivotal sack late in the game that stymied the opponent’s final drive and ensured the Buckeyes would have one last shot at victory.

Though the second half wasn’t without its struggles—Ohio State still missed opportunities and faced its fair share of tense moments—the Buckeyes’ resilience started to shine through. At a point when many teams would have folded under the weight of their mistakes, Ohio State dug deep and leaned on their experience, their coaching, and their ability to make plays when it counted most.

The Turning Point: A Defensive Stand and McCord’s Composure

With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, Ohio State’s defense delivered the turning point that would ultimately seal the victory. After the opponent managed to drive deep into Buckeyes territory, threatening to extend their lead, Ohio State’s defense stepped up with a series of clutch stops. The defensive line got key pressure, forcing several errant throws from the opposing quarterback, while the secondary, led by Burke and Carter, ensured no big plays got past them.

The critical stop came on a third-and-goal play, when Ohio State’s defense held firm in the red zone, forcing a field goal attempt that missed wide right. It was a moment of redemption for the defense, which had been pushed to the brink throughout the game but refused to break.

With the momentum now swinging back in their favor, McCord and the offense took the field needing just one more score to put the game away. McCord’s leadership and poise in the clutch were on full display as he orchestrated a methodical drive down the field. McCord made several key throws, finding Harrison and Emeka Egbuka on intermediate routes, setting up the game-winning touchdown. It was a classic example of Ohio State’s offensive efficiency when it mattered most.

The Buckeyes capped off the drive with a powerful rushing touchdown from Williams, who bulldozed his way into the end zone to give Ohio State the lead with less than two minutes remaining. The stadium erupted as the Buckeyes took control, but it would still require a final stand from the defense to ensure the win.

Final Moments: The Defense Closes the Door

The opponent had one final chance to answer, but Ohio State’s defense was determined to close the door. On the final drive, Tuimoloau, Burke, and the entire defensive unit showed up with a ferocity that denied the opponent any chance of a game-tying score. A crucial sack by Tuimoloau on third down pushed the opponent out of field goal range, and a game-sealing interception in the final seconds gave Ohio State the victory.

The Buckeyes had done it—despite not playing their best football, despite the mistakes, and despite the struggles in all phases of the game, Ohio State had emerged victorious and was now headed to the National Championship. The team’s ability to play through adversity, make key adjustments, and execute when it mattered most was a testament to their championship pedigree.