One of the most consequential plays in Ohio State football history came from an unsung hero

One of the Most Consequential Plays in Ohio State Football History Came from an Unsung Hero

Ohio State football has a rich tradition of monumental plays that have shaped the course of its history. From the iconic moments that helped the team win national championships to thrilling victories in rivalry games, the Buckeyes have a legacy filled with unforgettable performances. However, amid these famous instances, some of the most significant moments have come from players whose names were not immediately etched in the public consciousness or who didn’t always receive the recognition they deserved.

One such play, a pivotal moment in Ohio State football history, came from an unsung hero who, while not often in the spotlight, played an integral role in securing a critical victory. The play in question unfolded during the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship, a game that not only marked the culmination of a remarkable season for Ohio State but also redefined the legacy of its program under coach Urban Meyer. In this game, a moment of brilliance by a relatively overlooked player helped Ohio State secure its eighth national title, a victory that solidified the Buckeyes as a college football powerhouse and cemented the player’s place in the lore of Ohio State football.

The 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship

The stage for this legendary play was set in January 2015, during the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by first-year starting quarterback Cardale Jones, were taking on the Oregon Ducks, a team that had been one of the most high-powered offenses in college football for several years. Ohio State entered the game as the underdog after losing their star quarterback Braxton Miller in the preseason and then suffering a midseason injury to J.T. Barrett, the backup who had been exceptional in leading the Buckeyes to the Big Ten Championship.

But the Buckeyes had defied expectations at every turn. With Jones now at the helm, Ohio State had pulled off an incredible run through the playoffs, defeating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in a dominant performance to earn a spot in the national title game. The game against Oregon, with its fast-paced offense and talented quarterback Marcus Mariota, was expected to be a challenging matchup for the Buckeyes. The Ducks came into the game as favorites, but Ohio State’s defense, led by key players like Joey Bosa and Darron Lee, was ready for the challenge.

Despite Oregon’s offensive prowess, Ohio State’s defense managed to contain the Ducks’ high-flying attack. The Buckeyes’ offense, with Jones at the helm, showcased an ability to adjust to the moment. In fact, it was an unexpected play in the second quarter of the game that would go down as one of the most consequential in Ohio State football history—a play that came from an unsung hero who played a critical role in the Buckeyes’ ultimate victory.

The Play That Changed the Game

The moment occurred in the second quarter with Ohio State leading 14-7. Oregon was driving the ball and seemed to be on the verge of tying the game. The Ducks had managed to cut into Ohio State’s lead, and after a few key completions from Mariota, they were setting up for a crucial third-and-10 deep in Buckeye territory. Oregon’s offense was moving with precision, and the atmosphere in the stadium suggested that the Ducks were about to strike again.

In a high-pressure situation like this, it is often the star players who are expected to make the big plays. But on this critical third down, it was an unheralded member of the Ohio State defense who emerged as the unsung hero.

Ohio State’s linebacker, Darron Lee, had already shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but in this moment, he delivered a play that would forever be remembered in Ohio State lore. As Oregon’s offensive line attempted to block for Mariota, Lee found an opening and blitzed with relentless speed, arriving just as Mariota dropped back to pass. Lee’s timing was impeccable, and in a flash, he sacked Mariota, forcing the Ducks into a fourth-and-long situation that would ultimately end their drive. The sack was crucial, as it not only stopped Oregon from scoring but also kept momentum on Ohio State’s side.

At the time, many people were focused on the offensive fireworks—Jones’ accurate deep passes, Ezekiel Elliott’s dominant runs, and the occasional big play from wide receiver Michael Thomas. Yet, it was Lee’s performance in this instance that shifted the momentum decisively in Ohio State’s favor. The sack essentially derailed Oregon’s offensive rhythm, and despite their best efforts, the Ducks never fully recovered from that moment. It was a play that changed the trajectory of the game, and Ohio State would eventually go on to win 42-20.

The Unsung Hero: Darron Lee

While Darron Lee’s name might not have been as immediately recognizable as some of Ohio State’s other stars during that national championship run, his performance in the title game exemplified the qualities that made him such a vital part of the team. Lee was one of the key players on Ohio State’s defense that season, contributing both as a linebacker and a pass rusher. Despite not always garnering the attention that players like Joey Bosa or Ezekiel Elliott did, Lee played an instrumental role in Ohio State’s defense, particularly in the College Football Playoff.

Lee’s ability to rush the passer, cover ground in coverage, and read offensive schemes made him one of the most versatile and dangerous linebackers in the country. His performance in the 2014 season was one of steady improvement, and by the time the championship game rolled around, he had fully emerged as a leader on the defensive side of the ball. The sack on Mariota was only the latest in a series of impactful plays that Lee had made throughout the season, but it was by far his most consequential.

What made Lee’s play so remarkable wasn’t just the timing, but also the way in which he executed it. Lee’s understanding of the game, his ability to diagnose plays, and his knack for stepping up when needed most were all on display. Though the national spotlight often shined brighter on Ohio State’s offensive players and more high-profile defensive stars, Lee’s quiet but consistent contributions were essential to the team’s success.

In many ways, Lee’s performance in the title game embodies the idea of the unsung hero. He wasn’t the player whose name immediately popped into people’s minds when discussing Ohio State’s championship run, yet his play was perhaps one of the most important moments in the game. In a sport where stars dominate the headlines and the spotlight is often reserved for the most visible players, Lee’s impact was a reminder that championship teams are built on the collective contributions of every player, no matter their level of fame.

Legacy of the Play

The legacy of Lee’s sack on Mariota has only grown in importance as time has passed. Ohio State’s national championship victory in 2014 marked the beginning of a new era for the program under Urban Meyer, and it served as a reminder that even in a world of superstar athletes, a team’s success depends on the unsung contributions of its lesser-known players. Lee’s play on that crucial third down symbolized everything that made the 2014 Buckeyes so special—resilience, teamwork, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

Lee’s performance was also a turning point in his own career. Though he was not the highest-profile player on the Ohio State defense, his performance in the national championship game helped propel him into the NFL. Lee was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, where he would continue to make his mark as a talented linebacker. However, his time at Ohio State, particularly his contributions to the 2014 national title, solidified his place as one of the program’s key defensive players of the era.

For Ohio State fans, Lee’s play remains an iconic moment in the history of the program. It was a play that not only helped secure a national championship but also embodied the spirit of Ohio State football—one that values all players, from the stars to the unsung heroes, and understands that every play counts in the pursuit of greatness.