The Athletic lists the top ten moments from Ohio State’s national championship season.

Ohio State University’s football program is one of the most storied in the history of college football, with a tradition that includes multiple national championships, conference titles, and a roster filled with future NFL stars. The 2014 season, in particular, stands out as one of the most memorable in the program’s illustrious history. Not only did the Ohio State Buckeyes capture their eighth national championship, but they did so in an incredibly dramatic and unpredictable fashion. From overcoming major injuries to defeating some of the nation’s toughest teams, the Buckeyes’ journey to the national title was filled with iconic moments that will be remembered for generations.

The Athletic has compiled a list of the top ten moments from Ohio State’s national championship season, reflecting on the triumphs, challenges, and milestones that made that year unforgettable for fans and players alike. From the preseason uncertainty to the thrilling final moments of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Ohio State’s 2014 season was filled with defining moments that ultimately led to a historic victory.

1. J.T. Barrett’s Breakout Performance vs. Virginia Tech

The 2014 season began with high hopes for Ohio State, but the road to the national championship was not without its hurdles. In their season opener, the Buckeyes faced a tough challenge against Virginia Tech, a team that had previously beaten Ohio State in 2014. The Buckeyes had to overcome early-game jitters, as quarterback Braxton Miller was forced to leave the game due to injury, bringing freshman J.T. Barrett into the spotlight.

Barrett, who was a backup quarterback, had big shoes to fill, stepping in for the highly regarded Miller. Despite the pressure, Barrett rose to the occasion, showcasing his poise and skill in his first college start. He threw for 226 yards and accounted for two touchdowns while leading the Buckeyes to a 42-24 victory. The win was important for Ohio State’s morale and demonstrated that Barrett was more than capable of handling the offense in Miller’s absence. This victory marked the beginning of Barrett’s incredible run and set the tone for a season that would see him break multiple Ohio State and NCAA records.

2. J.T. Barrett’s Record-Breaking Season

As the season progressed, J.T. Barrett solidified his place in Ohio State history. Barrett’s performance during the regular season was nothing short of exceptional, culminating in a record-breaking campaign. He threw for 2,834 yards and set an Ohio State record with 34 touchdown passes in the regular season. Barrett’s incredible accuracy, decision-making, and ability to create plays with his legs made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation.

However, Barrett’s season was marred by a significant injury. In Ohio State’s final regular-season game against Michigan, Barrett suffered a broken ankle, a devastating blow for the team. But his efforts during the regular season were instrumental in the Buckeyes’ success, and they would go on to rely on him in the postseason. Even though Barrett was sidelined for the remainder of the season, his performance throughout the year earned him accolades and helped shape the narrative of Ohio State’s national championship journey.

3. Cardale Jones Leads Ohio State to the Big Ten Championship

Following Barrett’s injury, Cardale Jones was thrust into the starting role for the Big Ten Championship Game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Many fans and analysts questioned whether Jones, who had played sparingly during the regular season, could lead Ohio State to victory in a game that had significant playoff implications.

Jones answered those questions with an awe-inspiring performance that would become one of the most iconic moments of the season. He threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a 59-0 victory over Wisconsin. His ability to stay calm under pressure, make deep throws, and run the offense with precision demonstrated his poise and talent, and Ohio State emerged as the dominant team in the Big Ten.

Jones’ leadership and playmaking ability during the Big Ten Championship Game established him as a legitimate contender for the starting quarterback role heading into the College Football Playoff. His confidence and performances solidified Ohio State’s place as one of the top teams in the country.

4. The College Football Playoff Selection and the Underdog Status

After the Big Ten Championship, Ohio State’s place in the College Football Playoff was uncertain. The Buckeyes had lost to Virginia Tech earlier in the season, and many wondered if they would be left out of the four-team playoff. However, the committee selected Ohio State, giving them a chance to compete for the national title despite being the fourth seed in the tournament.

Ohio State embraced their underdog status, using it as motivation to prove their worthiness. The team’s journey from the Big Ten title to the national championship game had already been filled with challenges, but the Buckeyes knew that they had what it took to compete with the nation’s elite teams. This selection was the first step in their quest to make history.

5. Ohio State’s Historic Win Over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl

The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans served as the national semifinal for the College Football Playoff, and Ohio State was pitted against the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama, led by coach Nick Saban, was the clear favorite in the game, and many expected the Buckeyes to be outmatched by Alabama’s powerful offense and defense.

However, Ohio State had other plans. Cardale Jones delivered one of the most stunning performances of the season, throwing for 243 yards and one touchdown, while Ezekiel Elliott ran for 230 yards and two touchdowns, including a long 85-yard touchdown run that sealed the victory. Ohio State’s 42-35 win over Alabama not only sent the Buckeyes to the national championship game but also established them as a legitimate threat to win the title.

This win was particularly significant because it showcased Ohio State’s resilience, depth, and ability to overcome adversity. Alabama was a powerhouse, and Ohio State’s ability to defeat them on the biggest stage of the season was a testament to their talent and determination.

6. Ezekiel Elliott’s Performance in the National Championship Game

Ezekiel Elliott, the Ohio State running back, was an instrumental part of the team’s championship run. In the national championship game against Oregon, Elliott played arguably the best game of his college career, running for 246 yards and four touchdowns. His performance was the driving force behind Ohio State’s offensive attack, and he earned the game’s MVP honors.

Elliott’s ability to break tackles, evade defenders, and take control of the game made him one of the most dynamic players in college football during the 2014 season. His performance in the title game cemented his legacy as one of Ohio State’s all-time greats and was a key factor in the Buckeyes’ 42-20 victory over Oregon.

7. Cardale Jones’ Touchdown Pass to Devin Smith in the National Championship Game

While Ezekiel Elliott’s performance was the headline of the national championship game, Cardale Jones also made an unforgettable contribution. Jones connected with Devin Smith for a long touchdown pass in the first half, giving Ohio State a commanding lead. Smith’s ability to break free from the Oregon defense and Jones’ deep throw helped Ohio State establish control early in the game.

This moment demonstrated Jones’ ability to perform under pressure and make key plays in critical moments. His ability to stay poised and make big-time throws was a testament to the trust his teammates had in him, and it helped set the stage for the Buckeyes’ eventual victory.

8. The Final Drive of the National Championship Game

As Ohio State led Oregon, the team’s defense and offense both stepped up in the final moments of the national championship game to secure the victory. Oregon, led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, made a valiant attempt to rally back, but Ohio State’s defense held strong.

With the game still in question, Ohio State was able to run out the clock in the final drive of the game, sealing the 42-20 victory and securing the program’s eighth national title. The ability of Ohio State to execute in crunch time was a key takeaway from the game, and the team’s collective focus and determination were evident in the final moments.

9. Urban Meyer’s Leadership Throughout the Season

Throughout the season, Ohio State’s head coach, Urban Meyer, provided the steady leadership that helped guide the Buckeyes to their national title. Meyer, who had previously won national championships at Florida, played a pivotal role in keeping the team focused and motivated through the ups and downs of the season.

His ability to adapt to the changing circumstances of the team, including the loss of Braxton Miller and the rise of Cardale Jones, was crucial to Ohio State’s success. Meyer’s leadership was instrumental in creating a winning culture and instilling a mindset of resilience and confidence in his players.

10. Ohio State’s National Championship Celebration

When the final whistle blew in the national championship game, it marked the culmination of a season filled with uncertainty, adversity, and triumph. Ohio State had achieved the ultimate goal, and the celebration that followed was a moment of pure joy for the players, coaches, and fans. The team’s victory solidified Ohio State’s place as one of the premier programs in college football and marked the beginning of a new era of dominance.

The celebration was a culmination of everything the Buckeyes had worked for during the season. From overcoming injuries to defeating the nation’s best teams, Ohio State had earned their place at the top of college football.