Ohio State's Unforgettable 2014 Football Season
The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football season is a story etched in college football history, a narrative of resilience, unexpected heroes, and ultimately, triumph. For Buckeye fans, it remains a cherished memory, a reminder that even when faced with adversity, the spirit of the Scarlet and Gray can prevail. This article dives deep into the heart of that season, reliving the highs, the lows, and the moments that defined Ohio State's improbable run to the national championship.
The Pre-Season Hopes and Initial Setbacks
Going into the 2014 season, expectations were high, as they always are in Columbus. Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Urban Meyer, was coming off a strong 2013 campaign and was expected to be a contender for the Big Ten title and a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff. The team boasted a wealth of talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, with experienced players at key positions. However, the season began with a significant blow when star quarterback Braxton Miller suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in August. Miller, a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, was the undisputed leader of the team, and his loss sent shockwaves through the Buckeye faithful. Suddenly, the team's championship aspirations seemed to be in jeopardy.
With Miller sidelined, redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett was thrust into the starting role. Barrett, a highly touted recruit, had shown promise in practice, but he lacked the experience of Miller, and there were questions about whether he could handle the pressure of leading a team with championship aspirations. The Buckeyes opened the season with a lackluster performance against Navy, eking out a 34-17 victory. The following week, they suffered a stunning 35-21 loss at home to Virginia Tech. The Hokies, led by defensive coordinator Bud Foster, completely stifled the Ohio State offense, and Barrett struggled mightily, throwing three interceptions. After the loss, the Buckeyes fell out of the top 20 in the national rankings, and many observers wrote off their chances of making the College Football Playoff. The mood around the program was one of disappointment and uncertainty. Fans questioned whether Barrett was the right quarterback to lead the team, and there were calls for Meyer to make a change. However, Meyer remained confident in Barrett and urged Buckeye Nation to be patient.
J.T. Barrett's Emergence and the Rise of the Offense
Following the Virginia Tech loss, the Buckeyes embarked on a remarkable turnaround, fueled by the emergence of J.T. Barrett and the explosive growth of the offense. Barrett, initially shaky, steadily improved with each game, gaining confidence and demonstrating his dual-threat abilities. He became a more decisive passer, making better reads and delivering the ball accurately. He also proved to be a dangerous runner, using his athleticism and toughness to pick up crucial yards on the ground. The Ohio State coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Tom Herman, made adjustments to the offensive scheme to better suit Barrett's strengths, incorporating more quarterback runs and designed passing plays that took advantage of his accuracy and decision-making. As Barrett's confidence grew, so did the performance of the entire offense. The running game, led by Ezekiel Elliott, became a dominant force, and the receiving corps, featuring players like Michael Thomas, Devin Smith, and Jalin Marshall, provided Barrett with a variety of reliable targets. The offensive line, anchored by future NFL players like Taylor Decker and Jacoby Boren, provided excellent protection and opened up holes for the running backs. Over the next several weeks, the Buckeyes reeled off a series of impressive victories, scoring at will and showcasing their offensive firepower. They defeated Kent State, Cincinnati, Maryland, and Rutgers by comfortable margins, averaging over 50 points per game. Barrett threw for multiple touchdowns in each game and ran for several more, establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes climbed back up the national rankings, regaining their status as a contender for the College Football Playoff. The Virginia Tech loss, once a source of despair, now seemed like a distant memory.
Tragedy and Triumph: The Penn State Game
The game against Penn State in Happy Valley was a defining moment in the 2014 season. In a game that went into double overtime, the Buckeyes showed incredible resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought victory. However, the win came at a great cost. In the fourth quarter, J.T. Barrett suffered a broken ankle, ending his season and throwing the team's championship hopes into doubt once again. The injury was a devastating blow to Barrett, who had worked so hard to overcome the early-season struggles and establish himself as the team's leader. It was also a major setback for the Buckeyes, who were now forced to turn to their third-string quarterback, Cardale Jones, to lead the team. Jones, a sophomore with limited experience, had played sparingly in mop-up duty. There were serious questions about whether he could handle the pressure of leading the team in such a crucial situation. Despite the loss of Barrett, the Buckeyes rallied around Jones and found a way to win the game against Penn State. Elliott ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense came up with several key stops in overtime. The victory was a testament to the team's character and their ability to overcome adversity. However, the mood in the locker room after the game was somber, as everyone was concerned about Barrett's injury and the uncertainty that lay ahead. The Buckeyes knew that they would need to find a way to regroup quickly if they wanted to keep their championship dreams alive.
Cardale Jones and the Unlikely Championship Run
With J.T. Barrett out for the season, the Buckeyes turned to Cardale Jones, a relatively unknown quantity, to lead the team. Jones, who had only thrown a handful of passes in his college career, was thrust into the starting role for the final regular season game against Michigan and the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin. Many doubted whether Jones could handle the pressure, but he quickly proved his doubters wrong. In his first career start against Michigan, Jones threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to a dominant 42-28 victory. He showed remarkable poise and accuracy, making several big throws downfield. He also demonstrated his athleticism, running for 51 yards and a touchdown. The victory over Michigan was a huge confidence boost for Jones and the entire team. It proved that they could overcome the loss of Barrett and still compete at a high level. The following week, in the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin, Jones played even better, throwing for 257 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to a 59-0 victory. The win was one of the most dominant performances in Big Ten Championship Game history and solidified the Buckeyes' place in the College Football Playoff. Jones was named the game's MVP, and he became an instant sensation. The Buckeyes entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed, facing off against No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Few gave them a chance against the Crimson Tide, who were led by star quarterback Blake Sims and a dominant defense. However, the Buckeyes stunned the college football world, defeating Alabama 42-35 in a thrilling game. Jones threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, and Elliott ran for 230 yards and two touchdowns, earning MVP honors. The victory propelled the Buckeyes into the National Championship Game against No. 2 Oregon, led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Once again, the Buckeyes were underdogs, but they rose to the occasion, defeating Oregon 42-20 to win the national championship. Elliott ran for a remarkable 246 yards and four touchdowns, earning MVP honors for the second consecutive game. Jones threw for 357 after the game, Urban Meyer praised his team's resilience and determination, calling them the "most unique team" he had ever coached. The Buckeyes' improbable run to the national championship was one of the greatest stories in college football history, a testament to their talent, heart, and unwavering belief in themselves.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes were not just about individual brilliance; it was a collective effort orchestrated by a stellar coaching staff and powered by key players who rose to the occasion. Urban Meyer, the head coach, masterfully guided the team through adversity, instilling a culture of resilience and determination. His offensive coordinator, Tom Herman, now the head coach at Florida Atlantic, gets a lot of credit for his adjustments to the offense that maximized the talent of both quarterbacks, J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones. Luke Fickell, the defensive coordinator, crafted a unit that consistently made crucial stops, especially during the championship run.
On the field, several players stood out. Ezekiel Elliott's dominant running performances in the playoff games cemented his place in Buckeye lore. J.T. Barrett's growth as a freshman quarterback was remarkable, and his leadership was sorely missed after his injury. Cardale Jones, the unlikely hero, seized his opportunity and led the team to the national title with poise and confidence. The receiving corps, including Michael Thomas, Devin Smith, and Jalin Marshall, provided reliable targets and made big plays throughout the season. The offensive line, anchored by Taylor Decker and Jacoby Boren, provided excellent protection and paved the way for the running game.
The Legacy of the 2014 Season
The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes season is more than just a collection of wins and losses; it's a story of perseverance, belief, and the power of teamwork. It's a reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude. The season also highlighted the importance of depth and the ability to overcome adversity. The Buckeyes lost their starting quarterback twice, but they found a way to win with their backup and third-string quarterbacks. This speaks to the quality of the coaching staff and the players' willingness to step up when their number was called.
The legacy of the 2014 season extends beyond the national championship trophy. It's about the memories created, the bonds forged, and the inspiration it provided to Buckeye fans around the world. It's a season that will be talked about for generations to come, a testament to the enduring spirit of Ohio State football.
