So what do the Buckeyes need to do in order to stop Mariota and the high powered Oregon team? What does Oregon need to do in order to bring both a Heisman Trophy and a National Championship back to Eugene? Here are a few things to watch Monday night.
1) Ohio State will be faced with a task not many have achieved, slowing the tempo of an Oregon offense led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota that averages 47.2 points per game and does so in a flash. While Ohio State isn’t far behind averaging 45 points a game and 51.5 over the last two games, the Buckeyes must control the game through time of possession and get key stops. The game will be decided on 3rd and 4th down.
2) Ohio State comes into the game with the second most defensive touchdowns in the nation, so while the Oregon team is extremely efficient there is still room for error. The Buckeyes defense has to force turnovers AND turn it into points, touchdowns preferred (field goals aren’t enough against the Ducks).
3) Oregon has a deep roster full of talent, but they will be missing a key piece in their offense Monday night as Darren Carrington, who is ineligible due to failing a drug test. He is one of the well known playmakers for this Ducks offense and lived up to expectation against Florida State catching 7 passes for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns. While this is a big blow to the team, in the words of their quarterback “Next Man Up.”
Tune into the National Championship Monday Night at 7:30 on ESPN.