It’s game day and finally, a national champion in college football will be crowned. With that, Sports Editor Justin Wise and Associate Sports Editors Joseph Hoyt and Hayden Kim breakdown the game between Oregon and Ohio State, offering insights and predictions.
How much of an impact will the loss of Darren Carrington play on the Ducks Monday night against Ohio State?
Wise – It’s hard to completely fathom. The loss of Carringon is one thing. The loss of Carrington and Devon Allen is a complete other. The Ducks seem to work interchangeably though, and I don’t see Carrington’s absence playing more than a marginal effect. Oregon still has up to four capable wide receivers healthy.
Hoyt – “Next man up” has been something Oregon players have embodied and preached all year. When asked if he was worried about the status of the receivers, injured receiver Devon Allen was very confident in the players as he rattled off name after name. Based on the way this season has gone – having Marcus Mariota doesn’t hurt, either – someone should step up to replace Darren Carrington.
Kim– Losing Darren Carrington was undoubtedly a blow to the Oregon offense. Will it be a game changer? I don’t think so. Arguably with the most depth, the wide receiving corps will be able to move on, even without their best deep threat. Chance Allen said “Thank God we have a great quarterback” in response to having to replace Carrington and at the end of the day, Mariota will do his part. It’s certainly a loss, but one that can be dissolved.
Oregon will be in trouble if…
Wise – Ohio State’s offensive line establishes control in the trenches. Oregon certainly has the tools to match, and is playing some of the best defense it has played in years. However, the challenge it has before them serves as another test. OSU running back Ezekiel Elliot has averaged 225 yards rushing per game in his last two contest and if that stat line is anywhere near that on Monday, Oregon could be facing an uphill battle.
Hoyt – Ohio State can get pressure on Marcus Mariota. The Buckeyes defensive line – a unit Oregon center Hroniss Grasu calls the best defensive front they’ve played this season – is led by Big-Ten defensive player of the year Joey Bosa (20 TFLs, 14 sacks). To kill a snake, you have to cut off its head. Stopping Mariota is always that equivalent for playing against the Ducks.
Kim – If a Joey Bosa led Ohio State defense gets pressure on Mariota. With the return of Jake Fisher, the Ducks have yet to lose a game with a revived offensive line and it’s going to have to hold one more time if they want to win. When the line plays well, Tyner and Freeman have had field days and everyone knows what Mariota can do with time. It’s going to come down to the battle in the trenches once more.
Prediction. Why?
Wise – Oregon 45, Ohio State 35. The defense is forcing turnovers at an unbelievably high rate and the offense is capitalizing on those at an even faster rate. To beat Oregon, opponents have had to go throughout a game mistake-free, and it appears to be a challenge no team can overcome. Ohio State, with an inexperienced quarterback, doesn’t look like the team that will do it.
Hoyt – Oregon 42, Ohio State 38. Shootout, nail-biter in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship? Yes, please. In the end, Oregon has the best player in the country in Marcus Mariota. Losing Carrington hurts, but Mariota makes everyone around him better. Someone will step up and Oregon will win its first football national championship in program history.
Kim – Oregon 52, Ohio State 41. There is no doubt in my mind that the inaugural College Football Playoff title game will be a shootout. Both offenses aren’t the type to slow down and it’s because of the play of Mariota and Jones. Getting out to a fast start is going to be paramount.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim