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5 Reasons Why Ohio State Will Lose College Football Playoff National Championship Game

5 Reasons Why Ohio State Will Lose College Football Playoff National Championship Game

Head Coach Urban Meyer
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Ohio State will be searching for their sixth national title in school history, but standing in their way are the Oregon Ducks, who are searching for their first ever national championship and first ever victory over the Buckeyes. Here are five reasons why Ohio State will lose the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 12.

5. Turnovers

Tony Washington Oregon Ducks
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5. Turnovers

Tony Washington Oregon Ducks
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon feasted off five Florida State turnovers in the Rose Bowl, including four in the third quarter alone that turned a competitive game into a complete blowout. Ohio State committed three turnovers against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, but won’t be able to give Oregon that luxury. Oregon scored 28 points off those Florida State turnovers and will do the same to the Buckeyes if they’re turnover-prone again.

4. Inability to Protect Cardale Jones

Cardale Jones Ohio State Buckeyes
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4. Inability to Protect Cardale Jones

Cardale Jones Ohio State Buckeyes
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State has had trouble protecting the quarterback at times as the Buckeyes have allowed 27 sacks on the season, including three in the Sugar Bowl victory over the Crimson Tide. In the Buckeyes only loss of the season against Virginia Tech, the Ohio State offensive line allowed seven sacks. Oregon is adept at pressuring the quarterback as the Ducks have racked up 36 sacks, led by outside linebacker Christian French with six-and-a-half.

3. Oregon’s Offensive Line Controls the Game

Oregon Ducks Football
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3. Oregon’s Offensive Line Controls the Game

Oregon Ducks Football
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

When Oregon struggles, it’s because their offensive line is getting whipped up front. However, since Jake Fisher returned from injury, this unit has been outstanding. Against the Seminoles, standouts Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards Jr. were both held without a tackle due to the exceptional play of the Oregon line. If Ohio State’s defensive front doesn’t hold the point of attack, it will be a long night in Arlington for the Buckeyes.

2. Ohio State’s Red Zone Defense

Ohio State Buckeyes Defense
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2. Ohio State’s Red Zone Defense

Ohio State Buckeyes Defense
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State has been susceptible to points once their opponent reaches the red zone. The Buckeyes have allowed their opponents to score on 85.4 percent of their possessions once they’ve reached the Ohio State 20-yard line. Meanwhile, the Ducks have been lethal scoring on 86.8 percent of their red-zone possessions, including a touchdown percentage rate of 67.1 percent. Needless to say, the Ducks should put up plenty of points against the Buckeyes.

1. Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota Oregon Ducks
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

1. Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota Oregon Ducks
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Simply put, it’s been Mariota’s world this season and everyone else is living in it. The Heisman Trophy winner has been outstanding passing for 4,111 yards with 40 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He’s added another 731 yards on the ground and 15 rushing touchdowns. He’s been unstoppable all season and will cap off his college career with one more dominant performance against a Buckeyes defense that will be left searching for answers.

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