The Buckeyes are just hours away from college football's first ever playoff championship game...and they'll have their work cut out for them against an explosive, talented Oregon team. These are two very different teams with their own unique strengths and weaknesses - here are three things to keep an eye on when the Buckeyes take the field:
1. Can Ezekiel Elliott keep rolling?
Over Ohio State's last four games, Elliott has averaged 169.5 rushing yards per contest. He's also scored seven touchdowns in that span, but the most impressive stat of all? Elliott hasn't run the ball more than 20 times in any of those games.
Against Oregon, Elliott has an excellent opportunity to keep his hot streak going. The Ducks don't have many weaknesses, but they were only mediocre against the run this year (66th out of 128 FBS teams in rushing yards allowed) - look for Urban Meyer to call Elliott's number early and often.
2. How will the Buckeyes attack Marcus Mariota?
Mariota has personally accounted for at least three touchdowns in 12 of Oregon's 14 games this season. If the Buckeyes want to keep Mariota quiet and come out of this with a win, they'll have to follow the blueprint Arizona laid down in one of those two "quiet" games from the Ducks QB - a 31-24 upset back in early October.
Arizona pressured Mariota early and often, and the Wildcats racked up seven sacks on the day. Ohio State will have a tougher task than Arizona did - the Ducks were missing several starters on their offensive line back then - but if they can get in Mariota's head early and prevent him from finding his rhythm, they'll vastly improve their chances of winning this game.
3. Can the defense keep making big plays?
The Buckeyes have won the turnover battle in their last three games, and forcing mistakes was absolutely crucial in their victory over Alabama. Oregon doesn't turn the ball over often - Mariota has just three interceptions on the year - but Ohio State won't win this game without making some big plays on defense.
Look for Vonn Bell and Doran Grant (11 combined interceptions on the year) to play aggressive football, and for the big guys up front like Joey Bosa to try and force a few fumbles in the backfield.
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