Monday’s historic College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes is among the most eagerly anticipated games in memory, and could shatter the record for TV ratings for a college football game.
Though the coaching matchup is every bit as intriguing, there are a number of on-the-field matchups that have grabbed our attention, as well. Let’s take a look at the key characters who will take the stage at Jerry’s World in Irving, Texas at 8:30 PM ET.
Marcus Mariota
The Oregon QB and 2014 Heisman Trophy winner is a potential first overall NFL draft pick for 2015 and is among the most dynamic and exciting players to ever play the college game. Mariota has posted an eye-popping g184.3 QB rating with an insane 40-to-3 TD-to-INT ratio as he threw for 4121 yards. Mariota also ran for 731 yards, 5.8 yards per carry, and 15 TD’s on the season. He returned to Oregon this year for this shot at a national championship as he passed up on being a first round pick in last year’s NFL Draft.
Cardale Jones
Jones began the season as Ohio State’s third-string QB, but now has the chance to end it as a three-game living legend for one of the game’s most historic programs. Jones compiled a strong 159.0 QB rating in his two games under center as he led the Buckeyes to wins over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game and over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
The sophomore has shown a cool and poise of a seasoned veteran and did not get rattled after a slow start against Bama. Like Mariota, Jones has good running ability and averaged 5.1 yards per carry this season.
Mike Bennett
The Ohio State defensive tackle is a potential first round draft pick. He is a complete player that defends the run and rushes the passer with equal effectiveness. An excellent student that is majoring in consumer and family financial services, he is also one of the toughest players on the Buckeyes team.
Royce Freeman
Oregon’s talented freshman running back ran for 1343 yards and 5.6 yards per carry on the season with 18 TDs. Freeman had six games in which he ran for over 100 yards with a season high 169 yards against Washington.
Devin Smith
The Ohio State senior wide receiver is projected to be drafted in the second round. He has electrifying speed and breakaway ability as evidenced by his 32 catches good for 886 yards and 27.7 yards per catch with 12 TDs.
Ezekiel Elliott
The sophomore Ohio State running back ran for 1632 yards and 6.9 yards per carry with 14 TDs. Elliott stunned the nation by rushing for 230 yards on 20 carries in Ohio State’s win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. He has seven 100-plus yard rushing games on the season.
Hroniss Grasu
The senior Oregon Center is projected to be a second round draft pick and has never missed a start. Grasu is considered to be one of the better quality individuals in the game combining outstanding play with strong character. He is the son of Romanian parents that fled the country during its Communist era. Grasu is tough and well balanced as an outstanding run and pass blocker for the Ducks.
Jeff Heuerman
The Ohio State senior tight end is projected to be a third round NFL draft pick. Heuerman was an outstanding high school hockey player and did not take up football until his freshman year in high school. Heuerman has strong receiving skills and the potential for big plays.
