Cardale Jones, the former Ohio State quarterback, recently made headlines by claiming that the Buckeyes “would’ve killed” Alabama in the 2015 College Football Playoff, had they met in the national championship game. This bold statement from Jones, who led Ohio State to a stunning 42-35 victory over Oregon in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, has sparked debate and raised eyebrows across the college football world.
Jones, who was thrust into the starting role during the 2014 season after an injury to starter J.T. Barrett, was a key figure in Ohio State’s historic run to the title that year. His strong performance in the postseason, including a 243-yard, one-touchdown effort in the victory over Oregon, earned him a place in Buckeye lore. In the 2014 College Football Playoff semifinals, Ohio State had already pulled off a stunning 42-35 win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, a game that sent the Buckeyes to the championship and left many wondering how good they really were.
In the aftermath of Ohio State’s triumph over Oregon in the title game, speculation ran rampant about what could have happened had Alabama advanced to the championship instead. The Crimson Tide, led by coach Nick Saban, had been a powerhouse in college football for years, but they fell short against Ohio State in the semifinals. Now, years later, Jones is suggesting that Ohio State would have been more than capable of handling Alabama, even if they had met in the final game.
Jones’ comments echo the confidence that was palpable within the Ohio State locker room during that championship run. At the time, the Buckeyes were playing with a chip on their shoulder, having been written off by many critics after Barrett’s injury. With Jones taking over, the team showed a level of resilience and determination that allowed them to defy expectations. Jones’ own play during the playoff games, especially his poised performance against Alabama, was a testament to his abilities and the confidence of his teammates.
Alabama’s loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl was undoubtedly a surprising outcome, considering the Tide’s history of dominance. However, Jones seems to feel that Ohio State’s win in that game, coupled with their subsequent national championship, proves that they were not only capable of beating Alabama but also of dominating them. He argues that had the two teams met in the championship, Ohio State’s momentum and overall talent would have led to another convincing victory.
However, many may question whether Jones’ claim is more a matter of Buckeye pride than objective analysis. Alabama’s defense during that 2015 season was formidable, and their offense, led by quarterback Jake Coker, featured a potent ground game that could have challenged Ohio State’s defensive front. Additionally, Nick Saban’s tactical genius would have made the championship matchup an exciting chess match between two of the best coaches in college football history.
Regardless of how one interprets Jones’ remarks, the legacy of Ohio State’s 2014 season remains secure. Their ability to rally behind a backup quarterback and defeat both Alabama and Oregon en route to a national title is an achievement that will go down in college football history. While the debate over whether Ohio State could have “killed” Alabama in the 2015 national championship will likely continue, one thing is clear: the Buckeyes were a force to be reckoned with during that unforgettable season.
