Ohio State’s College Football Playoff Run Led By First-Quarter Dominance, Second and Third Quarter Control
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been on an impressive run throughout the 2024-2025 college football season, and their success in the College Football Playoff (CFP) has been a testament to their ability to dictate the game early and sustain control throughout. A combination of first-quarter dominance and steady second and third-quarter control has propelled the Buckeyes into the final stages of the postseason, where they are aiming to clinch their first national championship since 2014. This strategic approach, which combines explosive starts with disciplined play, has made Ohio State one of the most dangerous teams in the playoff field.
First-Quarter Dominance
Ohio State’s success in the College Football Playoff has largely been fueled by their ability to jump on opponents early, and their dominance in the first quarter has set the tone for each of their games. In their playoff opener, the Buckeyes came out firing, scoring multiple touchdowns in the first 15 minutes and establishing a commanding lead. Whether it was through the explosive playmaking ability of quarterback Kyle McCord or the bruising runs of running back TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State consistently seized momentum from the opening whistle.
The team’s ability to establish an early lead has been key to setting up their overall game plan. A fast start forces opposing teams to play catch-up, often disrupting their offensive rhythm and pushing them to abandon their usual strategies. For Ohio State, the first-quarter dominance isn’t just about putting points on the board; it’s about setting the psychological tone and showing opponents that they’ll need to adjust quickly or risk being overwhelmed. McCord, who has been stellar in big moments, has demonstrated poise and accuracy in the first quarter, often connecting with his talented receiving corps, including Marvin Harrison Jr., to move the chains and capitalize on early opportunities.
Second and Third-Quarter Control
While Ohio State’s ability to start strong is well-documented, what truly sets them apart in the College Football Playoff is their consistency in the middle stages of the game. The second and third quarters have been where the Buckeyes have asserted control, effectively wearing down their opponents through a combination of offensive efficiency and suffocating defense.
The offense has been particularly effective at sustaining drives, controlling the clock, and wearing down defenses in the second and third quarters. McCord’s decision-making has been exemplary during this stretch, allowing Ohio State to methodically move the ball while keeping their defense fresh. In particular, Henderson’s ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage on the ground has helped the Buckeyes control time of possession. As the game progresses, Ohio State’s offensive line—one of the best in the nation—has been able to dominate in the trenches, ensuring that their running game stays productive and their passing attack remains efficient.
On the defensive side, Ohio State has been equally impressive, consistently stifling opposing offenses. The Buckeyes have a formidable front seven, led by standout defensive linemen such as J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, who have been able to put relentless pressure on quarterbacks, forcing mistakes and disrupting the rhythm of opposing offenses. Their secondary, which includes star cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, has done an excellent job locking down receivers, limiting big plays and forcing teams to work harder for every yard.
In the second and third quarters, Ohio State’s ability to adjust and dominate in the trenches has allowed them to build upon their early success. They’ve often extended their lead, making it difficult for opponents to recover and mount a comeback.
A Balanced Approach to Victory
Ohio State’s ability to combine explosive starts with sustained dominance in the middle of the game has made them a formidable force in the College Football Playoff. Their success is built on a balance between offense and defense, where the offensive line controls the game up front, and the defense forces turnovers and pressures opposing quarterbacks. As they prepare for their upcoming playoff games, Ohio State’s ability to dictate the game early and then manage the tempo in the second and third quarters will be crucial in determining whether they can continue their run to the national title.
The Buckeyes have shown that when they get out to a fast start and maintain control throughout the game, they are nearly impossible to stop. With the combination of talented players and a smart, disciplined coaching staff, Ohio State has put themselves in an excellent position to compete for the national championship. The first-quarter dominance and second and third-quarter control will continue to be central to their success as they chase their ultimate goal: a College Football Playoff title.
