National Title Game: 1st Quarter Analysis and Grades

The National Title Game is on. The Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Oregon Ducks in the first ever College Football Playoffs. The 4th ranked Buckeyes and the 2nd ranked Ducks fought hard to get here and we will cover every snap of the game as we hope to root on the Buckeyes to victory.

We will have quarterly analysis and grades here for you for the National Title Game.

Analysis

  • As the Ducks are driving the Bucks strip Marcus Mariota.
    • Second Duck fumble on the opening drive.
    • Ball bounces right back to running back Thomas Tyner
    • Second fumble, by Mariota, is given back to Oregon. Ruled his knee was down.
  • Mariota’s ability to slide in the pocket pays off as he hits receiver Keanon Lowe
    • Buckeyes defense had a ton to deal with throughout that drive.
    • Two fumbles that didn’t go Bucks way were huge.
    • Ducks 7 Bucks 0
    • First drive, Cardale Jones runs over Oregon linebacker to get a first and 3rd and 4.
      • Jones looked like he would be stopped but he powered through.
      • Speed of Ducks defense shuts down outside throw to Jalin Marshall forcing 3rd down.
        • Ducks drop coverage with a safety spy, shutting down passing lanes and Jones 3rd down scramble.
        • Bucks punt. Downed at the 10 yard line.
        • First play of Oregon’s drive gets 30 yard on a short pass.
          • Linebacker was blocked by ref helping to spring receiver Lowe free.
          • Bucks get a stop as Ducks receiver drops 3rd down pass three plays later.