2015 College Football Oregon vs Ohio St National Championship Game Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Playoff Picks 1/12/15

2015 College Football Oregon vs Ohio St National Championship Game Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Playoff Picks 1/12/15: If the BCS system were still in place this season, neither Oregon nor Ohio State would be playing for a national championship. However, the BCS system is not around this year, and after the Ducks dismantled defending national champion Florida State in the Rose Bowl and the Buckeyes outlasted top-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, Oregon and Ohio State are set to meet in the first-ever college football playoff National Championship Game. Fresh off their 59-20 win over the Seminoles, the Ducks head into the title matchup as 7-point favorites. Let’s take a closer look at the matchup.

On paper, the two teams are pretty even. The Ducks boast the second-best scoring offense, which is highlighted by Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota and running back Royce Freeman. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes own the fifth-best scoring attack, and after QB J.T. Barrett ran the show most of the year before being injured, third-stringer Cardale Jones has stepped up, along with running back Ezekiel Elliott, to lead Ohio State to wins in the Big Ten title game and in the college football playoff semifinal. Defensively, Oregon and Ohio State rank 27th and 26th in points allowed, respectively.

The Buckeyes Win If:

For the Buckeyes to pull off the upset, they have to dominate in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Defensively, stopping Oregon’s ground game on early downs will be crucial. When the Ducks consistently face short yardage situations on second and third downs, their entire playbook is open and they increase their chances of connecting on big plays. More importantly, Oregon’s two worst offensive performances came when Mariota was facing constant pressure. On the offensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes need to establish Elliott and the ground to keep Oregon’s offense on the sidelines and to open up big play chances in the passing game. Minimizing turnovers to limit possessions for Oregon is also a must. While the Ducks have done more than enough to shed the “soft” label has followed them over the years, the formula for beating Oregon remains punishment up front on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes have to own the line of scrimmage if they are going to win the game.

The Ducks Win If:

Oregon’s victory of Florida State was basically a blueprint for how to defeat the Buckeyes. Offensively, Mariota and company have more than enough firepower to put up points, but the key for the Ducks will be to stick to their normal plan of attack rather than try to hit a home run on every play. The speed and pace of Oregon’s offense helps open up the big plays as it wears down opponents, and the Ducks can’ get greedy on early downs. Defensively, Oregon needs to focus on shutting down Elliott and the Ohio State ground game in order to force Jones into tough throwing situations. If the Ducks make Jones have to carry the Buckeyes, they are going to be in the driver’s seat.

Bottom Line:

With all the controversy about which team should have been the No. 4 seed in the college football playoff, the Buckeyes probably haven’t received the credit they deserve for reeling off 12 wins in a row with a backup and third-string QB. As legit as Urban Meyer’s offensive system is and as legit as Ohio State’s speed is, the matchup under center is too hard to ignore in a battle of otherwise equally talented teams. Jones will be making his third collegiate start Monday while Mariota is trying to cement a decorated legacy that already includes a Heisman Trophy. Oregon will eventually overwhelm Ohio State with its relentless, mistake-free offensive assault.

Prediction: Oregon Ducks (-7) Cover the Spread