3 & Out - CFP REACTION: Ohio State Beats Texas in 28-14 Semifinal Battle to advance to the Natty
Jan 11, 2025
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Ohio State clinched a strong victory over Texas, securing a spot in the national championship against Notre Dame. The Buckeyes' defense shined, outmaneuvering the Longhorns and exposing weaknesses in their play calling. Attention turned to Quinn Ewers' struggles and his NFL prospects. Upcoming matchups between former Buckeye Marcus Freeman and Ryan Day were analyzed. The podcast also dived into discussions on NFL coaching legacies, talent evaluation, and quarterback futures, blending serious sports talk with engaging insights and listener questions.
Ohio State's victory over Texas showcased their dominant defense and explosive running game, solidifying their reputation as championship contenders.
The effectiveness of coaching decisions, particularly Steve Sarkisian's questionable plays, was pivotal in determining the outcome of the playoff game.
Quarterbacks Will Howard and Quinn Ewers highlighted their competitive skills, with Ewers' struggles raising concerns about his NFL prospects.
Deep dives
Ohio State's Dominance Over Texas
Ohio State's impressive performance against Texas solidified their reputation as a top contender in college football. They entered the game as clear favorites and showcased their strength throughout, particularly in the first half. Texas's strong defense initially presented challenges, but Ohio State's explosive running game, led by Henderson, ultimately dominated. The play-calling by both teams became pivotal, with Ohio State's adjustments proving critical to their success.
The Importance of Play Calling
The effectiveness of play calling was a significant factor in determining the outcome of the game. Steve Sarkisian's strategic decisions, especially in high-pressure situations, came under scrutiny, particularly during critical red zone opportunities. Despite Texas's strong performances in running the ball, questionable lateral play calls led to lost yards and momentum. Chip Kelly's calls, on the other hand, effectively exploited Ohio State's defensive weaknesses, showcasing the impact of sound coaching decisions.
Coaching Legacy Emergence
The game's outcome highlighted the varying levels of coaching effectiveness between the two teams. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly both demonstrated their capability, with Kelly's play calls shining in crucial moments, solidifying his legacy in pressure situations. The juxtaposition between Kelly's decisive moves and Sarkisian's hesitations provided insight into how coaching can shape the trajectory of a game and a season. These moments are critical for establishing long-term reputations and resilience within college football.
Emergence of Quarterback Talents
The performances of quarterbacks Will Howard and Quinn Ewers stood out during this playoff matchup, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill. While Howard exhibited growth and control, Ewers faced pressure that exposed weaknesses in his decision-making and pocket presence. This game served as a proving ground for both players, underscoring how pivotal these stages are for quarterback development. Their performances also raised questions about their potential futures in professional football, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of quarterback talent in college sports.
High Stakes of College Football Playoffs
The playoff setting heightened the stakes for all teams involved, emphasizing the significance of every play and decision made on the field. The competition was fierce, with both Ohio State and Texas showcasing immense talent across rosters filled with future NFL prospects. This year marked the first iteration of the college football playoffs, reflecting the evolving nature of college football competitions and showcasing the elite level of talent present. Recognizing the rising talent in college football hints at the exciting prospects for the future, as many of these players will transition to professional levels.
John breaks down Ohio State defeating Texas 28-14 in the College Football Playoff’s semifinal. Led by a potent Buckeyes defense, Ohio State took down Steve Sarkisian, Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns, punching their ticket to a National Championship appearance against Notre Dame. John starts off by tipping his cap to Ryan Day, Chip Kelly and the Ohio State Buckeyes for turning around their season after a tough loss to the Michigan Wolverines en route to a DOMINANT College Football Playoff run. John goes on to explain why Steve Sarkisian’s play calling ended up losing the game for the Longhorns, and compliments the Buckeyes high-powered offense and inventive game plan. After, John dives into Quinn Ewers struggles and what makes him unfit for the NFL before diving into former Georgia QB Carson Beck transferring to the Miami Hurricanes. Finally, John looks ahead to Ohio State and Notre Dame, led by former Buckeyes player and current Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman facing off against embattled team leader Ryan Day for all the marbles.
Later, John answers some of your questions in this episode's mailbag segment.
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