Ohio State's Remarkable Comeback: From Rock Bottom to CFP Favorite

Ohio State's journey from rock bottom to a rocket ship that has distinguished itself as the College Football Playoff favorite is a remarkable one. In a second life afforded to it by the 12-team playoff, Ohio State has pressed the pedal to the floor, ragdolling both Oregon and Tennessee in the first two rounds of the playoff.

The Buckeyes' extreme makeover comes with equal parts immediacy and dominance. Quarterback Will Howard has eliminated punitive mistakes and played with numbing efficiency, a patchwork offensive line has found an identity and a retooled defense has been menacing.

Ohio State's veteran core has been the driving force behind the team's success. Players like defensive end Jack Sawyer, defensive end JT Tuimoloau, tailback TreVeyon Henderson, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and cornerback Denzel Burke have all put off the NFL draft to come back and have honed in on getting the ending right.

The Buckeyes' postseason run has also been aided by the play of freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has been a revelation. Smith has caught 11 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs, including a 75-yard touchdown reception in the Rose Bowl against Oregon.

Ohio State's dominance against the high-end defensive lines of Tennessee and Oregon has been the biggest surprise of its run. After averaging 3.0 yards per carry against Michigan, the Buckeyes carried for 4.7 yards per carry and four touchdowns against Tennessee and 5.8 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon.

Ohio State's offensive line has also been a revelation. After being bullied in the Michigan game by the Wolverines' superior defensive front, the Buckeyes' offensive line has dominated the competition in the playoffs. Guards Tegra Tshabola, Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery have all played well, and left tackle Josh Fryar has held his own on the right flank.

Ohio State's defense has also been a key factor in the team's success. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has made some adjustments since the first Oregon game, and the Buckeyes have blitzed nearly 20% more since the first six games. The defense has also been more effective at pressuring the quarterback, recording eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss in the Rose Bowl against Oregon.

Ohio State's remarkable turnaround has been a team effort. The players have bought into coach Ryan Day's system, and the coaching staff has made the necessary adjustments to get the team back on track. With a win over Texas in the CFP semifinal, Ohio State will advance to the national championship game for the first time since 2014.

The Buckeyes have found an energy and edge, as quarterback Will Howard has identified the Buckeyes as "playing angry." In the postseason, Howard has eliminated punitive mistakes and played with numbing efficiency, a patchwork offensive line has found an identity and a retooled defense has been menacing.

Ohio State has found itself in a place many expected at the start of this season, just not how they expected it to get there. "I think we have the ability, we have the talent to go all the way," fifth-year tight end Gee Scott Jr. said, "and I think the only person that's going to get in the way of where we want to go is ourselves."