VICTORY
Ohio State beats Penn State, 20-13, in a thrilling top-five matchup at Beaver Stadium.
DALLAS — Ohio State tried desperately to give the national title to Oregon, but the Ducks didn't seem to want to take it.
Despite committing a season-high four turnovers, the Buckeyes were able to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, 42-20, over Oregon.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OHIO STATE | 14 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 42 |
| OREGON | 7 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
Ohio State rode its sophomore tailback all game. Ezekiel Elliott carried the ball 36 times for 246 yards and four touchdowns as the Buckeyes tacked up 538 yards of total offense. Elliott had touchdown runs of 33, nine, two and one yards, respectively.
Oregon trimmed a 21-10 halftime deficit to 21-20 before Elliott ripped off two of his touchdown runs to put the game on ice for Ohio State. Quarterback Cardale Jones, making just his third career start, threw for 242 yards and a touchdown.
The Ducks opened the scoring with a touchdown on their opening drive, but after that it was all Buckeyes. Ohio State rattled of the next 21 points and didn't look back.
Elliott tied the game at 7-all with a 33-yard touchdown rumble late in the first quarter. That was quickly followed by a 1-yard touchdown catch by Nick Vannett to put Ohio State out front.
The Buckeyes had two first-half turnovers, but Oregon failed to convert either into points.
The win gives Ohio State its first national championship since 2002 and its eighth in school history.
