Numerous performances influenced Ohio State's 42-35 Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama but one of the most important reasons the Buckeyes turned back the Tide to earn a shot at the national championship is how the Silver Bullets dominated 3rd down.
Facing an Alabama offense ranked 2nd in the land in 3rd down conversion percentage (54.1%), the Buckeye defense limited the Tide to a 15% success rate, stopping Lane Kiffin's offense on 11 of 13 tries.
Of the two 3rd down conversions, only one eventually led to a Bama touchdown as T.J. Yeldon converted a 3rd and 2 with a nine yard run paving the way for a 15 yard Blake Sims to Amari Cooper strike giving the Tide a 14-6 lead late in the 1st quarter. Alabama did convert 2/2 4th down tries as part of two other touchdown drives.
| POSS | DOWN AND DISTANCE | DESCRIPTION | DRIVE RESULT | SCORE (OSU-ALA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3RD AND 3 | SIMS INC PASS | PUNT | 0-0 |
| 2 | 3RD AND 5 | SIMS INC PASS | PUNT | 3-0 |
| 4 | 3RD AND 2 | YELDON 9 YD RUN | TD | 6-14 |
| 5 | 3RD AND 3 | YELDON 1 YD RUN | PUNT | 6-14 |
| 6 | 3RD AND 1 | YELDON 0 YD RUN | TD (4TH DOWN CONV) | 6-21 |
| 7 | 3RD AND 2 | SIMS INC PASS | PUNT | 13-21 |
| 9 | 3RD AND 8 | SIMS SACKED (BENNETT -9 YDS) | PUNT | 27-21 |
| 10 | 3RD AND 7 | SIMS INT (MILLER TD RETURN) | INT | 34-21 |
| 12 | 3RD AND 12 | SIMS 2 YD PASS | PUNT | 34-28 |
| 14 | 3RD AND 6 | SIMS -3 YD RUN | PUNT | 34-28 |
| 15 | 3RD AND 10 | SIMS 8 YD PASS | TD (4TH DOWN CONV) | 42-35 |
| 16 | 3RD AND 2 | SIMS 12 YARD PASS | INT | 42-35 |
| 16 | 3RD AND 2 | SIMS INT (POWELL END ZONE) | INT | 42-35 |
On the night, the defense held Blake Sims to 3/8 passing for 22 yards with two interceptions on 3rd down. On the ground, the Bullets held the Tide to -2 yards rushing on five 3rd down carries including a nine yard sack by Michael Bennett.
Most importantly, of the two interceptions on 3rd down, one came on an outstanding individual play from defensive end Steve Miller as he dropped back in coverage to pick a Sims throw before racing 41 yards to paydirt giving the Buckeyes a 34-21 lead late in the 3rd quarter.
A similar performance against Oregon would go a long way to securing Ohio State's first national title since 2002.
