Previewing Ohio State’s College Football Championship Matchup

Written by: Connor Zimmerlee

There’s a common goal for every athlete who laces up their sneakers, straps up their helmet or hits the ice: win a championship. Personal accolades are great, but the feeling of lifting a championship trophy after a long and grueling season cannot be matched. Players on the Ohio State roster are one game away from making that dream a reality.

After 15 games, including an impressive run through the College Football Playoff bracket, the Buckeyes are on the verge of bringing home the ninth national championship in program history. Standing in their way, though, will undoubtedly be the toughest test yet as they prepare for the CFP championship.

Not only will they be representing their university, but they will also be representing Panini as part of the company’s NIL program. So, while they’re making plays in pursuit of more hardware, you can take the chance to add cards to your growing collection.

One look at the talent on both sides of the ball for Ohio State, it becomes evident how the Buckeyes steamrolled their way to the national championship. Starting with the offense, they’re led by a dynamic trio of playmakers headlined by quarterback Will Howard.  A dual-threat talent, he can deliver a dime on one play, then break off a long run the next.

Working alongside Howard is the talented duo of star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith and electric running back Quinshon Judkins. They’ll have their work cut out for them against a stingy defense, of course, but they’ve shown the ability to dismantle any look an opponent might throw at them.

Flip over to defense, you’ll see that the Buckeyes boast some real thumpers as well. Perhaps most notable is the safety tandem of Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles. They finished second and third on the team in tackles, respectively, combining for a whopping 170 takedowns. Moving the ball through the air isn’t much of an option against them either, as their range allows them to get from sideline to sideline and swat away any pass. The opposing offense will do everything possible to steer clear of those two.

Those star playmakers, plus a deep collection of fellow stars, will give Ohio State an upper hand in Atlanta. Be sure to watch and cheer them on to see if the Buckeyes can finish the job.