Cardale Jones, the former Ohio State quarterback, recently reignited a classic college football debate by claiming that the Buckeyes “would’ve killed” Alabama in the 2015 College Football Playoff. Jones’ statement adds fuel to one of the most talked-about “what if” scenarios in college football history.
Ohio State’s 2014-2015 team, led by Urban Meyer, was a juggernaut that overcame adversity, including injuries to two starting quarterbacks before Jones took the reins. The Buckeyes silenced critics by dominating Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship, stunning No. 1 Alabama 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl semifinal, and dismantling Oregon 42-20 to claim the national title. The win over Alabama, coached by Nick Saban, was particularly significant as it marked a turning point for the Big Ten’s national perception against the SEC’s dominance.
Jones’ confidence in his team’s ability to dominate Alabama stems from their physicality, depth, and game plan that neutralized the Crimson Tide’s strengths. With Ezekiel Elliott rushing for 230 yards against Alabama and the Buckeyes’ defense stifling an elite offense, Ohio State proved they could compete with and defeat the best.
However, it’s worth noting that the context of his statement invites some skepticism. The Buckeyes defeated Alabama by just seven points, and it was a competitive game until the final moments. While Ohio State emerged victorious, the idea of them “killing” Alabama may feel exaggerated to some, given how close the matchup was.
Jones’ comments reflect the pride and confidence of a player who experienced one of college football’s most remarkable championship runs. While the debate will never be settled definitively, it serves as a reminder of how pivotal that 2015 playoff was in shaping the modern landscape of college fo
otball.
