2014 Ohio State Buckeyes Football Schedule: A Season To Remember

by Jhon Lennon 65 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a blast from the past and take a look at the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule. This was a season that still gets Buckeye fans buzzing with excitement, and for good reason! It was a year filled with unforgettable moments, nail-biting finishes, and, of course, a national championship. So, if you're ready to relive the glory or just curious about what made this season so special, buckle up. We are going to break down the schedule, the key games, and the incredible journey that led the Buckeyes to the top of college football. This article will be a deep dive into the 2014 season of the Buckeyes. We'll explore the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Get ready to have your memory jogged. Trust me, it's a season you won't want to forget.

The Road to Glory: A Game-by-Game Breakdown

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty and walk through the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule game by game. The season started with a bang, and the Buckeyes kept the momentum going throughout the regular season. Each game was a test, each opponent a challenge. Let's see how they stacked up:

  • August 30, 2014: vs. Navy (at Baltimore, MD) - W 34-17: The season opener was a solid win against Navy, played in Baltimore. It was a good start to get the team's feet wet.
  • September 6, 2014: vs. Virginia Tech - L 35-21: This was a major upset at home! The Hokies came in and handed the Buckeyes their first loss. This loss was a wake-up call, that's for sure!
  • September 13, 2014: vs. Kent State - W 66-0: The Buckeyes bounced back strong, dominating Kent State in a huge victory.
  • September 20, 2014: vs. Cincinnati - W 50-28: A solid win against a tough Cincinnati team, keeping the Buckeyes rolling.
  • September 27, 2014: at Maryland - W 52-24: Ohio State took care of business on the road against Maryland.
  • October 4, 2014: at Indiana - W 49-21: Another dominant road performance, with the Buckeyes putting up big points.
  • October 18, 2014: vs. Rutgers - W 56-17: A decisive victory at home against Rutgers.
  • October 25, 2014: at Penn State - W 31-24 (2OT): This was a thriller! The Buckeyes edged out Penn State in a double-overtime battle.
  • November 1, 2014: at Purdue - W 56-0: Ohio State showed no mercy, crushing Purdue on the road.
  • November 8, 2014: vs. Illinois - W 55-14: Another home victory, with the Buckeyes in complete control.
  • November 15, 2014: at Michigan State - W 49-37: A huge road win against a ranked Michigan State team, a critical victory in the Big Ten race.
  • November 22, 2014: vs. Minnesota - W 31-24: A hard-fought win at home against Minnesota.
  • November 29, 2014: at Michigan - W 42-28: The Buckeyes closed out the regular season with a win against arch-rival Michigan.
  • December 6, 2014: vs. Wisconsin - W 59-0 (Big Ten Championship Game): The Buckeyes absolutely demolished Wisconsin to win the Big Ten Championship.
  • January 1, 2015: vs. Alabama (Sugar Bowl - College Football Playoff Semifinal) - W 42-35: A stunning victory against the heavily favored Alabama Crimson Tide.
  • January 12, 2015: vs. Oregon (College Football Playoff National Championship) - W 42-20: The Buckeyes capped off the season with a dominant performance to win the National Championship against Oregon.

As you can see, the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule was a rollercoaster. It had its ups and downs, but the team's resilience and determination shone through. The ability to win the games that matter, especially towards the end of the season, is what defines a champion. The Buckeyes managed to peak at the right time. They got better and better as the season went on. It was an amazing run.

Key Games and Turning Points

Let's talk about some of the key games and turning points of the 2014 season. These moments really defined the Buckeyes' journey to the national championship. The loss against Virginia Tech early in the season was a shocker. It served as a massive wake-up call for the team. It forced them to re-evaluate their strategies and focus. It showed that they were not invincible. The double-overtime win against Penn State was a real test of their character. This game showed the grit and determination that would come to define their season. It was a nail-biter that could have gone either way. It really proved that they could handle pressure. The game against Michigan State was also a turning point. It was a crucial victory that really helped them gain momentum in the Big Ten race. The Buckeyes were able to beat a ranked team on the road. This win gave them the confidence to go on and dominate the rest of the conference. Then, of course, the Big Ten Championship game against Wisconsin was a statement. The Buckeyes crushed the Badgers and showed that they were the team to beat in the conference. Finally, the College Football Playoff games. The victories against Alabama and Oregon were legendary. They were games that showcased the team's skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. The team faced two of the top teams in the nation and beat them both decisively. These games weren't just about winning; they were about making a statement.

The Impact of the 2014 Season

The impact of the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule and season goes far beyond just winning a national championship. It was a season that resonated with fans, shaped the program, and left a lasting legacy. For the fans, this season was about pride. It was a chance to celebrate a championship and to experience the thrill of victory. They reveled in every game, and they cheered their team on every step of the way. This season reminded them of the glory of Buckeye football. This victory cemented Ohio State's place as a powerhouse in college football. The coaching staff led by Urban Meyer, established a culture of winning and excellence. This culture continues to influence the team to this day. The 2014 season set a new standard for the program. It also provided a boost in recruiting. The success of the team made Ohio State an even more attractive destination for top high school players. This ensured that the Buckeyes would remain a top contender for years to come. The season also left a mark on the history books. It provided some of the greatest highlights in Ohio State football history. These highlights are still being replayed and talked about by fans, and for good reason! The 2014 Buckeyes will always be remembered as a team that overcame adversity, played with passion, and achieved greatness.

Memorable Players and Moments

Now, let's highlight some of the memorable players and moments from the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule. This team was loaded with talent, and there were so many unforgettable moments.

  • J.T. Barrett: The quarterback, J.T. Barrett was a true leader and a star in the making. He was instrumental in leading the team to victory. He unfortunately suffered an injury later in the season. He showed tremendous resilience and dedication. The team rallied around him. He showed leadership qualities both on and off the field.
  • Cardale Jones: Stepping in for the injured Barrett, Cardale Jones led the Buckeyes to victory in the playoffs. His performance, especially in the Sugar Bowl and National Championship games, was remarkable. He played with poise and confidence, making clutch plays when it mattered most. He showed the depth and talent of the team. He proved that they had what it took to win a championship.
  • Ezekiel Elliott: The running back, Ezekiel Elliott was a force to be reckoned with. His powerful runs, highlighted in the playoff games, were crucial to the team's success. He was a dominant presence in the backfield. He provided stability and consistency in the offense.
  • Michael Thomas: The wide receiver, Michael Thomas was a reliable target for the quarterbacks. He was key in making big plays and moving the chains. He was a key player. He developed into a star.

Some of the memorable moments include the double-overtime win against Penn State. It showed the team's ability to fight through adversity, as well as the Sugar Bowl victory against Alabama. It was a stunning performance and a moment that will be forever etched in Buckeye history. And, of course, the National Championship game against Oregon. This was the culmination of a fantastic season, and a moment of pure joy for Buckeyes fans everywhere. These players and moments created a season of legends.

Coaching Staff and Leadership

The success of the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule would not have been possible without the excellent coaching staff and strong leadership. Urban Meyer, the head coach, was the architect of this championship team. He instilled a culture of discipline, preparation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. He built a team that was both talented and highly motivated. His coaching philosophy and ability to inspire his players were key factors in their success. The assistant coaches also played crucial roles in developing the players and implementing game plans. The leadership from the players was also essential. Players like J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones, and Ezekiel Elliott stepped up to lead the team through all the highs and lows of the season. Their dedication to the team and their willingness to go the extra mile helped drive the team to victory. The combination of strong coaching and player leadership created a winning environment. This winning environment allowed the Buckeyes to reach their full potential. They managed to become national champions.

Legacy and Continued Success

The legacy and continued success of the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes extend far beyond the championship season. The impact of that season is still felt today. The 2014 team set a new standard for success. It reinforced Ohio State's position as a top program in college football. The success of the team and the high level of play has motivated the coaching staff, players, and fans. The 2014 season has boosted the program. It has resulted in improved recruiting classes, more national attention, and more opportunities for success. The program continues to recruit top talent. They continue to be a dominant force in the Big Ten. The program continues to compete for national championships. The lessons learned, the traditions established, and the culture that was created will always be remembered. The memory of the 2014 season will always be alive and will continue to inspire new generations of Buckeyes. This amazing team, the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes, will always be remembered in the hearts of Buckeye fans everywhere.

Conclusion

Alright, guys! We've taken a trip down memory lane, looking at the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule and the amazing season. This was a season that showed the power of perseverance. It also showed the importance of teamwork. The 2014 Buckeyes will always be remembered for their unforgettable performances. These memorable performances will always be remembered by the fans. It was a season that captured the hearts of Buckeye Nation. From the nail-biting games to the dominant victories, this team gave us a lot to cheer about. It's a reminder of what can be accomplished when everyone works together with determination and passion. If you're a Buckeye fan, or just a college football fan, I hope you enjoyed this journey back to 2014. Go Bucks!