The Ohio State Buckeyes beat the Oregon Ducks to become the first-ever College Football National Champions.
Updates
Tonight's greatest story was the explosive Ohio State running back, Ezekiel Elliott. "Zeke" ran for 246 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and finished with four touchdowns. His quarterback, Cardale Jones, went 16 for 23 with 242 yards and a touchdown of his own. It was his third start. Despite Ohio State's dominant performance and ultimately lopsided score, the Bucks struggled with turnovers, finishing with three lost fumbles and one interception. However, the Oregon Ducks and quarterback Marcus Mariota struggled to capitalize on their gifted possessions. The Ducks went an appalling 2 for 12 on third downs, and zero for two on fourth downs, including being stuffed for a game-changing goal-line stop in the first half. Still, Mariota threw for 333 yards, though the Ducks were only able to put up 132 rushing yards on the Ohio State defense.
Ohio State came into the playoffs as the fourth seed, but upset Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
"And the Ohio State Buckeyes are the first national champions of the playoff era..."
Ezekiel Elliott scores for the third time tonight, Ohio State leads 35-20 in the fourth quarter.
Ezekiel Elliott with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, Ohio State leads 28-20 at the end of the third quarter.
Oregon capitalizes on the Ohio State fumble with a field goal, trail 21-20 in the third quarter.
Cardale's fumble immediately drew comparisons to Florida State's Jameis Winston's super fumble during the Rose Bowl.
It should be very clear who Very Famous Ohioan LeBron James is rooting for:
Oregon scores with a 70-yard touchdown pass, Ducks trail 21-17 in the third quarter.
The Ohio State team almost trampled a cheerleader as the team ran out on the field before the game.
Luckily, she got up on her own and didn't appear to be injured.
Oregon makes 26-yard FG, trails Ohio State 21-10 late in the first half.
Cardale Jones gets the QB sneak, Ohio State leads 21-7 with 4:49 left in the second quarter.
Ohio State wide receiver Corey Smith fumbled after a 47-yard reception from quarterback Cardale Jones. Oregon took over at the 9, but was unable to convert and went a quick 3 and out.
Ohio State with a HUGE stop on 4th and Goal, still lead 14-7 in the second.
Oregon running back Thomas Tyner is stopped at the 1-yard line on fourth down. Ohio State took over possession from the one.
Ohio State scores to go up 14-7 over Oregon late in the first.
Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott with a 33-yard rushing touchdown. The game is now tied at 7-7.
Elliott celebrates with his abs and teammates after his monster run to tie the game early in the first quarter.
Oregon takes the lead on their opening drive: 7-0. It took them only 11 plays and 2:39 of game time.
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota celebrates with wide receiver Keanon Lowe after 7-yard touchdown pass that put the Ducks up 7-0 early in the first quarter.
The crowd at AT&T Stadium in Dallas showing heavy favorite to the Buckeyes tonight.
Crowd is heavily in favor of the Buckeyes tonight
Lee Corso has picked Ohio State to win tonight's CFB Playoff National Championship game.
.@CollegeGameDay: Lee Corso puts on the Brutus head as he picks Ohio State to win tonight's game. #UOvsOSU