Can Ohio State Finally End the SEC's College Football Dominance?

On January 8, 2007, Ohio State triggered the SEC's college football dominance when it fell to Florida in a 41-14 rout in the BCS National Championship Game. 

The Buckeyes will get a chance to end that eight-year streak of championship appearances on New Year's Day, when they face top-ranked Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal hosted by the Sugar Bowl. 

Members of the Ohio State football team are eager for that opportunity.

“It is definitely a game where a statement will be made,” Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott said, according to Patrick Maks of Eleven Warriors. “The Big Ten is looked at as one of the weaker conferences and the SEC is one of the most dominant ones, we have a lot to prove in this game.”

The Buckeyes, shaping up as a figurative David to Alabama's Goliath, will come into the game as 9.5-point underdogs. Despite coming off an historic 59-0 beatdown over Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, the oddsmakers don't expect Ohio State to keep pace with the Crimson Tide.

Is that because Alabama simply plays at a higher level—both as a team and as the result of its conference affiliation?

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Many seem to think so. In fact, RealTimeRPI.com ranks the SEC as college football's top conference, while the Big Ten is listed fifth among the Power Five leagues. 

But when you ask Joey Bosa—Ohio State's unanimous first-team All-American defensive end—he feels a little differently. 

“What is SEC-caliber, really? Big Ten-caliber? How about that?” Bosa asked, according to Todd Porter of The Canton Rep.

Really, though, how about that?

The Buckeyes got off to a slow start this season—struggling against a pesky Navy squad before falling to a bad Virginia Tech team at home. But Ohio State has been on fire since then, averaging 49.4 points in its last 11 games. 

And while the Big Ten doesn't have the greatest reputation, the conference produces some of the nation's strongest defenses. Ohio State played four teams that ranked in the top 10 in total defense this season (Penn State, Michigan State, Michigan and Wisconsin) and averaged 45.3 points and 458.8 yards per game. 

The Buckeyes believe that they're one of the top teams in the country.

“It’s just two powerhouses … with a chance to duke it out,” Buckeyes defensive tackle Mike Bennett said, via Porter. “I think it’s very important to find out who has the better conference.”

How does Nick Saban view Ohio State and the conference it plays in?

Back in 2012, the unbeaten Buckeyes were banned from postseason play, which opened the door for the Tide to face off against Notre Dame in the national championship. The Tide rolled to a 42-14 victory over the Fighting Irish, winning their third national title in four years.

The following May, Saban was asked about his thoughts on Ohio State and how it would fare if the Buckeyes had to play in the SEC. His response was surprisingly candid.

"

Saban on SEC having 6 top 10 teams last year: "How many would Ohio St have beaten? Would they have won 3? I don't know"

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) May 28, 2013"

Can the Buckeyes show Saban that they belong in the same conversation as the Tide? Can they prevent the SEC from winning a national title for the second consecutive year after the conference had won seven straight between 2006-12?

If you ask Buckeyes receiver Devin Smith, that's the plan.

"Meyer told us don’t worry about what other people have to say," Smith said, according to Tim Showmaker of Eleven Warriors. "He believes we’re not an underdog and he wants us to go show people we’re not an underdog."

All stats via NCAA.com and B/R research.

David Regimbal covers Ohio State football for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.