Oregon vs. Ohio State: Biggest Game-Changers in College Football Championship

When the Oregon Ducks square off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game, football fans from all over the country will be enthralled by the unexpected matchup.

Oregon overcame a loss early in the season to earn the No. 2 ranking coming into the playoffs, but Ohio State faced even more adversity. Even with season-ending injuries to the first- and second-string quarterbacks, the Buckeyes still managed to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide to earn a title-game berth.

Here is all the vital viewing information for the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship and the biggest potential game-changers for each team.

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

When: Monday, January 12

Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Oregon’s Biggest Potential Game-Changer: Marcus Mariota, QB

Without question, the biggest game-changer for the Oregon Ducks every time the team takes the field is Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota.

In 14 games this season, Mariota amassed 4,121 yards and 40 passing touchdowns with only three interceptions. Add in the 731 yards and 15 touchdowns he racked up running the ball, and it’s clear that the Oregon offense runs through Mariota.

When asked about turning his focus to the national championship and moving past any mistakes he made against Florida State in the Rose Bowl, Mariota told Tyson Alger of The Oregonian, “For me, it's a refocus. You tend to miss some things sometimes. You just have to continue to have the same mentality and don't really let it bother me.”

Ohio State’s defense has played well this season, allowing just 22.1 points per game, but Alabama proved that the Buckeyes have weaknesses. While Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims couldn’t take advantage, Mariota should be able to pick apart the Buckeyes defense.

With elite performances in the biggest moments all season, Mariota should be able to end his college career with a monumental victory over Ohio State and a national championship.

Ohio State’s Biggest Potential Game-Changer: Cardale Jones, QB

Just as Oregon’s biggest key to success will be the play of the quarterback, the same can be said for Ohio State and sophomore Cardale Jones. After both Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett went down for the season with injuries, Jones has thrived in the starting role.

In Jones’ two starts, he beat Wisconsin 59-0 for the Big Ten Championship and went on to beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. While head coach Urban Meyer has been smart to minimize how much pressure is on Jones, the quarterback must continue protecting the football.

ESPN’s Skip Bayless spoke glowingly of Jones and his natural ability:

Jones must learn from the mistakes that Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston made in the Rose Bowl against Oregon. The Ducks defense was suffocating and forced the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback to make bad decisions.

Oregon will throw everything at the inexperienced Ohio State quarterback, and the Buckeyes' success will depend on how Jones handles the different looks and schemes. If Meyer can simplify the game plan and keep the sophomore out of trouble, Ohio State has a chance to win the national championship.

*Stats via ESPN.com.