Oregon vs. Ohio State 2015: Biggest Stars from College Football Championship

Thanks to the first-ever College Football Playoff, Ohio State had a chance to claim the national title. Even on the biggest stage in every player's career, the No. 4 Buckeyes stepped up for a 42-20 win over No. 2 Oregon.

Ohio State came out with authority all game long and thoroughly dismantled Oregon in Arlington, Texas. Despite four turnovers by the offense, the defense held the Ducks in check as Cardale Jones and Ezekiel Elliott powered the Buckeyes to a decisive win.

Even in a loss, Marcus Mariota was still a steady performer for the Ducks. Ohio State essentially shut down the running game with neither Royce Freeman nor Thomas Tyner able to get going. The Ducks were worn down by the end of the night, but Mariota's season was still one of the best in the history of the sport.

Ohio State's official Twitter account provides a look at the final score from AT&T Stadium:

Just when it seemed like the best games were behind Elliott, he shined brightest on the national stage.

The sophomore running back went off for 450 yards and four touchdowns between the Big Ten title game and Sugar Bowl. He then set a national championship record with 246 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

ESPN Stats & Info provides background while ESPN passes along footage of one of his most impressive runs:

Elliott wasn't the only OSU player running wild against Oregon. Jones, who was starting in only his third game, didn't look anything remotely like a third-string quarterback. Finishing 16-of-23 with 242 passing yards, 38 rushing yards, two total touchdowns and one interception, Jones was a steady force.

One of the biggest ways Jones made a difference was his bruising style of running and elusiveness outside of the pocket. Will Brinson of CBS Sports gives a look at the most memorable run for Jones late in the game:

Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports also offered his take on Jones' play:

On the other side, Mariota struggled at times without some of his best receivers against the Buckeyes. Still, he was able to come away with two touchdown strikes, with one going for 70 yards to Byron Marshall.

The biggest issue for Mariota and the offense was converting on third downs, finishing 2-of-12 in that category. All of the pressure was put on the Heisman winner's shoulders, and he didn't quite look as unflappable as he was throughout this season.

Even with the less-than-stellar performance, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report believes Mariota has a bright future ahead:

One game doesn't make an entire career, but it can redefine it. For Elliott and Jones, Monday night left no question that they are two of the best players in college football. For Mariota, the huge stage left question marks aplenty, but ones that will be answered in the months to come.

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