2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

Returning starters Offense Defense Special teams Coaching staff Urban Meyer was in his third year as the Buckeyes' head coach during the 2014 season. In his previous two seasons with Ohio State, he led the Buckeyes to an overall record of 24 wins and 2 losses (24–2), while also winning the Big Ten Leaders Division championship in those two seasons. On December 21, 2013, co-defensive coordinator Everett Withers accepted the head coaching position at James Madison. On January 23, 2014, Ohio State announced the hiring of Chris Ash to replace Withers as co-defensive coordinator, along with being named the safeties coach. Defensive line coach Mike Vrabel also left the Ohio State staff following the 2013 season to accept a coaching position with the Houston Texans. On January 15, 2014, former Penn State coach Larry Johnson was brought onto the Ohio State staff as the defensive line and assistant head coach. ==Coaching staff==

• Urban Meyer – Head Coach (3rd year) Offense • Tom Herman – Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks • Stan Drayton – Assistant Head Coach / Running Backs (3rd year) • Tim Hinton – Tight Ends / Fullbacks (3rd year) • Zack Smith – Wide Receivers (3rd year) • Ed Warinner – Co-Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line (3rd year) Defense • Luke Fickell – Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers (13th year) • Chris Ash – Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties (1st year) • Kerry Coombs– Cornerbacks / Special Teams (3rd year) • Larry Johnson – Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line (1st year) Strength and Conditioning • Mickey Marotti – Strength Coach (3rd year) • Scott Ray- Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach • Anthony Schlegel -Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach Recruiting class Prior to National Signing Day on February 6, 2014, seven high school players of the 2014 recruiting class enrolled for the spring semester in order to participate in spring practice. These early enrollments included: quarterback Stephen Collier, wide receivers Johnnie Dixon and Curtis Samuel, offensive linemen Marcelys Jones and Kyle Trout, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, and kicker Sean Nuernberger. The Buckeyes signed the No. 3 recruiting class according to Rivals.com and 247Sports.com, the No. 5 recruiting class according to Scout.com, and the No. 7 recruiting class according to ESPN. Spring practice • Sources: Ohio State's spring practice began on March 4 and consisted of fifteen separate practice sessions, which culminated with the spring game on April 12. Following a shoulder surgery on February 21, quarterback Braxton Miller was limited in practice, while receiver Evan Spencer, still rehabilitating from an injury during the previous season, did not participate in any spring practice drills. The spring game was broadcast on the Big Ten Network and returned to Ohio Stadium, after being played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio in the previous season. As done in previous seasons, the Buckeyes were divided up into two teams, with the Gray team defeating the Scarlet team 17–7 in the annual spring game. The game opened with the Scarlet team receiving the ball and were forced to punt after six plays. A fifteen-play, 80-yard drive to start the second quarter by the Gray team resulted in a 2-yard touchdown run from Bri'onte Dunn and gave the Gray team the lead at 10–7. Ohio State opened their fall camp on August 4. On August 19, it was announced that quarterback Braxton Miller, who had surgery on his throwing shoulder in February 2014, would miss the entire season, after re-injuring his shoulder during camp. ==Personnel==

Depth chart Starters and backups. ==Schedule==

The Big Ten Conference released the schedule for the 2014 season on May 16, 2013. With the addition of Maryland and Rutgers, the Big Ten abandoned its previous format to accommodate expansion. Ohio State was selected to participate in the inaugural College Football Playoff, as the fourth ranked team, and faced top ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, whom they defeated 42–35. Following their Sugar Bowl victory, the Buckeyes advanced to face second ranked Oregon in the CFP National Championship Game, whom they defeated 42–20. The ranking in parentheses below are the rankings from the College Football Playoff selection committee. All games during the 2014 season were broadcast on the Ohio State Football Radio Network. Paul Keels headed the crew with play-by-play, Jim Lachey with color commentary, Marty Bannister as sideline and locker room reporter, and Skip Mosic as the pre-game and halftime show host. }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} ==Game summaries==

Navy • Sources: On March 2, 2010, officials from both Ohio State and the United States Naval Academy agreed to a matchup between the Buckeyes and Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium. In the game, Ohio State defeated the Midshipmen 34–17. Redshirt freshman J. T. Barrett started at quarterback for the Buckeyes following a season-ending injury to Braxton Miller during fall camp. Ohio State started the game on offense, with Barrett completing his first pass attempt on the first play of the game; however, the Midshipmen defense would force a punt. The Buckeyes' next offensive drive would end in a second field goal from Nuernberger. After a missed field goal from the Midshipmen at the end of the second quarter, Navy went into halftime with a 7–6 lead. With the victory, Ohio State improved their overall record against Navy to 5–0. Virginia Tech • Sources: In the first home game of the 2014 season, Ohio State was defeated by the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first meeting between the two schools. Virginia Tech received the ball to open the game, with the Buckeye defense forcing a turnover on an interception thrown by quarterback Michael Brewer to cornerback Eli Apple. After the Hokie defense forced a three and out, they received the ball in Ohio State territory after a 24-yard punt. This is the only game Ohio State scored under 31 points in the 2014 season. Kent State • Sources: In their third game of the 2014 season, Ohio State defeated the Kent State Golden Flashes of the Mid-American Conference 66–0 in Columbus. Ohio State opened the game on offense, scoring in five plays on a 14-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Michael Thomas. After both defenses' forced interceptions on the next two possessions, the Buckeyes extended their lead late in the first quarter on a Rod Smith touchdown run. After driving deep into the Golden Flash territory, the Buckeye offense stalled and was forced to settle for a field goal early in the second quarter, giving Ohio State a 24–0 lead. With the victory, they improved their all-time record against Kent State to 3–0. Cincinnati • Sources: In their final non-conference game of the 2014 season, Ohio State defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats of the American Athletic Conference 50–28 in Columbus. Cincinnati jumped out to an early lead, after a 60-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Kiel to Chris Moore, on their first possession of the game. On the first play of Cincinnati's ensuing possession, the Buckeye defense forced a fumble in the endzone, which was recovered by the Bearcats for a safety, extending Ohio State's lead to 16–7. Ohio State continued to execute on offense after the safety, scoring their third touchdown on a 19-yard pass from J. T. Barrett to Devin Smith. With the victory, Ohio State improved their overall record against Cincinnati to 7–0. Maryland • Sources: In their very first matchup ever, Ohio State traveled to College Park to play Maryland in the first conference game of the season, in which Ohio State defeated the Terrapins 52–24. Maryland scored their first touchdown following a 13 play, 75-yard drive that ended with a Wes Brown run. Rutgers • Sources: In their first conference home game of the 2014 season and in the first ever meeting between Ohio State and Rutgers, the Buckeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights 56–17 in Columbus. Rutgers received the opening kickoff and was forced into a three and out by the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes drove 52 yards on their first possession of the game and scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback J. T. Barrett to Nick Vannett. Rutgers responded on their next drive, going 66 yards in ten plays and scoring on a touchdown run from Desmon Peoples, and cutting the Buckeyes' lead to 14–7. Ohio State, who received the second half kickoff, scored on a 4-play, 79-yard drive, which ended with a 33-yard run from Barrett. Penn State • Sources: In their annual rivalry game, Ohio State defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 31–24 in double overtime. The Nittany Lions received the opening kickoff and were stopped by the Buckeye defense, who forced an interception by Christian Hackenberg, which was recovered by Vonn Bell. Ohio State received the opening kickoff of the second half. The Nittany Lion defense forced a Barrett interception on the third play of the drive, with Anthony Zettel returning it 40 yards for Penn State's first scoring play of the game. With the win, Ohio State improved their overall record against Penn State to 17–12 . Illinois • Sources: In their traditional game for the Illibuck Trophy, Ohio State defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 55–14 in Columbus. The Buckeyes kicked off to start the game and forced a turnover on the seventh play of the game, when Darron Lee intercepted a Reilly O'Toole pass. Ohio State scored on their next two drives with a field goal from Sean Nuernberger and a 32-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Devin Smith, extending their lead to 17–0. After a 25-yard punt return late in the first half, Ohio State scored in two plays on a touchdown pass from Barrett to Devin Smith, giving the Buckeyes a 31–0 lead going into halftime. Michigan State • Sources: In a rematch of the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State defeated the Michigan State Spartans 49–37 in East Lansing. Ohio State received the opening kickoff and drove 45 yards in nine plays and failed to score after a missed field goal from Sean Nuernberger. Michigan State scored the first points of the game on their first drive off a 15-yard touchdown pass from Connor Cook to Keith Mumphery. Ohio State began to pull away early in the fourth quarter, with a touchdown pass from Barrett to Wilson, giving the Buckeyes a 42–24 lead. With the win, Ohio State continued their streak of 21 consecutive Big Ten regular season wins, and improved their all-time record against the Spartans to 29–13. Minnesota • Sources: In their final road conference game of the 2014 season, Ohio State defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 31–24 in Minneapolis. Both teams failed to convert first downs on their opening drives, with both defenses forcing three and outs. The Buckeyes scored again on their ensuing possession, with a 57-yard pass from Barrett to Jalin Marshall. Holding a 14–0 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Buckeye defense did not allow a first down conversion by the Golden Gophers during the quarter. The Buckeye defense forced an interception on the ensuing Golden Gopher drive, which was returned for 28 yards by Doran Grant, though the Ohio State offense failed to take advantage and score. With the win, Ohio State improved their overall record against Minnesota to 44–7. Indiana • Sources: In a conference divisional matchup, Ohio State defeated the Indiana Hoosiers in Columbus 42–27. Ohio State received the opening kickoff and drove 76 yards in three plays, scoring on a 65-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliott. Ohio State scored again on their ensuing offensive drive, on a four-yard touchdown pass from J. T. Barrett to Jeff Heuerman, giving the Buckeyes a 14–0 lead. Another touchdown on a connection between Barrett and Marshall sealed the game for the Buckeyes, who took a 42–20 lead. With the victory, Ohio State clinched their third straight division championship, securing a place in the Big Ten Championship Game and improved their overall record against Indiana to 71–9–4. Michigan • Sources: In the 2014 edition of The Game, Ohio State defeated the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 42–28 in Columbus. Michigan received the opening kickoff, though the Buckeyes forced a turnover on the third play of the game, on a Devin Gardner pass intercepted by Vonn Bell. Late in the second quarter, the Buckeyes scored their second touchdown of the game on a 25-yard run from Barrett, tying the game at 14 going into halftime. During the drive, quarterback J. T. Barrett sustained an injury to his leg and was carted off the field, not returning for the remainder of the game. On Michigan's ensuing possession, the Buckeye defense sacked Gardner, with Joey Bosa forcing a fumble, which was returned 33 yards by Darron Lee for a touchdown, which gave Ohio State a 42–21 lead. Following the game, J. T. Barrett was recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his accomplishments. With the victory, Ohio State improved their record over Michigan since 2001 to 12–2. Big Ten Championship vs. Wisconsin In the program's second consecutive appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 59–0. Ohio State received the opening kickoff and scored on their opening drive on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith from quarterback Cardale Jones, who was making his first career start at Ohio State. The Buckeyes took advantage of the turnover, scoring on a 7-play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard field goal from Sean Nuernberger. A 12-yard run by Curtis Samuel midway through the fourth quarter gave Ohio State a 52–0 lead. Quarterback Cardale Jones was named the MVP of the game after completing 12 of 17 pass attempts for 257 yards, and throwing three touchdown passes. With the victory, Ohio State improved their all-time record against Wisconsin to 57–18–5. CFP Semifinal at Sugar Bowl vs. Alabama • Sources: On December 7, 2014, the final College Football Playoff standings were released with Ohio State ranked No. 4, selected to face the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl. In the game, the Buckeyes defeated the Crimson Tide 42–35 to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Alabama started the game on offense, with the Buckeye defense forcing a three and out. Ohio State's next possession ended with a fumble by Ezekiel Elliott, recovered by the Crimson Tide in Ohio State territory. Alabama took advantage of the turnover, scoring on a Derrick Henry 25-yard touchdown run, giving them a 7–3 lead. A 15-yard touchdown pass from Blake Sims to Amari Cooper gave the Crimson Tide a 14–6 lead at the end of the first quarter. The game ended on a Hail Mary pass from Sims that was intercepted by Tyvis Powell, giving Ohio State the 42–35 victory. The loss was the Southeastern Conference's second straight major bowl loss to Ohio State. CFP Championship vs. Oregon • Sources: Following victories in their respective bowl games on January 1, the No. 4 Buckeyes and the No. 2 Oregon Ducks advanced to face each other in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship at AT&T Stadium. Coming into the game, Ohio State had never lost to Oregon, holding an 8–0 all-time record against the Ducks. Oregon won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball the start the game. The Ducks' first drive featured running back Thomas Tyner and quarterback Marcus Mariota driving Oregon 75 yards and scoring on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to Keanon Lowe to give Oregon an early 7–0 lead. The Buckeye offense struggled on their first drive, going only 17 yards, and was forced to punt. The Buckeye defense forced the Ducks to punt on their next two possessions. The Ducks' drove down to the Ohio State 3-yard line, but were unable to take advantage of the turnover after failing to convert on fourth down. Ohio State received the opening kickoff of the second half. It was Ohio State's eighth claimed national championship, and sixth national championship by vote of the AP and Coaches' polls. The fourteen season victories tied the 2002 season for the most in program history. ==Rankings==

Entering the 2014 season, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 5 in the AP and No. 6 in the Coaches' Preseason Polls. After a 35–21 loss to Virginia Tech on September 6, Ohio State dropped to No. 22 in the AP and No. 18 in the Coaches' Polls. When the first College Football Playoff rankings came out on October 28, the Buckeyes were No. 16. After Ohio State defeated No. 7 Michigan State 49–37 on November 8, they moved up to No. 8 in the AP and No. 7 in the Coaches' Poll, as well as moving up to No. 8 in the CFP rankings. Entering the Big Ten Championship Game, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 6 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls, and No. 5 in the CFP rankings. Following the 59–0 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State moved up to No. 5 in the AP Poll and No. 4 in the Coaches' Poll. On December 7, it was announced that Ohio State had passed TCU in the CFP rankings into the No. 4 ranking, which qualified them to participate in the inaugural College Football Playoff. After the victory over Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State finished in the No. 1 position unanimously in both the AP and Coaches' polls as consensus national champions. • Sources: ==After the season==

renamed its North High Street in honor of the team's accomplishments during the 2014 season. Following their victory over Oregon for the national championship, the team returned to Columbus on January 13, where they were greeted by fans upon their arrival at Port Columbus International Airport, as well as when they returned to the campus. On January 18, the official championship celebration was held at Ohio Stadium, which was attended by an estimated 45,000 fans. The event included a performance by the Ohio State University Marching Band, as well as speeches from athletic director Gene Smith, head coach Urban Meyer, Braxton Miller, and Ezekiel Elliott. In conference, Ohio State ranked first in total offense, second in rushing offense, and third in passing offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State ranked 19th in total defense (342.4 yards per game), 34th in rushing defense (141.3 yards per game), 28th in passing defense (201.1 yards per game), and 26th in scoring defense (22.0 points per game). J. T. Barrett finished the season completing 203 of 314 pass attempts, with 2,834 passing yards, 34 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions. Cardale Jones finished the season completing 56 of 92 pass attempts, with 860 passing yards, 7 touchdown passes, and 2 interceptions. Vonn Bell led the team with 6 interceptions, and Joey Bosa led the team with 13.5 sacks. ==Awards and honors==

Individual • QB J. T. Barrett • Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year • Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year • All Big Ten First Team (Media and Coaches) • AP All-American Third Team. • DE Joey Bosa • Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year • Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year • All Big Ten First Team (Media and Coaches) • unanimous All-Big Ten First Team, • unanimous All-American. • CFPA National Freshman Performer of the Year • Freshman All-American, • LB Darron Lee, LB Raekwon McMillan, and CB Eli Apple – Freshman All American. • Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tom Herman – Broyles Award (best assistant coach of the year). • Head coach Urban Meyer – West Bridge Street in Dublin, Ohio renamed Urban Meyer Way Team • Intersection of Lane Avenue and High Street in Columbus renamed Undisputed Way • North High Street in Dublin, Ohio renamed Champions Drive • Inaugural Cincinnati Reds Reds Country Athletic Achievement Award NFL Draft selections Thirty-one former players have been selected in the NFL draft so far: ==References==