Ohio State’s best bowl games since 2000

#2 2015 Sugar Bowl

For a long period of time the Alabama Crimson Tide were college football’s dynasty. They were the best team out of the best conference, and Ohio State fans heard for many years how the Buckeyes were not at the same level as Alabama.

Urban Meyer was facing off against his long-time coaching rival in Nick Saban. The two often faced against one another in the SEC during Meyer’s time a Florida, and both are regarded as being at the top of their profession.

After Ohio State steamrolled Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game, the Buckeyes propelled themselves into the College Football Playoff. It had been a long road for Ohio State after they lost their home opener against Virginia Tech earlier in the season. As the number four seed, no one expected Ohio State to upset the 1-seed Crimson Tide.

The Buckeyes fell to an early 21-6 deficit, but managed to rally back into the game. Just before halftime, wide receiver Evan Spencer threw to Michael Thomas for a touchdown in what was one of the more impressive trick plays that Buckeye fans had ever seen.

Ezekiel Elliott was the best player during Ohio State’s post season run, and broke an 85-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter. The long scamper put to rest chants about “SEC speed”.

While Ohio State still had unfinished business after this game, it would be hard to find a more satisfying win against a top team with rich tradition such as Alabama. Ohio State had the underdog role and knocked out the champ.

Next: 2003