Sawyer's Dominant Performance Launches OSU Into College Football Playoff Championship

C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. led Ohio State to a College Football Playoff berth with a dominant 45-23 victory over rival Michigan. Stroud threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns, while Harrison Jr. caught three touchdowns. The Buckeyes' defense also played a key role, intercepting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy twice.

With the win, Ohio State improved to 11-1 and clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Buckeyes will face Purdue on December 3rd for a chance to win their second consecutive Big Ten title and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Stroud and Harrison Jr. Lead the Way

Stroud and Harrison Jr. were unstoppable against Michigan. Stroud completed 20 of 24 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 34 yards. Harrison Jr. caught six passes for 106 yards and three touchdowns. He now has 12 touchdowns on the season, which is tied for the most in the country.

The duo connected on several big plays throughout the game. In the first quarter, Stroud hit Harrison Jr. for a 58-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter, they hooked up again for a 25-yard touchdown pass. And in the fourth quarter, Stroud found Harrison Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown pass to put the game away.

Defense Steps Up

The Ohio State defense also played a key role in the win. The Buckeyes intercepted Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy twice, and they also forced two fumbles. The defense also held Michigan to just 23 points, which is the fewest points the Wolverines have scored in a game this season.

The Buckeyes' defense was led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, who had 10 tackles and two interceptions. Cornerback Denzel Burke also had a big game, with eight tackles and one interception.

Implications for the College Football Playoff

With the win over Michigan, Ohio State has now positioned itself as one of the favorites to win the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and they are likely to move up to No. 1 if they win the Big Ten Championship Game.

If Ohio State wins the College Football Playoff, it would be the program's first national championship since 2014. The Buckeyes would also become the first team to win back-to-back College Football Playoff titles since Alabama did it in 2011 and 2012.

Conclusion

Ohio State's dominant performance over Michigan was a statement to the rest of the country. The Buckeyes are a legitimate contender to win the College Football Playoff, and they are not going to be easy to beat.

C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. are one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in the country, and the Buckeyes' defense is one of the most talented and experienced in the country. If Ohio State can continue to play at this level, they have a good chance of winning their first national championship in eight years.