Quite the change for OSU

On Nov.

30 in the late afternoon, the situation was about as bleak as bleak gets for The Ohio State University.

The Buckeyes had just lost 13-10 to the Michigan Wolverines.

It was the fourth straight loss for OSU to That Team From Up North.

The result wasnt a surprise.

Even though Michigan was a bit down after winning the National Championship last year, whenever the two Big Ten powers meet anything can happen.

The more surprising aspect was OSUs scoring a season-low 10 points.

Its a game that is still baffling to this day.

Michigan deserved to win.

There was a fracas on the field after the game because of a flag-planting incident by Wolverines players.

OSU players and fans were angry.

Fans wanted anyone other than Ryan Day to coach the Buckeyes.

But OSU hit the reset button, and has probably played its three best games in some time during a run to the College Football Playoff championship game.

The Buckeyes (13-2) have a chance to win their first national title since the 2015 season with a win over Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m.

Monday in Atlanta.

How have the Buckeyes turned it around? Here are my thoughts: The majority of teams have to run the ball for a chance to win games, and OSU is no exception.

Theyve had struggles in that area this season, including just 64 yards against Nebraska and 77 against Michigan.

The Buckeyes went back to their strength get the ball to their skilled players, especially the wide receivers, and let them go.

In the wins over Tennessee 42-17, Oregon 41-21 and Texas 28-14, wide receivers Emeka Egbuka has 15 receptions for 204 yards with one touchdown; Jeremiah Smith (14-293, four TDs) and Carnell Tate (9-115); tight end Gee Scott Jr.

(10-99) and running back (10-99, one TD).

Henderson even caught a 75-yard TD against Texas.

Of course, for the passing game to work, a solid quarterback and offensive line are needed.

Transfer Will Howard has played his best football since arriving in Columbus over the last three games, throwing for 919 yards, with six TDs and two interceptions.

Howard has also provided another option in the run game.

The offensive line has been maligned at times this season.

The Buckeyes lost starters center Seth McLaughlin and left tackle Josh Simmons to season-ending injuries during the course of the year.

The unit, though, has come together with left tackle Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar at left and right tackle, respectively; the rotation of guards Austin Siereveld, Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery and center Carson Hinzmann.

OSU has outscored its last three opponents 111-52, including 69-25 in the first half and 42-0 in the opening quarter against the Vols, Ducks and Longhorns.

Jack Sawyers sack and fumble recovery for an 83-yard TD run sealed OSUs win over Texas.

But the Buckeyes defense has been solid all season, aside from allowing 32 points and nearly 500 yards to Oregon in a 32-31 regular-season loss.

In early November, OSU held Penn State on four downs from its down 3-yard line midway through the fourth quarter.

In addition, Buckeyes defensive back Davison Igbinosun outwrestled Nittany Lions wide receiver Harrison Wallace III on a potential TD late in the first half.

The Buckeyes earned a decisive 20-13 win.

In the last three games, ends JT Tuimoloau and Sawyer have combined for 10 of the teams 16 sacks.

OSU has also totaled 28 total tackles for loss.

Teams are averaging just 62.3 rushing yards per game, averaging just 1.9 per carry against the Buckeyes.

Linebacker Cody Simon and safety Caleb Downs are two other names to watch.

Simon leads the team with 30 tackles in the postseason while Downs has been a stabilizing force all season, like a QB on defense.

Mondays game will certainly be a challenge.

The Fighting Irish (14-1) are a formidable foe, with a 13-game winning streak after a 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2.

These are two of the winningest programs in college football.

Both bring a lot of talent, tradition and fan bases.

The Buckeyes are 6-2 against Notre Dame, including six straight wins.

Will OSU hoist up another national championship trophy at the end of the game? Yes.

PREDICTION: OSU 28-21.

This article has been shared from the original article on starbeacon, here is the link to the original article.