PASADENA, Calif. – The Ohio State football team might have successfully cleared a significant obstacle in their pursuit of a national championship.

This isn’t just about the Buckeyes’ substantial 41-21 win against top-ranked Oregon in Wednesday’s Rose Bowl quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes’ upcoming semifinal match against Texas could fail to truly test the eighth-seeded team, much like any potential national championship game might. The most challenging brand of test for Ohio State may actually be the issues they faced off the field.

“The players have remained united and are determined to stay together,” coach Ryan Day expressed during a postgame press conference.

So what led to this turnaround? Day faced a lot of criticism. The players also came under scrutiny, as they were projected to earn about $20 million from NIL deals and donations through the school’s collective funds. In response, the Buckeyes not only defeated Tennessee 42-17 in the playoffs’ first round but followed it up with a commanding win over the number one-ranked Oregon.

“I spoke to the team about this a couple of weeks back,” Day noted. “That’s just part of life. This team has shown great resilience. When you surround yourself with outstanding individuals with strong character, you manage to navigate tough times together.”

Day described his players as “warriors,” a fitting title based on their performance since the tough game against Michigan.

The Buckeyes demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities, racking up 500 total yards against Oregon, similar to their explosive performance that produced 473 yards against Tennessee. They looked like a completely different team compared to the one that could only manage 252 yards against Michigan, despite being a 21-point favorite.

Day also commended Chip Kelly, Ohio State’s well-compensated offensive coordinator, who had been under scrutiny after the loss to Michigan. “I believe Chip coordinated an excellent game,” Day commented. “The entire offensive team put a lot of effort into devising this strategy.”

Additionally, Ohio State’s defense showcased championship-level skills, as they managed to sack Oregon’s quarterback Dillon Gabriel eight times.

The Buckeyes had been facing the risk of a backlash from their fans. What helped them avoid that? Linebacker Cody Simon, a team captain, provided some clarity when he stated, “That’s perhaps the most critical aspect of football: getting your body, mind, and spirit in alignment.”

Trust also played a vital role, showcased by quarterback Will Howard finding star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith for seven receptions, accumulating 187 yards and two touchdowns.

“Will does an excellent job in practice; he trusts us to make plays by throwing the ball our way,” Smith remarked. “We assure him that regardless of how the pass is, we will step up and support him.”

Indeed, the Buckeyes are looking impressive.

“Clearly,” stated Oregon coach Dan Lanning, “that’s a team that certainly possesses the capability to take home the championship.”

And it seems they might have overcome their biggest challenge.