Ohio State football can follow this Alabama blueprint from resurrection to national champion

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State soccer coach Ryan Day gave his crew two examples this week of how one late-season loss doesn’t essentially smash a season.

The Buckeyes have been probably nicely conscious of the primary one. Georgia went into final season’s SEC championship recreation undefeated earlier than taking a 41-24 loss to Alabama. The Bulldogs needed to win their means again to a rematch within the nationwide championship recreation, the place they avenged their loss to Nick Saban’s crew.

The opposite instance, although, is much more instructive for what the Buckeyes need to accomplish over the subsequent 5 months. And that one entails Saban, too.

Ohio State assuming they may see their identify within the prime 4 on in the present day’s Choice Sunday reveal at midday on ESPN. That was removed from a assure 5 nights earlier, when OSU was ranked No. 5 and wouldn’t be enjoying on convention championship weekend. A forty five-23 dwelling loss to Michigan had bumped the Buckeyes out of the playoff image.

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Alabama was in the identical place 5 years earlier. It was 11-0 and No. 1 within the CFP rankings previous to a 26-14 loss in its personal rivalry recreation, at Auburn. The Crimson Tide fell all the way in which to No. 5, behind 11-1 Clemson, 10-2 Auburn, 11-1 Oklahoma and 12-0 Wisconsin.

Saban’s crew wanted some assist, and a two-loss OSU crew delivered some by beating Wisconsin within the Large Ten championship recreation. Auburn additionally misplaced to Georgia within the SEC championship recreation to take a 3rd loss.

When the Choice Sunday broadcast rolled round, each Georgia and Alabama have been within the prime 4.

Then Alabama got down to show itself deserving of that controversial second probability. It began with a stellar defensive efficiency towards No. 1 Clemson. Kelly Bryant threw two interceptions, one among which was returned for a landing, and the Tigers managed solely two subject objectives in a 24-6 loss.

That arrange a nationwide championship recreation towards their rival from throughout the SEC, Georgia. Former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Good’s Bulldogs managed the primary half and constructed a 13-0 lead.

Saban benched Jalen Hurts at halftime in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, and the remainder is historical past. The then-freshman’s landing go to DaVonta Smith in time beyond regulation secured a 26-23 victory.

A late-season loss. A collection of occasions understanding of their favor. A range that was removed from universally authorized. A semifinal victory over the No. 1 crew and a championship win over the champion of their very own convention.

Ohio State has already began down that path, and every of these different steps might nonetheless unfold as nicely.

In case you or a cherished one has questions and desires to speak to knowledgeable about playing, name the Ohio Drawback Playing Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the Nationwide Council on Program Playing Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700.