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Oregon to face Ohio State in national championship game

The No. 2 Oregon Ducks will play for a chance at their first national championship in school history against the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

After obliterating the Florida State Seminoles in the Rose Bowl, the Oregon Ducks will get their chance at redemption. Not just a redemption for their last appearance in the national championship game in 2011 when they fell to Auburn on a last-second field goal. It'll also be a chance at redemption for the 2010 Rose Bowl when Oregon lost to Terelle Pryor and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

On January 12, the Ducks will square off against the Buckeyes in the finale of the inaugural College Football Playoff. Many people argued the Buckeyes didn't belong in the playoff, but they proved their worth on Thursday night, defeating top-seeded Alabama in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

In what looked to be a blowout for Alabama at first, followed by Ohio State, the Buckeyes ended up outgunning the Crimson Tide 42-35 in an offensive shootout. After falling behind 21-6 in the 2nd quarter, Ohio State rattled off four straight touchdowns to take a 34-21 lead in the 3rd quarter. After what looked to be a nail-in-the-coffin type play with an 85 yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliot, Alabama answered back with a critical touchdown drive. The Crimson Tide had one last chance at tying the game, but Ohio State would thwart off the late comeback.

Ezekiel Elliot delivered the game of his life, carrying the ball 20 carries for 243 yards and two touchdowns and was a key reason for the upset victory.

As Oregon's shirts said, "Won, not done," the Ducks have no time to celebrate their huge Rose Bowl win over Florida State. Enjoy the celebration tonight, but starting tomorrow, it's back to business. Soak it all in tonight, because we're playing for a national championship.