Ohio State Buckeyes Reclaim College Football Glory
It’s a triumphant return to the pinnacle of college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After a decade-long wait, the Buckeyes have once again claimed the national championship, marking a significant milestone in their storied history. On Monday night, they secured a 34-23 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a win that will be celebrated by fans and alumni alike.
Leading the charge for Ohio State was quarterback Will Howard, who delivered an impressive performance with 231 passing yards and two touchdowns. Not to be outdone, running back Quinshon Judkins contributed significantly to the ground game, amassing 100 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns of his own. This dynamic duo proved to be too much for Notre Dame to handle, as Ohio State celebrated their first national title since January 12, 2015.
Reflecting on the world as it was the last time Ohio State stood atop the college football world, it’s fascinating to see how much has changed. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the notable events and trends from that era.
The Golden State Warriors’ Historic NBA Title
Back in 2015, the Golden State Warriors were making waves in the NBA. Under the leadership of league MVP Stephen Curry and his fellow “Splash Brother” Klay Thompson, the Warriors were a force to be reckoned with. At the time of Ohio State’s championship win, the Warriors boasted a 29-5 record and had just defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, their eventual NBA Finals opponents.
The Cavaliers initially took a 2-1 lead in the Finals, but the Warriors made a strategic move by inserting Andre Iguodala into the starting lineup for Game 4. This change proved pivotal, as Golden State went on to win the next three games, capturing their first NBA championship since 1975. Iguodala’s stellar performance earned him the Finals MVP award, as he averaged 16.3 points per game in the series. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant era for the Warriors, who would go on to win three titles in four years.
‘Uptown Funk’ Dominates the Music Charts
In the world of music, Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars was the soundtrack of the moment. Just three weeks into 2015, the catchy tune ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for an impressive 14 weeks. Its infectious beat and memorable lyrics made it a cultural phenomenon, and it ultimately ended the 2010s as the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 for the decade.
‘American Sniper’ Captivates Moviegoers
On the big screen, “American Sniper” was the film that had everyone talking. Starring Bradley Cooper as Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the movie topped the box office the weekend after Ohio State’s championship victory. It enjoyed a successful run, holding the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weekends in January 2015.
The USWNT’s Triumphant Return to World Cup Glory
In women’s soccer, the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) was on a mission to reclaim their place at the top. After falling short in the 2003, 2007, and 2011 Women’s World Cups, the USWNT returned to glory in 2015. Their journey was marked by a dominant defensive performance, conceding just one goal in their first six matches. The final against Japan, a rematch of the 2011 final, turned into a rout as Carli Lloyd’s hat trick led the U.S. to a 5-2 victory. Lloyd’s outstanding play earned her the Golden Ball award, and the USWNT celebrated their third World Cup title.
Joe Burrow and Denzel Ward’s Ohio State Beginnings
In the world of college football recruiting, 2015 was a significant year for Ohio State. Two future stars, Joe Burrow and Denzel Ward, enrolled at Ohio State. Although neither entered as the most highly touted recruits, both would go on to achieve great success.
- Joe Burrow spent three seasons as a reserve and backup quarterback at Ohio State before transferring to LSU. There, he had a remarkable two-year stint, culminating in a 60-touchdown season in 2019, a national championship, and a Heisman Trophy. Burrow was selected as the top pick in the 2020 NFL draft and has since become one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
- Denzel Ward, on the other hand, spent three years at Ohio State, with his third year being a standout All-American campaign. The Cleveland Browns recognized his talent and selected him as the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Ward has since earned four Pro Bowl selections with the team.
As Ohio State celebrates their latest national championship, it’s a reminder of how much can change in a decade. From the rise of the Golden State Warriors to the chart-topping success of “Uptown Funk,” the world has seen its fair share of memorable moments since the Buckeyes last ruled college football. Here’s to the next chapter in Ohio State’s storied history.
Originally Written by: J.J. Post
