Land-Grant Holy Land: Exploring the Numbers Behind Ohio State’s 2024 Championship Season
The team at Land-Grant Holy Land has launched a new content initiative leading into August’s preseason camp, with each week focused on a different theme. This week’s spotlight is on statistics—specifically, the most meaningful numbers from Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run. These insights provide a unique way to revisit and appreciate a historic season for the Buckeyes, who played 16 games under the new 12-team playoff format.
In the world of sports, numbers often reveal truths that may otherwise go unnoticed. While stats alone don’t guarantee success, certain benchmarks can heavily influence outcomes. Some coaches prioritize time of possession, others swear by first downs or turnovers as key indicators. For Ohio State in 2024, there were plenty of standout numbers that told the story of a dominant team on both sides of the ball.
Two Land-Grant Holy Land contributors—Brett Ludwiczak and Matt Tamanini—each selected one defining stat that encapsulated the Buckeyes’ road to glory.
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Brett Ludwiczak’s Take: Buckeye Defense Rarely Gave Up More Than 20 Points
If you’re looking for evidence of how dominant Ohio State’s defense was, just look at how many players from that unit heard their names called during the 2025 NFL Draft. Over the course of 16 games, the Buckeye defense surrendered a mere 206 points. That’s an average of just under 13 points per game. Even more impressively, they allowed more than 20 points in only three games.
The most damaging of those was the October loss to Oregon, when the Ducks put up 32 points in a one-point win. That game was a wake-up call for the defense, which had been rock-solid up to that point—holding opponents under 10 points in several early-season contests. From that moment on, the defensive unit elevated its game even further, especially in nail-biting wins over Nebraska and Penn State. A loss in either of those could have derailed their playoff hopes entirely.
Oregon did score 21 points again in the Rose Bowl, but context matters. By the time the Ducks found the end zone, Ohio State had already built a commanding 34-0 lead. The final two Oregon touchdowns came in garbage time, well after the outcome was sealed. Similarly, Notre Dame managed to break the 20-point barrier in the national championship game, but they trailed 31-7 before two late touchdowns narrowed the gap.
It’s worth noting that Michigan beat Ohio State 13-10, despite scoring fewer than 20 points. But that loss is often pinned on a stagnant offensive game plan rather than a defensive failure. In hindsight, the loss might have been a blessing. It united the team, helped refocus their mission, and arguably fueled their historic run through the College Football Playoff. Even though the offense caught fire late in the season, it was the defense that laid the foundation for success.
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Matt Tamanini’s Take: Buckeyes Outscored Playoff Opponents 145–75
While Brett focused on defense, Matt pointed to Ohio State’s remarkable scoring margin in the playoff—outscoring their opponents 145 to 75. After an uneven regular season that included the Michigan loss and lingering questions about leadership and identity, something clicked for Ryan Day’s squad as the postseason began.
Ohio State opened the playoff against Tennessee with an explosive first quarter, jumping out to a 21-0 lead en route to a dominant 42-17 victory. The Buckeyes looked faster, sharper, and more confident—dispelling any doubts about their ability to compete with the best in the country.
Their next game was a chance for redemption against top-ranked Oregon, who had handed them their only regular-season loss. This time, Ohio State came out swinging, racing to a 34-0 halftime lead. Oregon managed just a consolation touchdown and two-point conversion before the half, and the Buckeyes cruised to a 41-21 win. The victory not only avenged their earlier defeat but also proved they were peaking at the right time.
In the semifinals and national title game, the scores were closer, but the Buckeyes still won decisively. They beat Texas 28-14 in a physical battle, then topped Notre Dame 34-23 to claim the championship in Atlanta. Despite Notre Dame’s late push, Ohio State never truly lost control of the game. It was a stretch of four straight playoff wins, each by double digits—an incredible achievement given the level of competition.
When you consider the playoff field, Ohio State’s resume becomes even more impressive. They defeated six of the top eight teams ranked before the playoff began. The only two they didn’t beat were Georgia (who lost to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl) and, amusingly, themselves—since Ohio State was ranked sixth. So, by transitive logic, they essentially beat the Bulldogs too.
Matt’s argument is that this overwhelming scoring margin throughout the playoff encapsulates just how complete Ohio State became when everything came together. The Buckeyes had long been known for raw talent, but the cohesion, execution, and leadership they showed in the playoff run made them historic.
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Conclusion: Championship Numbers That Will Be Remembered Forever
Ohio State’s 2024 title run wasn’t just historic because of the new playoff format or the volume of games. It stood out because of how thoroughly dominant the team became—especially after facing adversity. Whether it was the suffocating defense that held 13 of 16 opponents under 20 points, or the playoff performance that saw them outscore elite teams by a combined 70 points, the numbers tell a story of resilience, growth, and ultimate triumph.
The Buckeyes didn’t just win games—they made statements. And fans, analysts, and historians alike will be talking about these stats for years to come.
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Want to weigh in? The Land-Grant Holy Land team would love to hear what you think was the most telling stat from Ohio State’s title-winning season. Join the conversation on Twitter @Landgrant33 or drop your thoughts in the comments.
Go Bucks!
