For the first time in program history, the Ohio State Club Football team is playing for a national title.
The opponent?
Two-time NCFA national champion and 2018 NCFA runner-up, Oakland University.
Ohio State and Oakland met in Week 2 of the NCFA season, with the Buckeyes coming away with a 41-7 victory. It was the Buckeyes’ first win over the Grizzlies in five meetings, with Oakland having won the previous four matchups in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
The Grizzlies (8-1) boast the highest scoring offense in the country, having scored 295 points in eight games this season (one forfeit victory). Ohio State (8-0) boasts the second highest scoring offense in seven games (one forfeit victory) with 259.
Both offenses are led by explosive quarterbacks as Oakland’s Ben Hajciar has completed 79-of-148 passes for 1,059 yards and 13 touchdowns to six interceptions and rushed for 395 yards and 12 scores.
Ohio State’s Kellyn Gerenstein has completed 72-of-123 passes for 1,201 yards and 14 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He has also rushed for 305 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
The two teams fighting for a title also feature two of the best pass catchers in the league. Ohio State’s Geoff Green II leads the NCFA in receptions (33), receiving yards (607) and touchdowns (7). Not too far behind is Oakland tight end Brett Jacobs, who has caught 21 passes for 384 yards and four scores this season for the Grizzlies.
Defensively, Ohio State ranks No. 2 in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 5.4 points per game. The Buckeyes have allowed double-digit points just once this season, coming in the 17-14 victory over Columbus State in the NCFA Semifinals.
Dylan Barron‘s defense is led by two-time NCFA All-American nose tackle Chase Gasser, who has collected 43 total tackles and five sacks in his junior season. Linebackers Justin Cook and Dierre Blash have also made a big impact, each forcing three fumbles this season.
The Buckeye secondary is patrolled by safety Sam Frank, who has collected 29 total tackles and an interception on the season. His lone pick of the year came against Oakland in what was Ohio State’s season opener and he leads the team in pass deflections with eight.
Cornerback/wide receiver Casey Scroggins has also had a phenomenal season. He has tallied 20 tackles on defense and surrendered his first pass completion in the NCFA Semifinals. Up until that point, the freshman had yet to surrender a single pass thrown his way. On offense, Scroggins has caught 17 passes for 257 yards and a score.
Oakland’s defense is led by NCFA sack leader Andrew Sebra. The 6-foot-10 defensive end has amassed a whopping 19.5 sacks on the year, including 3.5 in the Grizzlies 26-14 NCFA Semifinal win over Sacred Heart.
On special teams, Ohio State sports one of the biggest weapons in the NCFA.
Wide receiver/cornerback De’Shawn White leads the NCFA in yards per kick return and return touchdowns. White took back the opening kickoff 99 yards for a score in a 46-2 win over Wright State earlier in the season and picked up a blocked field goal attempt against Oakland in the season opener and returned it 88 yards for six points. He has also caught 17 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns on offense and tallied seven tackles on defense.
The national championship game will also feature the top-two kickers in the country.
Oakland’s Joseph DiFranco is 4-for-6 on the year kicking field goals while Ohio State’s Alex Strohm is 6-of-8. DiFranco’s long on the year is 40 while Strohm’s is 35.
Kickoff between the Buckeyes and Grizzlies is set for 1 p.m. at West Liberty University in Wheeling, WV on Dec. 7. The game is set to be live-streamed, with pregame coverage starting at 12:30 p.m.
FAN INFORMATION
Fans planning to attend the game should take note of the following:
- West Liberty Family Stadium: 101 Faculty Drive, West Liberty, WV 26075
- Ticket prices for the 2019 NCFA National Championship game are as follows (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and cash accepted):
- Adults: $10
- Students (with valid school ID): $7
- Youth (12-u): $5
- West Liberty University Students/Faculty: Free
- The concession stand at West Liberty Family Stadium WILL NOT be open. Fans are welcome to bring in their own food and drink. However, alcohol is NOT permitted inside the stadium.
- T-shirts and other NCFA championship game apparel will be available for purchase inside the stadium. Long-sleeve t-shirts with the championship logo will cost $20.
- Tailgating outside the stadium: Grills, tents, music and alcohol are all allowed. However, all alcoholic beverages MUST be poured into a plastic cup or police citations may be issued.
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