Ohio State Club Football is set to play in its fourth straight NCFA National Championship Game, but for the first time, will enter the game as the underdog.
The Buckeyes enter the game ranked No. 2, and will take on undefeated and top-ranked Central Georgia Tech on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Chatham University in Pittsburgh for the right to raise the championship trophy.
The Titans are coming off of a 46-14 victory over Michigan State in the NCFA Semifinals and won the South Atlantic Conference championship by defeating defending national champions Gordon State, 25-20. Central Georgia Tech also defeated the Highlanders 25-15 in the regular season. Gordon State defeated Ohio State 35-15 in last season’s championship game.
Ohio State enters the game 8-1, with its lone loss coming at the hands of Wittenberg University’s JV program. Since the loss to the Tigers, the Buckeyes have rattled off three straight wins by a combined score of 161-18. Ohio State earned its spot in the national championship game by defeating No. 3 Sacred Heart, 43-9.
The title game will feature the top two offenses and defenses in the country. The Titans lead the NCFA in points per game, averaging 46.4 points, while the Buckeyes are right behind them at 45.1. Defensively, Ohio State is tops in the NCFA, surrendering just 6.9 points per contest while Central Georgia Tech gives up 10.9 points per game.
The Buckeyes are led offensively by graduate quarterback Spencer Moore who leads the NCFA in almost every major passing category. Moore broke the NCFA single-season record for touchdown passes last week, throwing four against the Pioneers to push his total to 30 on the season. The previous record was 26, set by Chase Soper of George Mason in 2021.
In addition to touchdown passes, Moore also leads the league in passing yards (2,016), completions (135) and ranks third in completion percentage (64%) among quarterbacks with over 100 attempts. However, he will be going up against a Titan defense that forced a whopping six interceptions against Michigan State in the semifinal matchup, including one that went back for a touchdown.
Moore will have a plethora of options around him against CGT. Abdou Keita leads the league in receiving yards (657) and receiving touchdowns (11), while freshman Zach Hayes ranks second in the league in receptions with 39. Out of the backfield, running backs Jack Laing (467) and JR Burton (385) rank second and fourth respectively in the league in rushing yards while Burton is tied for second in the NCFA in rushing touchdowns with eight.
Central Georgia Tech is led by a two quarterback system offensively as both seniors DeShawn Cumby and Jessie Caver have played significant time for the Titans this season. Tight end Nathan Gardner has been one of CGT’s primary targets this year, standing at an impressive 6-foot-7, 230 pounds. Running backs James Smith and Rashawn Miller provide explosiveness out of the backfield.
Defensively, freshman defensive lineman ShaRon McGert has been a dominating force for the Titans in 2023, as has have linebackers Riyan Cotton and Brenden Barley. Junior Adon Flukers patrols the secondary for the Titans, and can play multiple positions for CGT.
Ohio State’s defense is led by a number of contributors. Freshman linebacker Tyler Beckman leads the team in total tackles with 60, which currently stands as the third-most in a single season in team history. Junior Patrick Parrish has posted 50 total stops and fellow junior Christian Allen has collected 48 total tackles. James Smith III leads the team in sacks with 4.5 while 14 different Buckeyes have collected at least one sack this season.
Freshman defensive back Glorien Gough leads Ohio State in interceptions with three, but cornerback Joe Umba has been the leader of the secondary in 2023. Despite just one interception, Umba is tied for the league lead in pass breakups with 16. He posted five in the semifinal victory over Sacred Heart.
Finally, Ohio State has been boosted by stellar special teams play throughout the season. The Buckeyes have blocked an astounding 11 punts this season, blocking at least one in all but one game this year. Kicker David Rive leads the NCFA in extra points and field goals made in 2023.
This game will mark the final collegiate football contest for a number of Buckeyes including Moore, Umba, Smith wide receiver David Cooper and offensive tackle Sam Dominguez.
Kickoff between the Buckeyes and Titans is set for 1 p.m. at UPMC Graham Field at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. on Dec. 2. Tickets to the NCFA National Championship Game are available only at the UPMC Graham Field Ticket Office the day of the game. No presale is available. Prices are $15 for adults, $7 for students, and $5 for children 12 and under. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.
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