TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both had 1,000-yard rushing seasons during CFP title game

On By Littum

For a veteran team focused on winning the national championship since the roster was formed last winter, all eyes in the program are on just one prize — capturing the CFP national title with a win over Notre Dame on Monday night.

Even as 7.5-8.5-point favorites depending on the betting service, Ohio State appears to be taking nothing for granted as it prepares for a shot at a legacy-defining victory.

The expectation is that Irish head coach Marcus Freeman will have a comprehensive game plan to give his team a chance, so the Buckeyes will need a complete performance to hoist the CFP trophy.

And while much of the talk specific to Ohio State’s offense versus Notre Dame’s defense has centered on if/how the Irish can slow Jeremiah Smith, Will Howard and the rest of OSU’s notorious passing attack, the Buckeyes could also make some noise on the ground which would seemingly help open up passing lanes against the Irish’s no. 2 ranked pass defense (165.3 ypg).

Of course, that means the two-headed tailback monster of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkin will be called upon somehow to keep Notre Dame’s defense honest. With that, both guys will have a shot to not only contribute to a national championship win, but also make some history in the process.

Through 15 games, Henderson has 967 rushing yards while Judkins has 960, meaning TreVeyon needs 33 yards and Quinshon 40 for each to reach 1,000 yards rushing on the season.

If they can reach those markers, it will be just the third time in Ohio State history that a pair of offensive players reached the 1,000-yard barrier in the same season.

Tailback Carlos Hyde (1,521) and quarterback Braxton Miller (1,068) most recently accomplished the feat in 2013 while playing in 11 and 12 games, respectively, that season. The only other time this happened in school annals — including the only time it was done by two running backs — occurred in 1975, when Archie Griffin (1,450) and Pete Johnson (1,059) turned the trick while playing a 12- match season.

Back to Henderson and Judkins, they have each already played 15 games this season. Henderson is averaging 64.5 rushing yards per game. game, while Judkins stands at 64.0 per competition. Across three CFP games, Henderson’s improved his season average by 9.0 yards per carry. carry, while taking 72 yards per game (24 att, 216 yds). Judkins has actually averaged fewer yards per game. game in CFP play (51.7), but gains 5.96 yards per carry. attempt. Put differently, Henderson’s needed 33 yards and Judkins’ 40 to crack 1,000 are each within reach.

It won’t be easy, though, as the Irish rank 28th in the country allowing just 3.67 yards per carry. carry and 41st allowing 133 rushing yards per match. Notre Dame gobbled up the rushing attacks of Indiana and Georgia in CFP contests, holding them to 63 and 62 yards, respectively. That said, Penn State did have its share of success in last week’s CFP semifinal, racking up 204 yards on 4.9 per carry. attempt. Tailbacks Nick Singleton (15 for 84, 3 TD) and Kaytron Allen (19 for 82) each found some creases, if not overwhelming success in what turned into a 27-24 win for the Irish.

Again, the only goal next Monday in Atlanta is to win. The. Damn it. Game. but if Ohio State can too Run. The. Damn it. Ball. with success, Henderson and Judkins could make some cool school history by joining Archie and Pete as the only running back duos to each go for 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.