2014 NCG · Ohio State 42, Oregon 20

Cardale Jones — Ohio State's third-string quarterback behind Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett, both lost to injury before December — started his third career game in Arlington against Mariota's Oregon and won the inaugural Playoff title 42-20. The Elliott line (246 rushing, four touchdowns) was the closing argument for the bracket's legitimacy: a team that hadn't been the obvious title-game pick in October ran through Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon in five weeks because the format made it possible. The four-team bracket would last another nine seasons because of this game.