Against the best defense it has yet faced and that Iowa had to offer, Ohio State’s coaches and players proved their toughness, with big plays and in-game, adjustments.

Against a fired up opponent on the road, Ohio State took Penn State’s best shot and in the game’s final ten minutes, took back the lead and won the game - decisively - with a sudden offensive onslaught and big plays on defense.

Against the weather and Northwestern, Ohio State found ways to win over two opponents, in one game.

If Ohio State wins the CFP Championship, it will be this trilogy of games that will have tested the toughness of the Buckeyes and made them championship-ready.

And then, there is this tactical advantage, which has changed the Buckeyes' game, profoundly: CJ Stroud can run.

Now, the question hovering over the heads of every opponent the Buckeyes will face is...

Will Stroud run?