In the days leading up to the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, the Emerald will take a unit-by-unit look at Oregon and Florida State, determining which team has the edge going into the showdown on Jan. 12 in Dallas. Today, we’ll look at each team’s tight ends.
Oregon
Oregon tight end Evan Bayliss’s upside was on full display at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. In a season where his activity was minimal, the sophomore caught six passes for 73 yards while also making an impact as a blocker. In addition, his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame caused fits for Florida State defenders who had the challenge of bringing him to the turf following a catch.
It was a drastic transition for Bayliss. In the preceding 13 games leading up the Ducks’ College Football Playoff semifinal matchup, he had four receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown. Despite being the starter for the final three games of the season, including the Pac-12 Championship, his numbers did not increase. That changed last Thursday.
The potential for a performance like that in Dallas is not out of the question, and Bayliss will at least be someone that Ohio State’s secondary must account for.
Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, the outlook at the tight end position appears to be optimistic. Jeff Heuerman, who has spent the majority of the season battling a foot injury, is listed as probable. The chances of him playing Monday seem even higher than that according to his Twitter.
I’d have to be dead to miss the National Championship Game.. And even then I’d find a way to make sure we win #GoBucks
— Jeff Heuerman (@JHeuerman86) January 6, 2015
Heuerman has missed the last two games for Ohio State. He’s amassed 17 receptions for 217 yards and two touchdowns this season. His addition will undoubtedly serve as a boost in both the run and pass games for Ohio State. A senior captain, Heuerman is listed as 6-foot-6, 255-pounds.
With Heuerman battling nagging injuries for the better part of the season, Nick Vannett has accumulated 211 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Which means that Ohio State could have two viable options at the tight end spot by game time.
Advantage – Ohio State
As far as output is concerned, Ohio State has two formidable options at the position. As for Oregon, Bayliss has the potential to duplicate the type of performance he had in his last game. However, his lack of experience and the lack of depth Oregon has compared to Ohio State is evident.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise
