DALLAS, Texas – It’s the biggest stage in college football and it’s already obvious how much emotion and excitement the game will evoke. On Monday, Oregon will play in the first ever College Football Playoff National Championship versus Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
A group of players – from fifth-year seniors to true-freshmen – discussed how it feels to play in the National Championship.
Here’s a look at what they said:
Senior wide receiver Johnathan Loyd:
“It’s a dream come true – straight up. I’ve never played for a national championship so, you know, this is definitely a dream come true.
“We always knew it was right there. (Keanon) Lowe told me it was right there and he told me to come be a part of something special. I believed that man and he said it with all his heart. Words can’t even describe this feeling that I’m having. People are always asking me, ‘What’s it like to play basketball and now for a national championship in football?’ Regardless, you want to be on the biggest stage playing for all the marbles and now we are.”
Freshman quarterback Morgan Mahalak:
“It’s great and it’s a blessing to be on this team and I’m just happy to be a part of it. The guys are all great guys and just to be a part of this team is a great deal. We’re all very excited to be here for sure.
“It’s crazy. It’s a big jump, but I think coach (Mark) Helfrich does a pretty good job of keeping us in the moment. Every game is like the next game and we don’t really think about the big stage. It’s a blessing to be here – like I said – but it’s kind of how it is around here these days.”
Junior wide receiver Zac Schuller:
“It’s pretty bizarre but it’s kind of been a slow ascent towards it. You know we had the Pac-12 Championship, which was kind of a big deal – that was the first one where I was kind of like ‘woah.’ The fireworks and stuff when we came out and Jordin Sparks singing the national anthem and the Rose Bowl obviously was pretty big. This is an even bigger stage – we haven’t gotten used to it – but it’s not as much of a (surprise).
Redshirt senior running back Kenny Bassett:
“I mean it’s just a dream for everybody. You know, being a little kid you watch it and grow up thinking about it, always wanting for it to happen. Then you get here and you realize how hard it is to really get there. We have a great group of guys who worked really hard all year and all offseason. I couldn’t imagine this team being anywhere else after how hard we worked.”
Sophomore tight end Johnny Mundt:
“Wrapping my head around it is difficult…but coming to this, all these events, the media and the crowd, it’s all coming together.”
Junior defensive lineman Tui Talia:
“It’s crazy. Coming from a Juco, their bowl games are nothing compared to this.”
Junior linebacker Joe Walker:
“It’s been unbelievable. I can’t really explain it. I love being around these guys. Two years ago I couldn’t even imagine being here.”
Freshman offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby:
“It’s a lot of fun and I’m trying to enjoy the moment. It’s a whole new experience.”
Redshirt senior defensive back Dior Mathis:
“It’s been so fast, and now we’re in the national championship. I mean as a senior this is the way you want to end your career. This experience has been really great.”
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