PASADENA, California — Ohio State obliterated Oregon 41-21 on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl, moving the Buckeyes just two wins away from a national title.

Next up is Texas at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10. But the Buckeyes might have gotten past their toughest test.

There’s one team left in the College Football Playoff field that can topple Ohio State.

It’s a team that has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It’s a team that has one of the best offenses, and defenses, in the sport. It’s also a team that has shown a maddening potential to implode at the worst moments this season.

This season, Ohio State’s offensive line has excelled. This season, they have performed poorly.

The Buckeyes have had to repeatedly restructure their front five, which has been made worse by the season-ending injuries to center Seth McLaughlin and left tackle Josh Simmons. Although no one will argue that the current group is deserving of the Joe Moore Award, their accomplishments have been noteworthy.

The offensive line has protected quarterback Will Howard whenever he has hit deep shots to his receivers. They made it possible for TreVeyon Henderson to break a 66-yard touchdown run in the game to further solidify a Buckeye thumping, and for running back Quinshon Judkins to average five yards per carry against Oregon.

With Josh Fryar at right tackle, their former left guard at left tackle, and a three-man rotation at guard, the Buckeyes have performed well enough in the first two postseason games to keep the offense running smoothly.

For a long time, there was concern that Ohio State’s 2024 offensive line may be their undoing. However, it has been impressive how the team has bonded since the season ended.