AC

DALLAS -- This is what everybody predicted back on Sept. 6 when Ohio State lost at home to Virginia Tech, right? Hardly, but here the Buckeyes are, playing outstanding football and looking for their first national championship in more than a decade. I've come up with 10 reasons they'll win Monday night against Oregon: 1. Strength up front: Just about every national champion over the past several seasons has had a bona fide difference-maker on its defensive line -- oftentimes multiple difference-makers. That's no coincidence. You still win up front no matter how many points offenses are scoring these days, and the Buckeyes' front four of ends Joey Bosa and Steve Miller and tackles Michael Bennett and Adolphus Washington will be Oregon's worst nightmare. They've combined for 50 tackles for loss this season. 2. Shootout-ready: Oregon has won nine straight games and scored more than 40 points in all nine of those games. The Ducks are right at home in a...