“We’re going to chase Alabama”: When Urban Meyer Alerted All His Players for Setting the Goal to Beat Nick Saban’s Team
In the high-stakes world of college football, where championships are the ultimate pursuit and the pursuit of dominance is unrelenting, few words from a head coach carry the weight of those spoken by Urban Meyer. Meyer, known for his meticulous game preparation, sharp strategic mind, and relentless pursuit of excellence, has always been a figure who understands the power of motivation. However, it was one particular moment in 2014 when Meyer set a monumental goal for his Ohio State team—a goal that would shape their entire season, define their identity, and lead them into the annals of college football history. That goal? To “chase Alabama,” to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide and dethrone Nick Saban’s powerhouse program as the premier force in college football.
This moment was not just a passing statement. Meyer’s words were a clarion call for his team to reach for greatness, to dare to compete with the titans of the sport. And in doing so, Meyer made it clear that Ohio State’s ambition was no longer limited to conference titles or bowl victories. It was about setting their sights on the ultimate prize: the College Football Playoff and a national championship. In essence, Meyer’s pronouncement in 2014 would serve as a rallying cry, a motivation tool, and a blueprint for a season that culminated in one of the most unforgettable runs in college football history.
Setting the Stage: Alabama’s Dominance
Before Meyer’s declaration, Alabama was the team to beat. Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide had become a dynasty, winning multiple national championships and consistently fielding elite teams. By 2014, Alabama had established itself as the standard of excellence in college football. The team had won three national titles in the previous six years (2009, 2011, and 2012), with each victory further cementing Saban’s legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
Saban’s success at Alabama wasn’t merely about winning championships; it was about a culture of excellence. His teams were disciplined, efficient, and relentless. They dominated both sides of the ball, boasting some of the nation’s top talent year after year. Their identity was rooted in a suffocating defense, a punishing run game, and a methodical, controlling offense. This was a team built to outlast opponents, to wear them down, and to break their spirit. For many, Alabama represented an insurmountable obstacle—an immovable force that defined the national championship conversation year after year.
For Urban Meyer, who had already established himself as one of the top coaches in the country through successful stints at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida, the challenge was clear: in order to reach the pinnacle of college football, Ohio State would need to surpass Alabama, knock them off their perch, and defeat Saban’s juggernaut. It was a monumental task, but one that Meyer and his team were more than willing to embrace.
The Turning Point: Meyer’s Message
Urban Meyer’s declaration to his Ohio State players that they were going to “chase Alabama” came as part of a larger strategic vision to elevate the program and instill a sense of purpose in his players. It was not enough for Meyer to simply coach his team to win games in the Big Ten or to capture conference titles. For Meyer, the ultimate challenge was clear: how could Ohio State compete with and eventually overcome the reigning titan of college football? And what better way to signal that ambition than to set their sights on the team that had set the standard?
In Meyer’s mind, this challenge wasn’t merely about the physical aspects of the game. Yes, there was the importance of recruiting elite talent, of preparing meticulously for every opponent, and of developing a game plan that could stand up to Alabama’s power. But Meyer also knew that the mental aspect of the game was just as critical. His words were designed to prepare his players mentally for the ultimate test—Alabama. By proclaiming that Ohio State would be chasing Alabama, Meyer was telling his players that they were part of something bigger than themselves. They weren’t just chasing wins, or trophies, or accolades—they were chasing greatness.
The significance of Meyer’s statement was clear. It wasn’t just about Alabama in the literal sense, but about the standard of excellence that Alabama had set. Meyer was urging his players to set their sights on that standard, to train with that level of intensity, and to compete with that level of focus. It was about a mindset shift—a shift that would ultimately serve as the foundation for Ohio State’s stunning and improbable run to the national championship.
The Road to the College Football Playoff
The 2014 season was a wild ride for Ohio State. The Buckeyes had a new quarterback in J.T. Barrett, who was thrust into the starting role after Braxton Miller went down with an injury before the season began. Despite the loss of their star quarterback, Ohio State still managed to put together a dominant season in the Big Ten, winning the conference and earning a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
But it wasn’t just the on-field success that was noteworthy—it was the way the team embraced Meyer’s challenge to “chase Alabama.” Meyer’s message reverberated through every practice, every film session, and every game. The players understood what they were up against. They weren’t just chasing another win or another opponent; they were chasing Alabama’s legacy of dominance.
When Ohio State was placed in the Playoff, they were handed a daunting challenge: facing the heavily favored Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. Nick Saban’s team had all the hallmarks of a champion: a stout defense, an explosive offense, and the kind of championship pedigree that comes with winning multiple national titles. Few gave Ohio State much of a chance in the matchup.
But Urban Meyer and his players were ready. They had bought into the belief that they could not only compete with Alabama but also beat them. Meyer’s preparation, his attention to detail, and his ability to motivate his players had prepared them for this moment.
The Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Alabama
On January 1, 2015, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, the first semifinal of the College Football Playoff. The game was billed as a classic matchup between Saban’s powerhouse and Meyer’s upstart program. And Ohio State played with a sense of purpose and confidence that reflected Meyer’s challenge to chase Alabama’s greatness.
The game was a revelation. Despite entering as underdogs, Ohio State came out firing on all cylinders, dominating Alabama with a 42-35 victory. The Buckeyes were led by J.T. Barrett’s backup, Cardale Jones, who stepped in with poise and confidence to throw for 243 yards and a touchdown. The Ohio State defense, despite facing a potent Alabama offense led by Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, held their own and came up with key stops when it mattered most.
The win over Alabama wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Ohio State had beaten the team that had long been the gold standard of college football, the team that Urban Meyer had challenged his players to chase. By defeating Alabama, Ohio State proved that they were not only capable of competing with the best; they could beat them.
The National Championship: Ohio State’s Historic Run
The victory over Alabama propelled Ohio State into the national championship game, where they would face another powerhouse in Oregon. The Ducks, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, were a formidable opponent, but Ohio State’s confidence was at an all-time high following their win over Alabama.
On January 12, 2015, in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20 to win the national title. The victory capped an unforgettable season for the Buckeyes, a season that had begun with Urban Meyer’s declaration that they were going to chase Alabama.
In the end, Ohio State’s national championship was not just a testament to their talent—it was a reflection of Meyer’s leadership, vision, and ability to get his players to believe in something bigger than themselves. The goal of chasing Alabama had served as the catalyst for an unforgettable season and one of the greatest upsets in college football history.