5. 2015 Sugar Bowl: No. 4 Ohio State 42 No. 1 Alabama 35
The first College Football Playoff game was an Oregon blowout of Florida State, but Game 2 in New Orleans absolutely delivered. The Buckeyes were down to their third-string QB, but Cardale Jones did just enough and Ezekiel Elliot carried Ohio State to the national championship game.
Elliot ran for 230 yards and two scores on 20 carries while Derrick Henry was held to 95 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries. Alabama pulled within a touchdown with 1:59 left on an Amari Cooper score, but Ohio State held on.