The Chase: How Ohio State Captured the First College Football Playoff

by Bill Rabinowitz, Kirk Herbstreit (Foreword)

This inside look at an unprecedented season follows Ohio State’s road to the inaugural College Football Playoff and the national championship   In The Chase, Bill Rabinowitz takes readers inside Ohio State’s improbable championship season, from the final moments of their 2014 Orange Bowl loss to Clemson to the championship celebration in Arizona a year later. Fans will learn how Ohio State overcame the loss of not one but two quarterbacks—gaining inside perspective behind the dynamic between Miller, J. T. Barrett, and Cardale Jones. Rabinowitz captures the mood of the team in late November following the tragic death of Kosta Karageorge, and profiles other Ohio State stars, including Joey Bosa, Michael Bennett, Ezekiel Elliott, and more.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Football

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[CK529 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the insight provided by the quotes from all the coaches and many of the players about the season, from the overall approach to the season, to individual games, or even a specific play. A great season to re-live and a great team to "get to know" a little better. Very well written.

[Andrew Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 2020 and I wasn't in the mood to reflect on past glory for my school and its football team, but this was just the book I needed this summer. I could remember everything as I read it and it brought sports back for just a little bit.

[Mateo Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has really good insight on that 2014 season. I definitely learned some things. However, it’s not exactly a page turner. This would’ve worked really well as an episodic documentary, especially because sports are such a visual medium.

[Carolyn Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any Buckeye fan.

[Jake Spegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think I did a very good job of picking out a book that I would like. I did this by thinking about what I enjoy most, and looking for a book about it. If you can not tell by the cover, this book is about Ohio State football, specifically the 2014 national championship season. If you did not know, I am an avid Ohio State football fan. I followed every single second of every game in this miraculous 2014 season. If you do not know about this season, it is when Buckeye fans rule out all hope for a championship when star quarterback Braxton Miller goes down before the season with a shoulder injury. Then in steps redshirt freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett, who leads the Buckeyes to a great one loss regular season before breaking an ankle in the final game of the regular season against arch rival Michigan. Then buckeye fans are worried heading into the big ten championship with third string quarterback Cardale Jones, who leads them to a 59-0 victory over Wisconsin and a playoff appearance, where he knocks off #1 Alabama and #2 Oregon and brings a national championship back to Columbus.

[Wes Branscum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill does a great job recapping and retelling the story of the Buckeye's quest to capture the first College Football Playoff National Championship.

Bill adds more than just a recap of the season. He gives details even most dedicated OSU fans would not of known from behind the scenes. Also, gives details about players and coaches many may not of known and how they played in to the chase for a National Championship. This is better then Bill's first book, Buckeye Rebirth.Not only am I looking forward to the Buckeyes winning many more National Championships as a Buckeye fan, but also the books that Bill could release in their wake

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, particularly for OSU football fans, but the message is worthwhile for anyone. An "inside look" at how the team prepared to the season, learning to trust each other and the coaches, and to push themselves beyond anything they felt possible individually. Players who struggled early in their careers found the way to pull out effort for their brothers when called upon, stepping up when a brother falls. Football is just a game, but the lessons examined in this tale can help us all. And how wonderful that it all ended in a national championship! Highly recommended and not just for Buckeye fans.

[Joe Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Rabinowitz is clearly one of the best at creating the narrative within the narrative within the Ohio State media.

That's what he does with his beautiful account of Ohio State's 2014 National Championship campaign. Bill uses the characters that we haven't always heard from, to paint the picture of the players and coaches, in a way that has never been shared with the fanbase.

This is a must own for any Ohio State fan.

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a football fan so that is why I dinged the book a bit... I know it was about football when I picked it up. I really enjoyed the back stories about the players and the coaches and did not enjoy the play by play of the games. I think some of the players have the potential for their own stories.

[Greg Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of information and behind-the-scenes details that I enjoyed reading. Blow-by-blow descriptions of games got a bit tedious. Surprised at the foul language coaches and players used when interviewed for a book!

[Jon Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific read! A must read for all TOSU fans.