Grades are past due for the 2014 season, and we're passing out report cards for each Big Ten team, evaluating offense, defense, special teams, coaches and the overall performance.
Up next is an Ohio State team that earned its highest marks after the calendar flipped to 2015.
Offense: A
It will go down as arguably the most memorable offense in Ohio State history, especially when considering the adversity it overcame. The Buckeyes lost two Heisman Trophy candidates at quarterback -- Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett -- and still led the Big Ten in scoring (44.8 ppg) and total offense (511.6 ypg). Barrett was brilliant in relief of Miller, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. Cardale Jones picked up the flag after Barrett's ankle injury and sparkled in his first three starts, all in the postseason. So many others stepped up, from running back Ezekiel Elliott to wideout Devin Smith to a reworked offensive line. Just an incredible performance.
Defense: A-
The Buckeyes started to look like themselves again after a poor finish to the 2013 season. Big Ten defensive player of the year Joey Bosa and All-America tackle Michael Bennett triggered a pressuring unit, which led the league in both sacks (45) and tackles for loss (110). A secondary that was Ohio State's biggest weakness the previous year proved to be a strength as the four starters combined for 18 interceptions. Redshirt freshman Darron Lee sparked an undermanned linebacking corps in the postseason. After some hiccups in the regular season, especially against elite running backs, Ohio State's defense played its best in the biggest games, blanking Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and holding both Alabama and Oregon in check during the playoff run.
Special teams: B+
After a very rocky start in a Week 2 loss to Virginia Tech, Ohio State's kicking game stabilized later in the season. Cameron Johnston worked his rugby-style magic, as the Buckeyes led the Big Ten and ranked sixth nationally in net punting (41.8-yard average). Kicker Sean Nuernberger connected on just 13 of 20 field goal attempts and struggled from distance (5-for-10 beyond 40 yards). Jalin Marshall sparked Ohio State's punt return unit, finishing second in the Big Ten (11.8 ypr). The Buckeyes excelled on kickoff coverage and were solid on punt coverage.
Coaching: A
College football historians will be hard pressed to identify a better overall coaching job than the one Ohio State's staff delivered in 2014. The Buckeyes won a national championship with a third-string quarterback and took down the sport's top two teams in fairly dominant fashion (Oregon more so than Alabama). Offensive coordinator Tom Herman showed he's masterful not only at calling plays but developing quarterbacks. Ed Warinner showed again why he's the nation's best offensive line coach, developing a revamped unit into a major strength. Meyer's hiring of defensive assistants Chris Ash and Larry Johnson also paid off as the unit took important steps.
Overall: A
There's a reason why the final exam counts for such a high percentage of a team's overall grade. Ohio State struggled early but aced every test down the stretch, culminating with a 42-20 win against Oregon at the first College Football Playoff national championship game at AT&T Stadium. The playoff system allowed the Buckeyes to evolve and peak at the right time. They cemented themselves as the nation's best team on the biggest stage, winning their first national championship since 2002.