# @collegefootball on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DUXPSNoFUNd
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55426720-collegefootball-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/77e13419e4.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-02-05T04:39:12.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** College Football (@collegefootball) — https://gondola.cc/collegefootball

## Caption

The most improbable three-game stretch in college football history

Before the 2014 postseason, Cardale Jones was the third name on the Ohio State depth chart. After season-ending injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett, "12-Gauge" was thrust into the spotlight. Following a 59–0 destruction of Wisconsin, Jones faced his ultimate test in the 2015 Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal) against number 1 Alabama.

The defining moment came early in the 3rd quarter. With the Buckeyes trailing 21–20 and facing a critical 3rd and 8, Jones dropped back and launched a high-arcing moonball to Devin Smith. Smith adjusted perfectly, hauling in the 47-yard touchdown bomb to give Ohio State a 27–21 lead. It was a throw that proved the "3rd string" label was a myth—Cardale had the biggest arm in the building.

Was Cardale Jones the most clutch backup in sports history? 👇

#CardaleJones #OhioState #Buckeyes #SugarBowl #CollegeFootballPlayoff #DevinSmith #GoBucks #B1G #CFBHistory #12Gauge #AlabamaFootball #RollTide #UpsetAlert #GridironLegends #BuckeyeNation

## Stats

- **Views:** 7,193
- **Likes:** 0
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

sugarbowl, upsetalert, buckeyes, gridironlegends, gobucks, ohiostate, b1g, 12gauge, devinsmith, cardalejones, collegefootballplayoff, buckeyenation, rolltide, cfbhistory, alabamafootball

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