Ohio State football

In honor of the Buckeyes becoming national champions of the first-ever college football playoffs one week ago, I've dedicated a blog post to some never-before-posted game pictures I shot while I was at the Columbus Dispatch. I photographed my Alma mater, Kent State, early in the season (0-66, ouch), and later had a chance to hang out on the sidelines for Indiana to capture some always-plentiful crowd features. Enjoy!

Urban Meyer enters Ohio stadium September 13, 2014

Ohio State players tap hands with fans as they enter the stadium to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes

The "Best Damn Band in the Land" enters Ohio Stadium

Players join in thought and prayer before taking the field

Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) scores the first touchdown of the game

The Buckeyes celebrate with receiver Michael Thomas after his touchdown

Kent State cornerback Demetrius Monday (21) is unable to stop Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott (15)

Ohio State receiver Corey Smith (84) breaks past Kent State linebackers Matt Dellinger (32) and Darius Redmond (36)

Ohio State kicker Sean Nuernberger (96) and punter Cameron Johnston (95) celebrate a second quarter touchdown by Devin Smith

Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates a third quarter touchdown

The Ohio State student section passes a massive "Block O" flag up the stands

Kent State quarterback Nathan Strock (16) fails to break through Ohio State defense

Former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, stands with the Buckeyes at the end of the alumni night victory blowout against Kent State, 0-66

Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates a touchdown with Marcus Baugh (85)

Ohio State celebrates a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers

Second-string quarterback J.T. Barrett is tossed by Indiana cornerback Rashard Fant (16)

Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa

Urban Meyer paces the sideline as players return from the field

Ohio State fan Big Nut spells out "O-H-I-O" from the stands

Fans in the student section spell out "O-H-I-O"

Ohio State running back Jalin Marshall (17) runs in a fourth quarter touchdown

 Jalin Marshall (17) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown

Ohio State fans watch near the end of the game during golden hour at Ohio Stadium

Fans celebrate a 42-27 victory for Ohio State