ARLINGTON, TEXAS » Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones could have been flustered.

In a two-series sequence, Jones threw a pass that was bobbled and then intercepted, and later he mishandled the handoff with running back Ezekiel Elliott. The turnovers led to an Oregon touchdown and field goal, cutting the Buckeyes’ lead to 21-20.

"I mean, I wasn’t flustered because there (were) mistakes that could have been avoided," Jones said. "Definitely, the fumble I tried to put out of bounds, and I think the interception bounce off (Jalin Marshall’s) pads or something like that. Just things like that. They didn’t force us to commit those mistakes."

Then again, overcoming adversity is in Jones’ DNA.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Jones is a "case study for overcoming adversity."

While No. 1 quarterback Braxton Miller was recovering from an injury during 2014 spring training, Jones seized the starting job. In training camp, it was discovered Miller would not be able to play this season. Then J.T. Barrett claimed the starting quarterback’s job from Jones.

Jones did not pout, and he remained supportive of teammates.

Then Barrett suffered an injury in the regular-season finale. Jones was named the starter for the Big Ten championship game. Meyer said he gave Jones a no-frills game plan, which basically meant handing off to Elliott or throwing play-action passes.

After Ohio State routed Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, Jones received an expanded role against then-No. 1 Alabama in the college football playoff game. The upset of Alabama led to Meyer handing Jones "the key to the car."

Jones was 16-for-23 for 242 yards and a touchdown against Oregon in Monday night’s championship game. He dodged pressure from the Ducks’ blitzes. Even a turnover was highlight worthy. He escaped from the pocket, and with an almost side-armed motion, easily tossed a pass 50 yards.

On college football’s largest stage, Jones remained relaxed.

"I was feeling calm and cool because I had my guys behind me," Jones said. "Zeke running the ball the way he did. The offensive line blocking the way they did. The defense playing the way they did."

The Buckeyes entered the game as underdogs. But they actually have felt that way the entire season.

"Six, seven weeks ago, everybody was counting us out," Jones said. "We’ve been counted out since the beginning of the season. I feel this (title) is a slap in the face to everybody who doubted us."

Jones added: "I’m not going to lie. There was never a doubt going into this game. We play for each other. When you play for each other, you’re not doing it for yourself anymore. I had no reason not to feel confident."

Meyer praised Jones for going 3-0 as a starter.

Jones deflected the credit, saying, "I’m happy to be the quarterback on a winning team. I didn’t win it on my own. I happened to be the quarterback who distributed the ball."