Carlos Hyde gives Zeke Elliott some love after a national championship game touchdown

The Ohio State Buckeyes have put together a very impressive effort (when they are not turning the ball over), and lead the Oregon Ducks late in college football's national championship game. OSU running back Ezekiel Elliott absolutely ran over the Ducks, rushing for 244 yards and four touchdowns.

After his third touchdown, Elliott came off the field with a camera following him to the sideline. As he reached the sideline, he was met by a familiar face. Former Buckeyes running back, and current San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde was on the sideline to greet him.

Really looking forward to seeing what Hyde does next season. Gonna be fun. pic.twitter.com/LVMymxRzuH

— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) January 13, 2015

Hyde departed Ohio State after leading the Buckeyes with 1,521 rushing yards. Elliott took over for him and has put together a ridiculous season. He had 1,632 rushing yards entering this game, coming off back-to-back 200-yard games against Wisconsin in the Big 10 championship game, and then Alabama in the national semifinal game.

Elliott is only a true sophomore so he has one more year before he can declare for the draft. Coming off what will be his third straight 200-yard performance to close out the season, he will likely be among the Heisman Trophy favorites in 2015. There will be quarterbacks and other players in the mix, but Elliott has done his best work under the bright lights of prime time, and that will lead to plenty of preseason coverage.

As for the 49ers? Well, running back Frank Gore is a free agent, and is likely waiting to see how the coaching search is resolved. Whether Gore returns or not, Hyde will likely be in line for a bigger role in 2015. Kendall Hunter will get some chances as well, but the Carlos Hyde show will look to take a step forward.