Apr 21, 2015 10:55 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

President Barack Obama hosted the Ohio State Buckeyes at the White House, a visit the validated both sides in one way or another.

For the Buckeyes, it capped their improbable journey to win the National Title in the first year of the College Football Playoff (CFP). For the President, it proved he was ahead of the curve in advocating for the CFP.

"This was a historic year in college football, the country got to enjoy its first ever college football playoffs," Obama said. "And I will say it, it was about time. I cannot claim full credit, but I will point out that I pushed for a playoff system in 2008.

"I said I would throw my weight around, and PolitiFact keeps track of whether politicians keep their promises - you're welcome America."

CLICK HERE to see a collection of photos from the White House visit on Cleveland.com.

Obama opened up his address with a lively "O-H" call, to which the Buckeyes and others in the room responded, "I-O." He came prepared with jokes too, thanking Ezekiel Elliot for tucking in his shirt, emulating Joey Bosa's shrug and refraining from uttering the name of "that team up North."

But the President eventually gave a heartfelt congratulations to the Buckeyes, and not just for their for their football accomplishments.

"This was a team of true character, of true resilience," Obama said. "Everybody goes through ups and downs in life and how folks handle it, how the quarterbacks on this team supported each other, that's what every organization wants to see, people stepping up for each other."

Obama highlighted the Buckeyes' efforts off the field as well, mentioning the "more than a thousand" hours of community service, numerous hospital visits and other goodwill missions in central Ohio.

"The love between this team and their community is mutual," he said. "When you get 100,000 people to show up to a practice, I think it's fair to say your fans are a little crazy."

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