Ohio State coach Ryan Day emphasized the rarity of second chances in life to his players before they took on the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes, who had fallen short in crucial moments throughout the season, saw this bowl game as an opportunity for redemption. They made the most of it, dominating the Ducks with a 41-21 victory and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Buckeyes displayed their potential in all three phases of the game, with quarterback Will Howard passing for 319 yards and three long touchdown passes, including two to Jeremiah Smith. TreVeyon Henderson also contributed with a 66-yard touchdown run.
Ohio State’s performance in the Rose Bowl was a stark contrast to their earlier loss to the Ducks in October, followed by a humiliating defeat to Michigan. The 12-team College Football Playoff provided the Buckeyes with a chance to erase their mistakes, and they seized it from the opening minute in Pasadena. They scored on six of their first seven drives, taking a commanding 34-0 lead late in the second quarter. Smith, a standout freshman, had a remarkable performance with seven receptions for 187 yards, while Egbuka compared him to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s legendary Rose Bowl performance three years ago.
Despite the high expectations as the No. 1 seed in the tournament, the Ducks were unable to stop Ohio State’s offensive firepower. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Buckeyes’ dominance. Oregon’s 14-game winning streak came to an end, along with their dreams of a national title. Ohio State’s defense, which struggled to sack Gabriel in their first meeting, recorded eight sacks in the rematch. The Ducks were unable to create any big plays and played without key receiver Evan Stewart due to injury.
The Buckeyes’ performance against Oregon showcased their resilience and determination to bounce back from their previous setbacks. The team faced intense scrutiny in the weeks leading up to the game, but they remained focused and committed to their goals. Ohio State’s victory over the top-ranked Ducks solidified their status as one of the best teams in the College Football Playoff, setting up a matchup against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes proved that they were capable of overcoming adversity and executing at a high level on the big stage.
The Ducks, on the other hand, were left stunned by the Buckeyes’ dominance and their inability to respond to Ohio State’s relentless attack. Oregon coach Dan Lanning acknowledged that his team was outmatched by the Buckeyes and struggled to find any momentum on both sides of the ball. Despite the disappointing loss, the Ducks’ season will be remembered as a missed opportunity to make a statement in the College Football Playoff. The defeat served as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of postseason play, highlighting the need for teams to adapt and rise to the occasion in crucial moments.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will face Texas in the Cotton Bowl for a chance to advance to the national title game. The Buckeyes’ convincing win over Oregon has boosted their confidence and raised expectations for the remainder of the playoff. Meanwhile, Oregon will regroup and reflect on their season as they prepare for their next challenges. The Rose Bowl served as a showcase for Ohio State’s resiliency and determination, signaling their readiness to compete at the highest level. As the playoff continues, the Buckeyes will look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for a national championship, while the Ducks will aim to learn from their defeat and come back stronger in the future.
