The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a resounding 41-21 victory over top-ranked Oregon in the Rose Bowl, advancing to the CFP semifinal. Led by quarterback Will Howard, the Buckeyes showcased their talent and execution in a dominant performance. Jeremiah Smith caught two of Howard’s three long touchdown passes, and TreVeyon Henderson added a 66-yard touchdown run. Ohio State capitalized on the expanded 12-team CFP format and took down the tournament’s No. 1 seed, making a statement in the Granddaddy of Them All.
Ohio State’s decisive win over Oregon marked the end of the Ducks’ 14-game winning streak and dashed their hopes of a national title. Despite a standout season, quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks were unable to overcome the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. Gabriel, who has been a standout player throughout his college career, will now turn his attention to the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a top quarterback prospect. The loss to Ohio State also marked the end of Oregon’s highly successful inaugural season in the Big 10.
The Buckeyes’ triumph in the Rose Bowl was a redemption of sorts, as they overcame their season-long struggles with big-game execution. Despite their impressive talent, Ohio State had not always delivered in crucial moments prior to their victory over Oregon. The team’s performance in the Rose Bowl showcased their potential and solidified their place in the upcoming Cotton Bowl, where they will face Texas for a chance at a national title game berth. With quarterback Will Howard leading the way, the Buckeyes will look to carry their momentum into the next stage of the CFP.
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s standout freshman playmaker, had a remarkable bowl debut with seven receptions for 187 yards, including two touchdown catches in the Rose Bowl. Smith’s performance was instrumental in the Buckeyes’ victory and showcased his potential as a key contributor for the team. As Ohio State prepares for the Cotton Bowl showdown with Texas, they will look to build on their success in the Rose Bowl and continue their pursuit of a national championship. The Buckeyes’ dominant showing against Oregon served as a statement of their readiness to compete at the highest level of college football.
As the Ducks reflect on their season-ending defeat to Ohio State, they can take pride in their achievements and the growth of their program. Despite falling short in the Rose Bowl, Oregon’s inaugural season in the Big 10 was a success, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the way as a top performer in the conference. Gabriel’s impressive accolades, including being named a first-team All-American and Big 10 MVP, highlight his impact on the team and the conference. While their national title dreams may have been dashed, the Ducks have laid a strong foundation for future success in the competitive landscape of college football.
