Ohio State Buckeyes Show Dominance in Rose Bowl Against Oregon Ducks
In an impressive display of skill and strategy, the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the No. 1 Oregon Ducks with a commanding 41-21 victory in the Rose Bowl held on January 1, 2025. This decisive win showcased Ohio State’s potent offense and fortified their pathway to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they will face No. 5 Texas.
From the start, Ohio State asserted its dominance. They took an early lead of 7-0 just a minute into the game, thanks to freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who caught a short pass and raced 45 yards for a touchdown. The Buckeyes quickly extended their lead to two touchdowns when Emeka Egbuka made a remarkable catch amid defenders.
As the first half unfolded, Ohio State’s offense continued to impress. Smith once again found the end zone with a 43-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 24-0. On this play, the Ducks’ defense appeared bewildered as they failed to cover Smith adequately, highlighting their struggles against the Buckeyes throughout the game.
In addition to their effective passing game, Ohio State also showcased their ground attack. Running back TreVeyon Henderson added to the score with a 66-yard rushing touchdown, making it 31-0 with just under nine minutes left in the second quarter. By halftime, Ohio State had accumulated 390 total yards, while the Ducks were stifled, only managing 139 yards of offense.
Oregon faced challenges of its own. Key players were sidelined due to injuries, including leading rusher Jordan James and wide receiver Evan Stewart. As the first half progressed, the Ducks seemed increasingly desperate, struggling to build any momentum against a well-prepared Buckeyes defense.
Quarterback Will Howard played a pivotal role for Ohio State, completing 11 of 18 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone. His performance marked a stark improvement, especially after an earlier loss to Oregon earlier in the season. This game demonstrated Howard’s growth and resilience as a quarterback.
Though the Ducks managed to score a touchdown at the beginning of the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 34-15, they failed to maintain the momentum. Ohio State’s defense tightened, featuring a relentless pass rush that resulted in seven sacks against Oregon’s quarterback, Dillon Gabriel. The Ducks struggled significantly on the ground, finishing with a total of minus-7 rushing yards.
As the game progressed, Henderson showcased his skills once again, scoring his second touchdown, which effectively sealed the game for the Buckeyes.
Looking ahead, Ohio State heads to the Cotton Bowl for the second consecutive year, but the context this time is vastly different. Last year, they faced a disappointing end in the playoffs after a loss to Michigan, ending their hopes of competing for the title. This year, the Buckeyes seem refocused and determined to advance.
The team has undergone changes in the offseason, welcoming new players, including Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, and reloads on both the offensive and defensive sides. Key additions like five-star recruit Smith and standout players from top programs have raised the team’s prospects, prompting expectations that they could contend for the national title.
Despite an inconsistent regular season, which included tough losses to Michigan and Oregon, Ohio State has shown promise in the postseason. Their performance in the Rose Bowl is a testament to their capabilities, showcasing why they are considered one of the best teams in college football. With two more wins, the Buckeyes could solidify their claim as the nation’s top team.
In summary, Ohio State’s dominating win against Oregon not only propels them into the playoffs but also reignites their aspirations for a national championship. Their combination of a high-powered offense and a formidable defense will be crucial as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Texas, where the stakes will be high, and expectations even higher.
