The Ohio State Buckeyes displayed a dominating performance in the Rose Bowl, decisively defeating the Oregon Ducks 41-21. This victory on January 1 serves as both a statement and a redemption following their earlier loss to Oregon earlier in the season. With this win, the Buckeyes have secured their place in the College Football Playoff semifinals against the Texas Longhorns.
Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith highlighted the team’s determination to overcome the previous defeat. “We had a bad taste in our mouth after that game,” he reflected. After analyzing the earlier loss and identifying key areas for improvement, Ohio State came back to the field focused and determined to execute their game plan.
The Buckeyes set the tone early in the game. On just the third play, Smith caught a pass, evaded a couple of tackles, and sprinted into the end zone for a 45-yard touchdown. The strong performance continued as Buckeye quarterback Will Howard connected on a 42-yard pass to Emeka Egbuka for another touchdown shortly thereafter, giving Ohio State a quick 14-0 lead.
Howard’s performance was impressive, completing 17 passes out of 26 attempts for 319 yards and three touchdowns, building on his earlier robust showing against Tennessee. His ability to trust his wide receivers has cultivated a strong rapport, with players like Smith making crucial plays throughout the game.
The Buckeye defense matched their offense’s intensity, stifling Oregon’s running game and holding them to an astonishing minus-26 rushing yards—the fewest for the Ducks in 16 years. Ohio State’s defensive unit was relentless, racking up 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks against Oregon’s quarterback, Dillon Gabriel. Lineman Cody Simon, who led the defense with 11 tackles, was awarded the defensive MVP of the game.
The turning point in the match came early in the second quarter. With Oregon trailing 17-0 and facing a fourth down from their own 48-yard line, they attempted to go for it but failed. Gabriel’s pass was intercepted, which led to another touchdown for Ohio State, extending their lead to 24-0.
Oregon fought back, but the hill became steeper as Ohio State continued to execute efficiently. Smith finished the game with an outstanding 187 yards and two touchdowns, setting a new record for a freshman in receiving yards at Ohio State, a mark previously held by NFL great Cris Carter. Smith’s achievement reflects his growth during the season, as he also notched his fifth 100-yard game.
As the game progressed, Ohio State’s offensive line opened up opportunities for its running game, with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combining for an impressive 179 yards and two touchdowns. This balance in the offense highlighted the Buckeyes’ versatility and ability to adapt.
Head coach Ryan Day celebrated this important victory, particularly in light of past criticisms regarding his performance in high-stakes games. He expressed pride in his team’s ability to perform under pressure, noting the collaborative efforts of the offensive coaching staff, particularly in play calling.
Looking forward, Ohio State is set to take on Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10. While this Rose Bowl victory is significant, Day emphasized that the focus must now shift to the next challenge. “We hold ourselves to a high standard,” he stated, acknowledging the quality of opponents in the playoffs. The team looks forward to maintaining their momentum and executing their plan against another strong adversary.
In summary, the Ohio State Buckeyes systematically dismantled Oregon in a game filled with explosive plays and strategic executions, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming playoff match. The Buckeyes aim to continue their winning streak and push towards a national title as they prepare to face Texas.
