The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered an impressive performance in the Rose Bowl, overpowering the top-seeded Oregon Ducks with a resounding 41-21 victory in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. This win not only avenged their earlier loss to the Ducks during the regular season but also propelled the Buckeyes closer to their ultimate goal: the national championship.
Game Summary: Ohio State vs. Oregon
The Buckeyes showcased their offensive prowess, racking up a total of 500 yards, with 319 coming through the air and 181 on the ground. They scored 41 points while maintaining a disciplined approach, committing only two penalties and avoiding turnovers. Ohio State’s ability to convert on key plays was evident as they averaged an impressive 12.3 yards per pass attempt and 5.8 yards per rush.
On the flip side, the Oregon Ducks struggled to find their rhythm. Despite a decent showing, they managed only 276 total yards, with a staggering -23 rushing yards on 28 attempts. The Ducks converted just 8 of 19 third downs and 2 of 3 fourth downs, illustrating their difficulty in sustaining drives. With three penalties for 13 yards and no turnovers, Oregon’s performance was far from enough to overcome the Buckeyes’ dominance.
Key Players Shine
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was a standout performer for Ohio State, finishing the game with 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His explosive plays were crucial in stretching the field and keeping the Oregon defense on its heels. Quarterback Will Howard also had a stellar outing, completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the Buckeyes’ offense effectively.
The Buckeyes’ rushing attack was bolstered by TreVeyon Henderson, who contributed significantly with 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries. This balanced offensive effort made it challenging for the Ducks to contain Ohio State’s multifaceted attack.
Oregon’s Struggles
Oregon’s offense, while capable, fell short against the Buckeyes’ relentless defense. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel completed 29 of 41 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns but struggled with the ground game, which netted a dismal -23 yards. The Ducks’ rushing attack, led by Jordan James and Noah Whittington, was unable to gain traction, resulting in an average of -0.8 yards per carry.
Despite the offensive challenges, Oregon’s defense showed flashes of resilience. However, they could not contain the Buckeyes’ explosive plays, which ultimately led to their downfall. As the Ducks look ahead, they face the reality of losing several key players to the NFL draft, which could reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Ohio State
With this victory, the Buckeyes (12-2) now set their sights on a semifinal matchup against the Texas Longhorns. Ohio State’s ability to dominate in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—will be crucial as they aim for a spot in the national championship game. The Buckeyes are only two wins away from achieving their championship aspirations, and their recent performance has showcased their potential to make a deep playoff run.
As for Oregon (13-0), the focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for the future. With several key players leaving the program, the Ducks will need to regroup and strategize for the upcoming season. The loss in the playoffs serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college football and the importance of maintaining a strong roster.
Box Score Breakdown
Let’s dive into the numbers to better understand how this game unfolded.
Ohio State vs. Oregon Box Score
| Team | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Final Score |
| Ohio State | 14 | 20 | 7 | 0 | 41 |
| Oregon | 0 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 21 |
Ohio State Buckeyes Individual Stats
Quarterback Performance
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Passing Completions | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions |
| Will Howard | 5 | -3 | 0 | 17-26 | 319 | 3 | 0 |
Rushing & Receiving
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
| TreVeyon Henderson | 8 | 94 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 0 |
| Jeremiah Smith | 1 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 187 | 2 |
Oregon Ducks Individual Stats
Quarterback Performance
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Passing Completions | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions |
| Dillon Gabriel | 12 | -43 | 0 | 29-41 | 299 | 2 | 0 |
As the college football season progresses, fans can look forward to the thrilling matchups ahead, with Ohio State poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs. The excitement is palpable, and the road to the national championship is just heating up!
