For the second time this season, Oregon and Ohio State faced off in a high-stakes game, this time in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The anticipation was palpable as fans filled the iconic stadium, eager to see which team would advance to the semifinals.
Ohio State dominates the game
Ohio State is officially heading to the College Football Playoff semifinals after a resounding 41-21 victory over Oregon. The Buckeyes will take on Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10, with a spot in the national championship on the line. This win showcased Ohio State’s prowess, as they capitalized on their opportunities and executed their game plan effectively.
Kickoff and early momentum
Kickoff was set for 5 p.m. ET, and the Buckeyes wasted no time establishing dominance. Ohio State came out of the gate firing, starting with a long pass to Gee Scott. That set the table for Jeremiah Smith to rattle off a 45-yard touchdown reception, putting the Buckeyes on top 7-0 on just the third play of the game.
Oregon won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, giving Ohio State the first chance to score. The Buckeyes took full advantage of this decision, quickly building momentum. Jayden Fielding drilled a 46-yard field goal to extend Ohio State’s lead to 17-0 with 14:50 left until halftime.
Oregon struggles early
The Ducks entered the New Year’s Day affair as the last remaining undefeated team at 13-0, but they struggled to find their rhythm early on. In the first quarter, Oregon managed just 37 yards of offense, while Ohio State amassed a staggering 233 yards. The Buckeyes held a commanding 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, leaving the Ducks scrambling for answers.
Oregon went for a 4th-and-4 from its own 48-yard line, but Dillon Gabriel’s pass fell incomplete, further stalling their momentum. They needed to regroup quickly if they were to stay in the game.
Ohio State’s offensive firepower
Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders. Will Howard connected with Emeka Egbuka for a 42-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 with 7:31 remaining in the first quarter. The Buckeyes continued to pile on the points, with TreVeyon Henderson breaking free for a 66-yard touchdown run, making it 31-0.
As the second quarter progressed, Jayden Fielding added another field goal, marking Ohio State’s fifth consecutive scoring drive and extending the lead to 34-0 with just under three minutes left until halftime. The Buckeyes were in complete control, showcasing their offensive depth and talent.
Oregon finds a spark
Just as it seemed the Ducks were destined for a shutout, they found a spark at the end of the first half. Dillon Gabriel found Traeshon Holden for a 5-yard touchdown as time expired in the second quarter, making it a 34-8 ballgame heading into the locker room. This late score provided a glimmer of hope for Oregon, who needed to build on this momentum in the second half.
After the halftime break, Oregon opened with an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a Noah Whittington touchdown, cutting the Ohio State lead to 34-15. The Ducks were showing signs of life, but they still faced an uphill battle.
Ohio State responds
However, Ohio State quickly quelled any thoughts of a comeback. After a facemask penalty put them at the 8-yard line, TreVeyon Henderson ran in his second touchdown of the day, restoring the Buckeyes’ lead to 41-15 with 2:19 left in the third quarter.
Dillon Gabriel threw his second touchdown pass of the day, connecting with Traeshon Holden for a 27-yard score, but it was too little, too late. Ohio State’s defense held strong, and the Buckeyes maintained their lead through the final quarter.
Record-breaking performances
Jeremiah Smith continued to rewrite the Ohio State record books. He recorded his 187th yard of the game in the third quarter, moving him past Cris Carter to break the program’s freshman single-game record. His performance was a highlight in an otherwise dominant game for Ohio State.
Dillon Gabriel showcased his skills as well, but the Ducks could not keep pace with the relentless Buckeyes. Ohio State’s defense was formidable, limiting Oregon’s offensive opportunities and forcing them into difficult situations.
Looking ahead
As the game concluded, Ohio State celebrated their victory, knowing they had secured a spot in the semifinals. The Buckeyes will now prepare to face Texas in the Cotton Bowl, with a chance to compete for the national championship on the line.
Oregon, despite the loss, can take pride in their undefeated regular season and the challenges they faced throughout the year. As the college football season continues to unfold, fans are left wondering: who will emerge victorious in the semifinals, and can Ohio State continue their quest for the title? The excitement of college football is far from over, and every game brings new opportunities for glory.
