The highly anticipated showdown is upon us as Oregon and Ohio State prepare to clash in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the iconic Rose Bowl. This matchup, often dubbed “The Granddaddy of Them All,” promises to be an electrifying encounter filled with passion, skill, and a rich history between these two powerhouse programs.
Oregon’s Path to the Playoffs
The Ducks have had a phenomenal season, finishing undefeated at 13-0 and earning the coveted No. 1 seed. Their impressive run through the regular season culminated in a Big Ten Championship, showcasing their dominance on the field. Leading the charge is quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has been instrumental in orchestrating one of the nation’s most potent offenses. With a blend of precision passing and dynamic playmaking, Gabriel has become a key figure in Oregon’s success.
Ohio State’s Resilience
On the other side, Ohio State enters the Rose Bowl with a record of 11-2, having secured the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. They demonstrated their prowess in the first round by decisively defeating Tennessee, 42-17. Freshman standout Jeremiah Smith shone brightly in that game, scoring two touchdowns and helping the Buckeyes amass an impressive 473 yards of total offense. Ohio State’s ability to bounce back and perform under pressure will be pivotal as they face the Ducks.
A Thrilling Previous Encounter
The stakes are high, especially considering their previous matchup this season. In October, Oregon and Ohio State faced off in what many consider one of the best games of the college football season. The Ducks narrowly edged out the Buckeyes with a thrilling 32-31 victory, thanks to kicker Atticus Sappington’s game-winning field goal. The drama unfolded as Ohio State quarterback Will Howard made a critical mistake in the final moments, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Will this game serve as a prelude to another nail-biter?
Game Day Details
As fans gear up for this monumental clash, here are the essential details you need to know:
Rose Bowl start time
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 1
- Time: 5 p.m. ET | 2 p.m. PT
The Rose Bowl will kick off at 5 p.m. ET, offering fans a perfect opportunity to settle in for an evening of thrilling college football action.
Where to watch
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN, featuring play-by-play commentary from Chris Fowler, analysis by Kirk Herbstreit, and reporting from Holly Rowe. Fans can also stream the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
Due to the Peach Bowl between Arizona State and Texas going into overtime, viewers may catch the beginning of the Rose Bowl on ESPN2 before it switches back to ESPN.
Listening Options for Fans
For those who prefer to listen to the game, Oregon vs. Ohio State will be available on SiriusXM. The national radio call can be found on channel 80, while Ohio State fans can tune in on channel 82 and Oregon supporters on channel 84. SiriusXM is offering a free month for new subscribers, providing access to a wide range of live sports coverage.
Rose Bowl Venue
- City: Pasadena, Calif.
- Stadium: Rose Bowl
Nestled in the picturesque city of Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl is a historic venue that has hosted countless memorable moments in college football. With a seating capacity of 89,702 and a record attendance of 106,869 during the 1973 Rose Bowl, this stadium is a true cathedral of the sport. It’s worth noting that Ohio State has a perfect 2-0 record in previous Rose Bowl games against Oregon, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Championship
As the College Football Playoff unfolds, the stakes continue to rise. The winner of the Rose Bowl will advance to the next round, facing off against the winner of the Peach Bowl. This is the time of year when dreams are realized and legacies are forged.
Upcoming Bowl Schedule
The excitement doesn’t stop here. Here’s a quick look at the upcoming bowl schedule:
Wednesday, Jan. 1
| Bowl | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFP Quarterfinal (Peach Bowl) | Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson | 1 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| CFP Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl) | Oregon vs. Ohio State | 5 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
As fans prepare for this epic clash, the excitement is palpable. Will Oregon continue their unbeaten streak, or will Ohio State exact revenge for their earlier loss? One thing is for certain: the Rose Bowl will be a spectacle that college football fans won’t want to miss.
