The Ohio State Buckeyes stormed into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a dominant 41-21 victory over the top-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Capitalizing on the expanded 12-team playoff format, the eighth-seeded Buckeyes seized their second chance and emphatically dismantled the previously undefeated Ducks, who held the tournament’s top seed. Ohio State’s offense exploded in the first half, amassing 34 points and showcasing a level of execution that had sometimes eluded them during the regular season. This resounding win propelled them to the Cotton Bowl for a showdown against Texas, with a spot in the national championship game hanging in the balance. The victory also served as redemption for the Buckeyes, who had previously fallen to Oregon in a close regular-season matchup earlier in the year.
Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith emerged as a star for Ohio State, delivering a remarkable Rose Bowl debut with seven receptions for 187 yards. Five of those catches, totaling 161 yards, came in the first half alone, including touchdown grabs of 45 and 43 yards. Smith’s performance underscored the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower, complementing the strong play of quarterback Will Howard, who threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Emeka Egbuka also hauled in a long touchdown pass, while TreVeyon Henderson contributed a 66-yard touchdown run. This balanced offensive attack proved too much for Oregon to handle, as Ohio State scored on six of their first seven drives and built a commanding 34-0 lead late in the second quarter.
The Buckeyes’ victory marked a decisive turnaround from their earlier encounter with Oregon, a 32-31 thriller won by the Ducks in Eugene. This time, Ohio State controlled the game from start to finish, demonstrating the kind of consistent execution that had eluded them at times during the season. Their performance in the Rose Bowl was a testament to their talent and potential, and it solidified their place among the top contenders for the national championship. The win also highlighted the impact of the expanded playoff format, providing a second chance for a team that might have otherwise missed out on the opportunity to compete for the title.
For Oregon, the Rose Bowl loss brought a sudden and disappointing end to a stellar season. Their 14-game winning streak was snapped, and their dreams of a first national title were dashed on the Rose Bowl turf. Despite quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s 299 passing yards and two touchdowns to Traeshon Holden, the Ducks’ offense couldn’t keep pace with Ohio State’s explosive attack. The defeat also marked the end of Gabriel’s six-year college career, which included stints at UCF and Oklahoma before his final season with Oregon. He had a remarkable season, earning accolades such as first-team All-American, Big Ten MVP, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, leading the conference in both passing yards and completions.
Gabriel’s performance throughout the season solidified his status as a top quarterback prospect heading into the NFL Draft. While the Rose Bowl loss was a disappointing end to his collegiate career, his achievements at Oregon, including leading the Ducks to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten championship, cemented his legacy as one of the program’s standout quarterbacks. His decision to transfer to Oregon for his final year of eligibility proved to be a successful one, as he flourished in the Ducks’ system and elevated his draft stock.
The Rose Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Oregon showcased the high stakes and dramatic turns that characterize college football’s postseason. Ohio State’s emphatic victory served as a reminder of their championship potential, while Oregon’s loss underscored the unpredictable nature of the sport. As the Buckeyes advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, they carry the momentum of their Rose Bowl triumph and the hope of achieving their ultimate goal: a national championship. Meanwhile, Oregon, despite the disappointing end to their season, can reflect on a remarkable year marked by impressive accomplishments and the emergence of Dillon Gabriel as a top quarterback talent.
