Ohio State’s players have been anticipating a rematch with Oregon ever since their October 12 loss to the Ducks. Although they hoped for a chance at revenge in the Big Ten championship, a surprising defeat to Michigan dashed those plans and knocked the Buckeyes out of title contention. However, after their 42-17 victory over Tennessee in a first-round playoff game, Ohio State now has the opportunity to face Oregon once again — this time in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
The Buckeyes are eager for another shot at the Ducks, a team that handed them their closest defeat of the season in the October meeting. Ohio State had led Oregon twice in the second half, but failed to hold on, ultimately losing in a heart-stopping 32-31 finish. A controversial interference penalty and a mental error in the final moments of the game sealed their fate.
Now, with the loss fresh in their minds, Ohio State is ready to turn the page. Quarterback Will Howard expressed his anticipation for the upcoming game. The Buckeyes have had ample time to reflect on the mistakes made in their previous encounter and are prepared for a rematch that will have higher stakes.
Ohio State’s defense, ranked the best in the nation, had a tough time containing Oregon’s high-powered offense in the earlier meeting, allowing the Ducks to pile up 496 yards. But linebacker Cody Simon is confident that the team has improved since then, noting that both teams have made changes and adjustments. Ohio State is focused on learning from their previous mistakes and sticking to the game plan laid out by the coaches.
Saturday’s dominant performance against Tennessee highlighted Ohio State’s strengths. Howard threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns, his best passing performance since the Oregon loss. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins each rushed for two touchdowns, while the defense sacked Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava four times and limited him to just 104 passing yards — a season-low.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning acknowledged Ohio State’s talent, noting after the October game that the Buckeyes were “really, really talented” and had no apparent weaknesses. As the Buckeyes prepare for the quarterfinal matchup, they will be looking to correct the mistakes of their earlier loss and take advantage of another opportunity to defeat one of the top teams in the nation.
The rest of the quarterfinal matchups include No. 6 Penn State against No. 3 Boise State on December 31, followed by No. 5 Texas versus No. 4 Arizona State and No. 7 Notre Dame against No. 2 Georgia on January 1.
