In a resounding statement that reverberated throughout the college football world, the Ohio State Buckeyes annihilated the top-ranked Oregon Ducks 41-20 in the Rose Bowl Playoff quarterfinal. The scarlet-and-gray clad warriors from Columbus left no doubt about their championship credentials, thoroughly outclassing Oregon in all facets to punch their ticket to a titanic semifinal tilt with Texas.
Buckeyes Seize Command From the Start
Ohio State wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing out to a 27-7 halftime lead on the strength of an explosive aerial attack and suffocating defensive front. Freshman phenom quarterback Will Howard unfurled precision strikes to budding superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith, who torched the Oregon secondary to the tune of 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just seven receptions.
Jeremiah is an absolute freak. The way he gets off the line, the way he attacks the ball in the air—he’s a matchup nightmare for anyone.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day on Smith’s electric performance
Relentless Defensive Onslaught
While the offense dazzled, it was perhaps the Ohio State defense that made the loudest statement on this day. The fearsome front seven battered and harassed Oregon quarterback Bo Nix from whistle to whistle, racking up an astonishing eight sacks and holding the Ducks to a paltry 135 yards through three quarters before a couple garbage-time scores.
- 5 sacks in the first half alone
- Nix under duress on 63% of dropbacks
Smith Solidifies Superstar Status
All season long, Jeremiah Smith has flashed the potential to be a once-in-a-generation type of talent at wide receiver. Against overmatched Oregon, the true freshman made his loudest statement yet that he’s already arrived as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
There’s really nothing he can’t do. The releases, the body control, the hands… He’s redefining what you expect a freshman to be capable of.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit on Smith’s jaw-dropping skill set
Bring On Texas
With the thorough dismantling of Oregon complete, Ohio State now fixes its gaze upon a semifinal date with Big-XII champion Texas, who survived its own quarterfinal scare against Arizona State. It sets the stage for an epic bowl clash between two of college football’s true blue bloods, with a spot in the National Championship Game on the line.
| Ohio State | Texas |
| 41.5 PPG | 39.7 PPG |
| 335.7 Pass YPG | 302.9 Pass YPG |
| 190.2 Rush YPG | 212.8 Rush YPG |
The Buckeyes made their playoff statement loud and clear—now they look to finish the job and plant their flag atop the college football mountain once again. With as complete and talented a roster as exists in the sport, Ohio State will be a formidable foe for anyone left standing in its path.
