College Football Playoff: Ohio State Overwhelms Oregon in Dominant Rose Bowl Victory

The rematch of Ohio State and Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals was expected to be a tightly contested battle. Instead, it turned into a showcase of Ohio State's dominance in all three phases of the game. The Buckeyes secured a commanding 41-21 victory over the top-seeded Ducks, advancing to the semifinals and delivering a statement performance on one of college football's grandest stages.

College Football Playoff: Ohio State Overwhelms Oregon in Dominant Rose Bowl Victory

Ohio State's Explosive Offense

Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith Shine

Heading into the game, Will Howard's poise and Jeremiah Smith’s explosiveness were touted as keys to Ohio State’s success.

Game Outcome: Howard and Smith exceeded expectations. Howard completed 17-of-26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, consistently finding Smith, who finished with seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Smith’s performance, which included two catches over 40 yards, broke the Ohio State freshman single-game receiving record.

TreVeyon Henderson’s Big Play Ability

Ohio State’s ground game was also a focal point, with Henderson and Quinshon Judkins expected to share the workload.

Game Outcome: Henderson delivered with 94 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries, including a record-setting 66-yard touchdown run—the longest in Rose Bowl history. Judkins added 85 yards on 17 carries, helping the Buckeyes dominate with 181 total rushing yards.

Defensive Masterclass

Relentless Pressure on Dillon Gabriel

Ohio State’s inability to pressure Dillon Gabriel in their regular-season meeting was a key storyline.

Game Outcome: The Buckeyes flipped the script, sacking Gabriel eight times and forcing hurried throws throughout the game. Cody Simon led the way with 11 tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss, earning Rose Bowl Defensive MVP honors. Oregon’s offense managed just 276 total yards, including -23 rushing yards, their worst output of the season.

Neutralizing Oregon’s Playmakers

Oregon’s offense had thrived on balance and explosive plays all season.

Game Outcome: With star wide receiver Evan Stewart sidelined and running back Jordan James limited by injury, the Ducks struggled to find rhythm. Gabriel connected with Traeshon Holden for two touchdowns, but the Ducks’ other playmakers were held in check.

Key Moments

Smith’s Electrifying Start: Jeremiah Smith opened the scoring with a 45-yard touchdown catch and added a 43-yard score in the second quarter, helping Ohio State jump out to a 34-0 lead by halftime.

Henderson’s Explosive Run: Henderson’s 66-yard touchdown run in the second quarter showcased his elite speed and vision, putting the game out of reach early.

Ohio State’s Defensive Stands: The Buckeyes allowed just three drives past midfield, with timely sacks and tackles for loss stifling Oregon’s offense at every turn.

Game Stats

• Total Yards: Ohio State 500, Oregon 276

• Rushing Yards: Ohio State 181, Oregon -23

• Passing Yards: Ohio State 319, Oregon 299

• Sacks: Ohio State 8, Oregon 0

• Time of Possession: Oregon 30:55, Ohio State 29:05

  
  

Postgame Insights

Ohio State’s Redemption

After a regular-season loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes left no doubt in the rematch. Their offense was unstoppable in the first half, and the defense dominated the trenches, reversing the narrative from their October meeting.

Oregon’s Struggles

The Ducks’ bid for an undefeated season and national title fell short as their offense sputtered against Ohio State’s relentless pressure. Without balance, Oregon’s high-powered attack was reduced to sporadic moments of success.

Player of the Game: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Smith’s record-breaking performance (187 yards, 2 TDs) was the catalyst for Ohio State’s offensive explosion. His ability to stretch the field and create separation made him the game’s most impactful player.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State: The Buckeyes will face Texas in the Cotton Bowl semifinal on January 10. With their offense firing on all cylinders and their defense peaking, Ohio State looks the part as the best team left in the playoff field.

Oregon: Despite the loss, Oregon’s season marked a successful Big Ten debut. The Ducks will aim to build on their 13-1 record and address weaknesses heading into 2025.

The Rose Bowl showcased Ohio State’s championship potential and ended Oregon’s dream season, leaving the Buckeyes one step closer to a national title.