Ohio State Dominates Oregon in Rose Bowl

In a commanding performance, the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over No. 1 Oregon, winning 41-21 in the Rose Bowl and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals against No. 5 Texas.

From the outset, Ohio State’s dominance was clear. They led 31-0 midway through the second quarter, leaving Oregon visibly outmatched. Despite being the only undefeated team in college football before this matchup, the Ducks struggled against the Buckeyes’ relentless offense.

Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was a standout star, scoring two touchdowns and amassing 187 receiving yards, while quarterback Will Howard delivered a stellar performance with 319 passing yards.

First Half Highlights

Ohio State took the early lead with Smith scoring a quick touchdown just a minute into the game. The Buckeyes showcased a series of explosive plays, with Howard connecting with Emeka Egbuka for another touchdown, followed by a spectacular long run by TreVeyon Henderson, marking the longest run in Rose Bowl history.

As the first half progressed, Oregon found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Ohio State’s defenses, ending the half with only 139 offensive yards. In stark contrast, the Buckeyes had racked up 390 yards by halftime.

Second Half Action

Oregon attempted to reclaim momentum with a touchdown at the start of the third quarter but were unable to sustain their efforts against Ohio State’s formidable defense, which recorded seven sacks and limited the Ducks to minimal yardage.

By the game’s conclusion, Ohio State’s performance highlighted their remarkable turnaround since earlier losses in the season and set the tone for their next challenge against Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10.

Conclusion

This victory cements Ohio State’s position as a powerhouse to watch in the College Football Playoff. With the Buckeyes finding their stride, fans are eager to see if they can continue this momentum in the upcoming semifinal matchup.