A Cotton Bowl semifinal against Texas awaits the Buckeyes after another impressive postseason win
In the Rose Bowl quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff, Ohio State, ranked eighth, unleashed its pent-up resentment on top-seeded Oregon, 41-21, making the rematch of college football’s regular season game unlive up to the anticipation.
There were seven lead changes in the first meeting between the Big Ten rivals on October 12 (the Ducks won 32–31 in Autzen Stadium), but the Buckeyes seized a 7–0 lead on a three-play drive in the first minute of play and never looked back. Superstar freshman Jeremiah Smith led a strong passing attack that contributed to the blowout. Despite coming into the game as the clear focal point of the Ducks’ defensive efforts, Smith showed off his exceptional body control and catch radius by hauling in a season-high 187 yards and two touchdowns on just seven receptions.
Before Oregon made a quick run between the conclusion of the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter with back-to-back touchdowns that reduced the advantage to 19, Ohio State had a 34-point lead in the first half. But the Buckeyes were able to react and held the Ducks at a distance the entire time.
When it mattered most, Oregon’s offense did not find the same success it did against Ohio State’s defense in October because star wide receiver Evan Stewart was sidelined during pregame warmups. Despite finishing his collegiate career with 299 passing yards and tying Case Keenum’s record of 155 career touchdowns, quarterback Dillon Gabriel appeared uneasy for the majority of the first half until the offense’s first scoring drive just before halftime. A lackluster running game was the main obstacle: Oregon only managed 21 yards on the ground (not including sacks, of which the Buckeyes had eight while the Ducks gave up 13 over the season). In a total turnaround from the October matchup, Ohio State’s defense dominated the trenches.
At 13-1, Oregon’s hopes of winning a national championship and going unbeaten are dashed. Ohio State will play (5) Texas in the semifinal of the Cotton Bowl.
Final Score: Ohio 41- Oregon 21.