College football is gearing up for one of the most anticipated rematches of the season as the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face off against the undefeated No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025. The matchup has fans buzzing, particularly as it marks the second encounter between these two powerhouse teams after Oregon narrowly bested Ohio State 32-31 earlier this season.
After Ohio State's decisive 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, quarterback Will Howard expressed his enthusiasm for the impending showdown. "I'm excited. It's going to be a heck of an opportunity for all of us. I think we've all been looking forward to this one and for another crack at these guys," he stated, reflecting his determination to make amends for the previous loss.
That first match at Autzen Stadium was the season's highlight, featuring eight lead changes and high-stakes drama. Oregon secured their win with just seconds remaining, forcing Howard to scramble but slide at the end without being able to call a timeout, ending their chance for victory. "It still bugs me. And I'm just thankful for the opportunity..." Howard lamented about the last moments of the game.
Oregon enters the Rose Bowl with confidence—having maintained a perfect 13-0 record and having just enjoyed some time off after their first-round bye. Meanwhile, Ohio State, with their record of 11-2, is riding high from their win over Tennessee, which demonstrated their offensive capabilities under Howard's command. His performance, which included completing 24 out of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, shows potential for their playoff aspirations.
Coach Dan Lanning of Oregon emphasized the importance of staying focused. "What an opportunity, right... Winning a national championship isn't supposed to be easy. So if our path is a little bit tougher, kudos to us if we go through it and take care of business," he said, underlining the competitive spirit both teams hold as they enter this matchup. Howard's efficiency from the game against Tennessee will be pivotal, especially as he capitalizes on the presence of talented receivers like Jeremiah Smith.
Despite his impressive stats against the Volunteers, Howard's past mistakes—like the interception he threw against Tennessee when trying to force the ball to Smith—will haunt his performance against the relentless Oregon defense. Analysts have pointed out Howard's mixed record under pressure, making the upcoming Rose Bowl particularly significant not just for the Buckeyes but for his own future.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If Will Howard overwhelms the Oregon defense and leads Ohio State to success, his standing could noticeably shift; he might not just be another quarterback but could become the transformative player the Buckeyes need. The weight of expectations rests squarely on his shoulders, and the shadows of previous performances will loom large as he takes the field.
Ohio State's return to playoff contention has meaning far beyond just this game—it's about redemption for the program, the players, and fans alike. They can erase the taste of disappointment from their October loss with this New Year's Day clash against Oregon. Fans acrimoniously chanting "We want Oregon" after their Tennessee victory demonstrates the desire for revenge.
Will Howard, now familiar with the weight of being Ohio State’s quarterback, is aware of the task at hand. He must throw with precision, manage the game without unnecessary risk, and inspire his teammates. Coach Ryan Day has often highlighted the importance of Howard making the right reads, and the upcoming game calls for nothing less than excellence.
Overall, this Rose Bowl will likely be much more than just another game. It holds the promise of redemption, the chance to silence critics, and the opportunity to solidify Will Howard's reputation as more than just another player on the field. If he manages to shine, he might just lead the Buckeyes on the path to their elusive national championship dreams.
With kickoff set for 2 PM PT broadcasted on ESPN, anticipation builds. The rematch of the year is almost upon us, and the entire college football community is tuned because, at the Rose Bowl, everything is at stake for both teams and players.
