Ohio State's impressive performance at the Rose Bowl highlighted their resilience as the Buckeyes defeated the No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks 41-21, showcasing their dominance just one year after falling to them.
Leading the charge was Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who passed for 319 yards and threw three touchdown passes, leading his team to victory in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal held on January 3, 2024. Howard's determination, stemming from the painful loss to Oregon earlier this season, became the driving force behind the victory.
"We came out and we played angry and it showed," Howard said, emphasizing the team's urgency and desire to stake their claim. Ohio State's first 34 points came swiftly, leaving the Ducks scrambling to respond.
The game kicked off with explosive energy as Ohio State took the lead right out of the gate. Their opening drive found success with dynamic plays, eventually culminating with Howard connecting with Jeremiah Smith on a stunning 45-yard touchdown just one minute after the game started. Smith went on to have seven catches for 187 yards, earning him the Offensive MVP title.
Quarterback Howard continued to display foresight and skill, linking up with receiver Emeka Egbuka for another touchdown, this one stretching 42 yards. It wasn't long before the Buckeyes solidified their command over the game with Jayden Fielding kicking effective field goals and TreVeyon Henderson, who rushed for 94 yards and scored twice, staking his claim as another key player on the field.
Despite Oregon's struggle, quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns but found himself outmatched. The Ducks finally managed to score just before halftime with Gabriel's 5-yard touchdown pass to Traeshon Holden, followed by Noah Whittington's 2-yard run early in the second half. Yet, Ohio State's lead remained unchallenged.
Even as the game wrapped up, controversy soon unfurled. During the trophy ceremony, Howard encountered issues accessing the stage for the postgame celebration, something many found surprising for the starting quarterback. A security staff member cited "a weight limit" as the reason behind this, leading Howard to joke about the situation. "It was strictly a weight limit thing... I guess he said there were too many people on it. That's all it was," Howard said during the post-game press conference.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day, proud of his team's performance, reiterated the importance of having their best players on the field to outpace Oregon. "I have a lot of respect for Oregon and the season they've had. We knew we had to be at our best today to win this game," Day shared, summarizing the tension both teams faced.
Looking to the future, the Buckeyes are set to face the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl on January 10, 2024. Howard's impressive form will be pivotal to the team's aspirations as they aim for national dominance. "We have two more games. We're not done yet," he stated, underscoring their competitive spirit.
The outcome showcased Ohio State's strength, with their defense contributing immensely to the win, recording eight sacks against Gabriel. Defensive MVPs Cody Simon, Jack Sawyer, and JT Tuimoloau each recorded two sacks, adding to their formidable reputation.
The Buckeyes may have partaken in various challenges throughout their season, but their victory at the Rose Bowl has reignited their momentum as they march toward the Cotton Bowl with the hope of solidifying their status as national champions. "You can see the potential of where we're at," Coach Day concluded, hinting at the bright future awaiting the team.