Ohio State players had been thinking about a rematch with Oregon long before the Buckeyes crushed Tennessee in a first-round playoff game. Their first chance to avenge the Oct. 12 loss to the Ducks looked to be the Big Ten championship game, but when the Buckeyes lost to Michigan, their spot for the title game slipped away. Now, by virtue of Saturday night's 42-17 win over Tennessee, the Buckeyes will face the Ducks again on the grand stage of the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
“It's going to be a heck of an opportunity for all of us,” Ohio State quarterback Will Howard said. “I think we’ve all been looking forward to this one, another crack at these guys. The way the last one ended didn’t sit right with me.”
Back in their first game, the Buckeyes had led twice late but couldn’t hold onto the lead. They were driving up the field when, after what some considered a questionable interference penalty on freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, Howard scrambled to extend the play, sliding just as the clock ran out. That loss ended with the Ducks victorious, the final score reading 32-31, marking it as Oregon's closest game of the season.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity because it was not a great game for us,” said Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. “And I know, quite frankly, the guys got a little pissed off. They used the game as motivation. So, I’m sure they’re also really anticipating another opportunity.”
Ohio State's defense has only gotten stronger since their last encounter, boasting the title of statistically the best defense in the nation. The previous game against the Ducks saw them allow Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel and his offensive squad pile up 496 yards. “You get to watch yourself play, and watch the mistakes... they’ve changed. We’ve changed,” stated linebacker Cody Simon. “We’re just, we’re going to look at what we need to do, and trust the game plan the coaches have.”
The Buckeyes didn't hold back last Saturday inside the frigid Horseshoe Stadium, marking the first December college football game ever hosted by the historic venue. Will Howard delivered two touchdown passes to Jeremiah Smith and registered 311 passing yards, his highest total since facing Oregon. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins each contributed two rushing touchdowns to add to the score.
The Ohio State defense proved to be relentless as they sacked Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava four times and limited him to just 104 passing yards — the lowest of his season. Oregon coach Dan Lanning had previously recognized the Buckeyes as being explosively talented. “That's an elite football team... they don’t have weaknesses,” he remarked after the first game.
Other teams are gearing up for their own quarterfinal matches, including No. 6 seed Penn State against third-seeded Boise State on Dec. 31, and on Jan. 1, No. 5 Texas will face No. 4 Arizona State, alongside No. 7 Notre Dame versus No. 2 Georgia.
With all eyes on the Rose Bowl, there's excitement brewing among both Ohio State and Oregon players as they prepare for what promises to be another high-stakes battle. Fans are eager for the rematch as the two teams aim for glory and seek to settle unfinished business on the field. The anticipation is palpable, and the outcome could have significant repercussions for both programs moving forward.
