On January 1, 2025, the famed Rose Bowl will host the highly anticipated rematch between the Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes. This event marks not just another football game; it is historic as it serves as the first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal, making it pivotal for both programs involved.
The number one-ranked Oregon Ducks, fresh off their impressive undefeated 13-game season, enter this contest as the reigning Big Ten champions. They secured their place by triumphing over Penn State with a thrilling 45-38 victory. This marks Oregon's ninth appearance at the Rose Bowl, where they boast a commendable record of 4-4. Interestingly, the Ducks have won their last three outings at this iconic venue, with hopes to extend their winning streak to four games.
Oregon's remarkable consistency throughout the season has been commendable. Following their earlier nail-biting win over Ohio State, where they narrowly secured victory with a last-minute field goal, the Ducks have not lost their momentum. Five of their seven wins since October have been by at least 20 points, showcasing their formidable prowess on the field.
Opposing them will be the Ohio State Buckeyes, who emerged as the number eight seed and are coming off a strong performance against Tennessee. Set to compete on December 21, 2024, both teams finished their regular season with competitive 10-2 records. Ohio State's offense is brimming with confidence following their dominant win against Tennessee, significantly outgaining their opponent by over 200 yards.
Ohio State faced Oregon earlier this season, losing 32-31. They will look to flip the script and show their enhancements as they enter this Rose Bowl rematch. The history shared between these two powerhouse programs adds extra layers of intrigue to this high-stakes matchup.
Ed Morales, President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, expressed enthusiasm about this event, stating, "We're thrilled to host the first-ever CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game. It's a privilege to welcome Oregon back and eagerly anticipate their opponent from the Ohio State-Tennessee clash." This reflects the excitement permeated by the matchup and the pride felt by the host community.
The Rose Bowl, often referred to affectionately as "The Granddaddy of Them All," is expected to be buzzing with fans eager to witness the showdown. Fans hoping to attend will have the opportunity to purchase tickets through platforms like Ticketmaster, with anticipation of sold-out crowds and rising secondary market prices as the kickoff approaches.
Kickoff for this epic showdown is slated for 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET, with ESPN broadcasting the game live. The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will not only gain bragging rights but will also advance to the CFP semifinals, adding yet another layer of intensity to this highly competitive atmosphere.
With Oregon riding on their undefeated season and Ohio State determined to overcome the earlier loss, the stage is set for what promises to be another electric encounter between these titans of college football. The stakes are high, the excitement palpable, and fans can only wait anxiously for the New Year's Day kickoff.
