Eric Boggs
On a chilly evening in the iconic Rose Bowl stadium, Ohio State defeating Oregon 41-31 to advance to the next round of the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes, led by an electrifying offense and a steely defense, delivered a statement victory that resonated far beyond the field.
Head coach Ryan Day attributed much of the team’s success to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who joined the Buckeyes this season. “Chip called a great game,” Day remarked during the post-game press conference. “The staff worked hard to put the plan together, but ultimately, it comes down to the players putting it on the field.” Kelly’s aggressive play-calling and ability to exploit mismatches were evident throughout the game, as Ohio State’s offense clicked at all levels from the jump.
When asked about navigating the challenges of the past month—including fan dissatisfaction and high expectations—Day reflected on the resilience of his team. “When things are going good, you’ve got to hug the guys you love the most, and when things aren’t, you’ve got to hug them even harder,” he said. “This team is resilient. We’ve stuck together, and now we have an opportunity to play Texas.”
Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith earned offensive MVP honors after a dominant performance, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion. Day praised Smith’s work ethic and maturity. “He’s earned the respect of his teammates not just because of his ability but because of his daily effort,” Day said. “For him to be playing his best football late in the season speaks to his maturity.”
Smith attributed his success to preparation and execution. “We had to fix our mistakes from the first game against Oregon,” Smith said. “Offensively, we wanted to get the ball on the perimeter and take shots, and that’s what we did today.”
Defensive MVP Cody Simon was a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defensive effort, which held Oregon’s high-powered offense in check. Simon highlighted the team’s improved alignment and mentality since their early-season loss to Oregon. “We went through tough conversations and made changes,” Simon said. “It’s all about execution. If you do your job, you’ll get the result you want.”
Day lauded Simon’s leadership, noting that the balance between emotion and execution is vital. “Football is a game of getting your body, mind, and spirit right,” Day said. “Cody has been instrumental in keeping our defense grounded and focused.”
With a showdown against Texas looming, Day emphasized the importance of staying the course. “We’re fighting to keep this team together,” he said. “When we’re executing at a high level, we believe we can play with anybody in the country.”
Ohio State’s victory over Oregon wasn’t just about avenging an early-season loss—it was a testament to the team’s growth and determination. As the Buckeyes return to Columbus to prepare for their next challenge, one thing is clear: this team is far from done.
