Eric Boggs
Ohio State, determined to avenge its regular-season loss to Oregon, delivered a commanding performance in the Rose Bowl, leaving no doubt about its superiority. After a narrow 32-31 defeat in Eugene, the Buckeyes roared back with a 41-21 victory over the Ducks in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal rematch, scoring the game’s first 34 points in a dazzling display of dominance.
Will Howard led the charge with 319 passing yards and three touchdowns, while standout freshman Jeremiah Smith turned in a sensational performance, amassing 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns on seven catches. From the first snap, it was clear Ohio State meant business. Gee Scott Jr.’s 30-yard gain on the opening play set the tone, and Smith capped the drive with a spectacular 45-yard touchdown, weaving through defenders with ease. The Buckeyes’ defense immediately asserted itself, forcing a quick three-and-out that set up another scoring opportunity. Although their second drive ended in a punt, it was a minor blip in an otherwise overwhelming first-half effort.
Ohio State quickly regained momentum, capitalizing on excellent field position when Howard connected with Emeka Egbuka for a breathtaking 42-yard touchdown. With the score at 14-0 midway through the first quarter, the Buckeyes never looked back. Jayden Fielding added to the lead early in the second quarter with a 46-yard field goal, tying his season-long, and Ohio State’s defense continued to stifle Oregon’s offense. Another swift turnover on downs gave Howard and Smith the chance to deliver again, this time with a 43-yard touchdown that left the Ducks reeling. Moments later, TreVeyon Henderson electrified the crowd with a 66-yard sprint to the end zone, pushing the score to 31-0.
Even when Oregon managed to reach the end zone just before halftime, cutting the lead to 34-8 with a 2-point conversion, the Buckeyes remained firmly in control. The Ducks attempted to rally early in the second half with another touchdown, trimming the margin to 19, but Ohio State’s defense, led by stars like Sonny Styles and Jermaine Mathews Jr., responded with another crucial stop. Henderson then struck again, powering through for his second touchdown of the night to reestablish a commanding lead.
Despite a late Oregon touchdown, the Buckeyes never wavered. They secured a 20-point victory—the largest margin of victory over a No. 1-ranked team in school history—sending a clear message about their championship aspirations. Jeremiah Smith’s historic night, breaking Cris Carter’s freshman single-game receiving record, was a fitting highlight in front of Carter himself, who was in attendance for the game.
Ohio State now advances to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where it will face No. 5 seed Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10. The Buckeyes’ relentless effort was bolstered by the presence of many incoming freshmen, signaling a bright future for the program. With a 10-2 all-time record against Oregon and a fifth consecutive Rose Bowl victory, the Buckeyes continue to etch their legacy in college football history.
As 90,732 fans witnessed this triumph, Ohio State improved to 5-4 in College Football Playoff games and celebrated its first win over a No. 1 seed since defeating Alabama during its 2014 national championship run. The Buckeye faithful left Pasadena with pride, knowing their team had delivered a performance worthy of its storied tradition.
