Eric Boggs
As Ohio State prepares for another Rose Bowl showdown, former Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel took a trip down memory lane, revisiting the 2010 Rose Bowl victory over Chip Kelly’s high-octane Oregon Ducks. That game, a signature win during Tressel’s tenure, remains a touchstone of his coaching legacy.
“They had a great team,” Tressel recalled in a recent interview. “There’s no game like the Rose Bowl. It’s exciting to see all the fans out there, and our kids came out of the gate pretty well, held on, and came up with a good win.”
Tressel’s Buckeyes executed a strategy designed to neutralize Oregon’s potent offense, controlling the clock with an astounding 42 minutes of possession.
“We knew how good Oregon was on offense, so our plan was to keep the ball away from them,” Tressel explained. “Our offense did an excellent job, and the defense got off the field quickly. Other than a couple of special teams lapses, it was a complete team effort.”
Big plays were pivotal. Tressel highlighted Terrelle Pryor’s standout performance and Brian Posey’s clutch touchdown reception. He also fondly remembered tight end Jake Ballard’s crucial third-down catch that sealed the Buckeyes’ victory.
“Those moments are the essence of big games,” Tressel said. “The team that makes the fewest mistakes and the biggest plays comes out on top.”
For Tressel, the Rose Bowl’s allure extends beyond football. “The pageantry, the setting—it’s unlike any other,” he said. “I remember standing with Chip [Kelly] on that iconic rose at midfield before the game, looking at the mountains and thinking how amazing it was that two former small-college coaches had made it to this stage.”
Though the college football playoff system has altered the dynamic, Tressel believes the stakes remain as high as ever. “It’s different now, but it’s still the Rose Bowl,” he said. “It’s special for players, coaches, and fans alike.”
Turning to the current Ohio State team, Tressel praised head coach Ryan Day and his squad for their resilience after a disappointing loss earlier in the season. “They took a deep breath, went to work, and showed what they’re made of,” he said. “Their performance against Tennessee was a testament to their character.”
Looking ahead to this year’s Rose Bowl, Tressel anticipates a hard-fought battle. “These are two very physical and talented teams,” he said. “The chess match between the coaches, the big plays, and staying healthy will determine the outcome.”
Tressel also reflected on the evolving landscape of college football. With longer seasons and the potential for Ohio State and Michigan to meet multiple times in one year, he acknowledged the challenges and opportunities of the playoff system.
“I’m a big fan of playoffs,” Tressel said. “There’s nothing like the thrill of playing top teams back-to-back. It’s a great challenge and a great thrill.”
When asked to handicap the game, Tressel didn’t hesitate to back his alma mater. “I think the Buckeyes can absolutely win this game,” he said. “There’s an emotional edge when you’ve been thinking about a rematch all year. That’s a powerful motivator.”
As one of the few living coaches with a Rose Bowl victory, Tressel cherishes the honor. “It’s a special fraternity,” he said. “Looking out at those mountains with the red sky after that game, it doesn’t get much better.”
Now, with Ohio State poised for another Rose Bowl clash, the legacy of Tressel’s 2010 triumph serves as both inspiration and a reminder of what’s at stake on one of college football’s grandest stages.
