The highly anticipated College Football Playoff quarterfinal between the Ducks and Buckeyes concluded with a decisive victory for Ohio State, 41-21. Despite entering the game undefeated and ranked first, Oregon struggled to match Ohio State's intensity and execution. The Ducks' offense faltered while their defense was overwhelmed by the Buckeyes' explosive plays. With this win, Ohio State advances to face Texas in the semifinals on January 10th at the Cotton Bowl.
The game saw Oregon's previously stellar season come to an abrupt halt. A combination of ineffective offensive strategies and defensive breakdowns led to a disastrous first half where Oregon fell behind by 34 points. The Ducks managed to score two touchdowns but were unable to overcome the deficit. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a respectable performance with 299 passing yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide.
A Night to Forget: Oregon's First Half Collapse
The opening minutes of the game set the tone for what would be a challenging evening for Oregon. Ohio State's offense quickly found its rhythm, capitalizing on opportunities that left the Ducks reeling. By halftime, the scoreboard read 34-8, highlighting the stark contrast in team performances. Oregon's inability to execute on both sides of the ball contributed significantly to this early deficit.
From the outset, Ohio State demonstrated superior playmaking, scoring within the first three plays of the game. They continued to dominate, racking up nine plays of 15 yards or more and five plays exceeding 30 yards. This included scoring runs of 45, 42, 43, and 66 yards. The Buckeyes' efficiency was evident as they scored four touchdowns in just nine plays during the first half. Oregon finally broke through with a touchdown on their last drive before halftime, but the damage was already done. The Ducks were outgained 390-139 in the first half, including a significant disadvantage in rushing yards (121-13). Ohio State averaged 11.8 yards per play compared to Oregon's 3.9, underscoring the dominance of the Buckeyes.
Line Struggles and Defensive Challenges
Oregon faced numerous challenges throughout the game, particularly in the trenches. Both offensively and defensively, the Ducks struggled against Ohio State's physicality. This was most apparent in the number of sacks and tackles for loss inflicted on Oregon's quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel, despite his experience, was sacked eight times, and the team suffered 13 total tackles for loss. Oregon's running game also failed to gain traction, finishing with negative-23 yards rushing, which only improved slightly to 33 yards when adjusted for lost yardage on sacks.
The absence of key players further complicated matters. Starting running back Jordan James exited early due to an undisclosed injury, limiting Oregon's offensive options. In contrast, Ohio State's ground game thrived, accumulating 181 yards on 31 carries, including a standout 66-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson. Additionally, Oregon's secondary struggled to contain Ohio State's freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who finished with seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns. His impact was immediate, scoring on a 45-yard catch-and-run just over a minute into the game. Smith's exceptional playmaking ability, praised by Oregon coach Dan Lanning as "NFL-ready," played a crucial role in Ohio State's commanding victory.