The Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks meet in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Ohio State enters as the eighth seed with an 11-2 record, looking to avenge a 32-31 loss to Oregon earlier this season. The Ducks, the top seed at 13-0, remain the only undefeated team in the nation and aim to keep their perfect season alive.
This rematch brings plenty of intrigue. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard seeks redemption after a clock-management mistake cost the Buckeyes a chance to beat Oregon in October. Meanwhile, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the third-place finisher in Heisman voting, leads a dynamic Ducks offense aiming for its 14th straight victory.
Ohio State Preview – Buckeyes Eye Redemption
Ohio State is coming off a dominant 42-17 win over Tennessee in the first round of the CFP. Will Howard led the offense with 311 passing yards and two touchdowns while completing 82.8% of his passes. Running back TreVeyon Henderson added balance with 96 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Ohio State has been one of the nation’s best, allowing just 11.4 points per game. The Buckeyes have excelled in stopping the pass, holding opponents to 175.7 passing yards per game. With Howard’s top targets, Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s offense is primed to challenge Oregon’s defense.
Coach Ryan Day emphasized the importance of learning from the previous loss to Oregon. The Buckeyes aim to avoid mistakes and capitalize on their defensive strengths to contain the Ducks’ high-scoring attack.
Oregon Preview – Ducks Look to Stay Perfect
Oregon enters the game riding high after a 45-37 win over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship. Dillon Gabriel continues to impress, throwing for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns with a completion rate of 73.2%. Running back Jordan James complements Gabriel, rushing for 1,253 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
The Ducks’ defense has also been formidable, allowing 17.8 points per game. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will be key against Ohio State’s passing attack. Oregon’s balanced offense, which averages 35.9 points per game, has scored more than 30 points in 11 games this season.
Coach Dan Lanning highlighted the need for adjustments after their narrow win over Ohio State earlier in the season. The Ducks will rely on their experience and poise to handle the pressure of a CFP quarterfinal in one of college football’s most iconic venues.
Betting Prediction
Ohio State is a slight favorite at -1.5, with the total set at 55.5 points. Both teams bring high-powered offenses and strong defenses into this matchup. However, Oregon’s consistency and Dillon Gabriel’s poise could give the Ducks a slight edge. Expect a close game, with Oregon pulling off a narrow upset.
A predicted final score of 34-31 in favor of Oregon keeps the total over and gives the Ducks the win. The Buckeyes’ defense will keep it close, but Oregon’s balanced attack should prevail late.
Pick: Oregon +1.5, Over 55.5
