Buckeye Nation has been eagerly awaiting a showdown with the Ducks ever since Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s kneel-down in Eugene back on October 12. A rematch may not have happened in Lucas Oil Stadium like many hoped (thanks to an unexpected game plan against Michigan), but now the stage is set for a blockbuster College Football Playoff quarterfinal at none other than the iconic Rose Bowl.
Oregon has proven to be an offensive juggernaut, steamrolling the Buckeyes in their first meeting. The Ducks enter this battle undefeated, as the Big Ten champs, and the No. 1 overall seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. With everything on the line, including the lessons learned from their previous victory, Oregon will be a formidable challenge for Ohio State.
Both teams are loaded with skill, depth, and the mentality to win big, but Oregon has the potential to make this an uphill battle for the Buckeyes. Here are five reasons the Ducks could once again throw a wrench in Ohio State’s national title aspirations.
1. Dillon Gabriel – The Ultimate Playmaker
Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel has seen it all, and done it all. As the most seasoned college quarterback in history, Gabriel excels in high-pressure situations, combining poise, leadership, and the knack for making clutch plays. In their first matchup, Gabriel torched Ohio State’s secondary with 341 yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus 32 yards and another score on the ground. Expect him to be even more dangerous this time around, keeping the Buckeyes on edge all game long.
2. The “It Factor” of Oregon’s Intangibles
Oregon has mastered the art of closing out games, even when things are hanging by a thread. After some shaky early performances, they found their groove, finishing the regular season unbeaten. Key wins, like a narrow victory over Ohio State, a comeback at Wisconsin, and a thrilling Big Ten Championship win over Penn State, all showcased the Ducks’ ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Ohio State will need to find that same killer instinct, something they’ve lacked in their two losses. Don’t be surprised if this one comes down to a single pivotal moment in the final quarter.
3. Talent for Talent – It’s a Near Tie
There aren’t many teams that can rival Ohio State’s roster, but Oregon is one of them. From the skill positions to the offensive and defensive lines, the talent is nearly identical on both sides. While Ohio State might have the slight edge in overall depth, the Ducks are more than capable of making big plays, and they won’t back down. The Buckeyes can’t afford to rest on their laurels; they’ll need to out-execute Oregon if they hope to come out on top.
4. Coaching – A Battle of Minds
Oregon’s head coach, Dan Lanning, showed his tactical brilliance in the first game, outsmarting Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. From stealing a possession with a well-timed kickoff recovery to perfect time management, Lanning made all the right calls in their previous matchup. Known for his strategic mindset and willingness to take calculated risks, Lanning will have another trick up his sleeve. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Day, must be sharp and ready to match wits with one of the brightest young minds in the game, without overthinking it as they did in their loss to Michigan.
5. The Rose Bowl Advantage for Oregon
While the Rose Bowl may not have the intense home-field atmosphere of Ohio Stadium, Oregon still holds a significant advantage here. The West Coast setting makes it easier for Ducks fans to flood Pasadena, likely outnumbering Ohio State supporters in the stands. The Buckeyes thrived on home crowd energy in big wins, but that won’t be the case this time. Ohio State will have to generate their own focus and motivation without the emotional boost from a packed house.
As the Rose Bowl awaits, all eyes will be on how these two powerhouse teams clash once again. Can Ohio State find a way to rise to the occasion, or will Oregon continue their dominance and turn this rematch into another unforgettable chapter in their season?
