In a resounding 41-21 victory over top-ranked Oregon in the Rose Bowl, the Ohio State Buckeyes displayed their formidable talent and execution, scoring on six of their first seven drives and taking a 34-0 lead late in the second quarter. Quarterback Will Howard passed for 319 yards and threw three long touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Jeremiah Smith, who had a remarkable bowl debut with seven receptions for 187 yards. Emeka Egbuka also caught a long TD pass, and TreVeyon Henderson made a 66-yard touchdown run. This victory allowed Ohio State to advance to the CFP semifinal, seizing the second chances created by the first 12-team CFP.
The victory over Oregon marked the end of a sensational inaugural season for the Ducks in the Big 10, as their dreams of a national title were dashed. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who passed for 299 yards and threw two touchdowns to Traeshon Holden, ended his six-year college career on a disappointing note. Gabriel, who was named a first-team All-American and Big 10 MVP in 2024, led the Big 10 in passing yards and completions this season. Beginning his career at Central Florida before transferring to Oklahoma and eventually Oregon, Gabriel will now look towards the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a second-tier quarterback prospect.
While Ohio State’s big-game execution had sometimes not matched their talent earlier this season, the Buckeyes made a statement in the Rose Bowl, emphatically blowing out the tournament’s No. 1 seed. This dominant performance earned them a spot in the Cotton Bowl on January 10 where they will face No. 4 Texas for a chance to advance to the national title game. The Longhorns narrowly advanced to the Cotton Bowl, defeating Arizona State 39-31 in a double-overtime Peach Bowl. Eleven days after being defeated by Oregon in the regular season, Ohio State avenged their loss with a resounding victory in the Rose Bowl.
Jeremiah Smith’s standout performance in the Rose Bowl, with seven receptions for 187 yards including two touchdown catches, helped lead Ohio State to victory. Smith’s explosive plays in the first half played a significant role in the Buckeyes building a commanding lead over Oregon. Despite Oregon’s impressive 14-game winning streak coming to an end and the disappointment of their dreams of a national title, the Ducks had a memorable season led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel’s achievements, including being named a first-team All-American and Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year, highlight his impressive college career.
In a blowout defeat in the Rose Bowl, Oregon’s hopes for a national title were dashed as Ohio State emerged victorious. The Buckeyes’ dominant performance showcased their talent and execution, securing them a spot in the CFP semifinal. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks had a successful season, with Gabriel earning numerous accolades for his outstanding performance as a quarterback. As Gabriel looks towards the NFL Draft, Ohio State prepares to face Texas in the Cotton Bowl for a chance to advance to the national title game, continuing their pursuit of a championship.
