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The College Football Playoff Quarterfinals promises an epic rematch between two of the most talented programs in the nation. On January 1st, 2025, the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the #1 Oregon Ducks in the iconic Rose Bowl at 5 PM ET, broadcast live on ESPN. This clash is not just a playoff showdown but a sequel to one of the most exciting regular-season games this year.
Ohio State enters this game riding high after an emphatic 42-17 victory over #9 Tennessee in the CFP first round. Meanwhile, Oregon, the Big Ten champions, had more time to prepare, having secured their playoff spot with a thrilling 45-37 victory over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship. With revenge on Ohio State’s mind and Oregon seeking to prove their dominance, this matchup has all the ingredients for another classic.
The Buckeyes (11-2) overcame adversity to reach the quarterfinals. Their regular season ended on a sour note with a 13-10 loss to archrival Michigan – their fourth straight defeat to the Wolverines – but Ohio State bounced back spectacularly against Tennessee. QB Will Howard was the catalyst for their resurgence, throwing for 311 yards and 2two touchdowns, while the dynamic running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 4 rushing touchdowns and 124 yards.
Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith continues to shine as one of the nation’s most exciting playmakers. Against Tennessee, he hauled in 6 receptions for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns, while veteran WR Emeka Egbuka added 5 catches for 81 yards. The Buckeyes offense will need another balanced performance to crack an Oregon defense that has been prone to big plays but still boasts plenty of talent.
Defensively, Ohio State has its own star power with players like S Caleb Downs and edge rushers Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. Jim Knowles’ defense will aim to contain Oregon’s explosive offense, particularly in the vertical passing game where the Ducks have thrived this season.
Oregon (13-0) has enjoyed a dominant season under head coach Dan Lanning, capped off by their first Big Ten title. The Ducks offense is powered by QB Dillon Gabriel, who threw for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns in the conference championship against Penn State. RBs Jordan James and Noah Whittington provide a formidable one-two punch, combining for 169 yards and two scores in their last outing.
At wide receiver, Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart have been Gabriel’s favorite targets. Johnson posted 181 receiving yards and a touchdown against Penn State, while Stewart has been a game-breaker in key moments, including their thrilling 32-31 victory over Ohio State earlier this season.
Oregon’s defense has shown vulnerability, particularly against the run. They surrendered 283 rushing yards to Penn State, which could spell trouble against a physical Ohio State rushing attack led by Henderson and Judkins. However, their opportunistic secondary, which intercepted Drew Allar twice in the Big Ten Championship, can shift momentum in an instant.
When these teams last met in October, Oregon came away with a nail-biting 32-31 victory in Eugene. The Ducks capitalized on big plays down the sidelines, exposing Ohio State’s secondary, while the Buckeyes fell just short after running out of time on a potential game-winning drive.
This time around, Ohio State will be better prepared, especially with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly – a former Oregon head coach – crafting a game plan. The Buckeyes showed their ability to dominate an elite defense against Tennessee, and their front seven could wreak havoc on Oregon. If Ohio State can force Dillon Gabriel into uncomfortable situations, they’ll be in a prime position to avenge their earlier loss.
For Oregon, success hinges on their ability to contain TreVeyon Henderson and force Will Howard into third-and-long situations. The Ducks also need another big performance from their receiving corps, particularly in 1-on-1 matchups against Ohio State’s corners.
Both teams have the firepower to light up the scoreboard, but Ohio State’s momentum and talent advantage – particularly on defense – give them the edge on a neutral field.
This rematch has all the makings of a Rose Bowl classic. Whether it’s the revenge narrative for Ohio State or Oregon’s quest to stay on top, one thing is certain: fans are in for a treat on January 1.
Ohio State’s star running back, TreVeyon Henderson, should find plenty of opportunities against an Oregon defense that has struggled to stop the run in big games. Look for Henderson to exploit gaps in the Ducks’ front seven, amassing 80+ rushing yards, and power the Buckeyes to a hard-fought victory.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.