Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Oregon Ducks: College Football Playoff Predictions and Analysis
The highly anticipated Rose Bowl showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) and the undefeated Oregon Ducks (13-0) is set to bring college football fans an electrifying contest. While the matchup channels nostalgia for the traditional Big Ten vs. Pac-12 battles of yesteryear, it carries much higher stakes this time around. This clash is not only a rematch of their regular-season encounter, which Oregon narrowly won 32-31, but the victor will also advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Match Details
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN
Odds: Ohio State -2.5, Over/Under 55.5
With both teams fielding potent rosters and compelling storylines, experts from Irish Breakdown have weighed in on their predictions for this thrilling contest.
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Bryan Driskell, Owner
Prediction: Ohio State 35, Oregon 3 to1
Oregon enters this matchup as the newly crowned Big Ten champions, but the rematch presents an uphill battle. The Ducks dismantled Ohio State’s defense in their first encounter, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel throwing for 341 yards and averaging an impressive 10 yards per completion. However, this time, the Buckeyes’ defense is expected to show significant improvement.
Ohio State’s secondary has been formidable this season, holding nine opponents to fewer than 150 passing yards, including limiting Tennessee to just 104 yards in their playoff opener. The Buckeyes’ ability to apply consistent pressure on Gabriel and disrupt his rhythm will be pivotal.
On offense, quarterback Will Howard will need to replicate his stellar performances, such as his 82.8% completion rate and 311 passing yards against Tennessee. While Howard threw for 326 yards in their previous matchup with Oregon, the Buckeyes’ inability to capitalize on key moments cost them the game. If Ohio State’s defense rises to the occasion and Howard maintains his form, the Buckeyes could emerge victorious.
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Vince DeDario, Football Analyst
Prediction: Ohio State 24, Oregon 21
DeDario emphasizes the unpredictability surrounding Ohio State. After dismantling Tennessee in their last game, the Buckeyes seem reinvigorated. However, their earlier loss to Michigan raises concerns about consistency.
Ohio State’s motivation for revenge against Oregon is a significant factor. Their road loss by a single point in October has likely fueled the Buckeyes’ drive to prove themselves. While Oregon’s offense, led by Dillon Gabriel, is capable of exploiting weaknesses in Ohio State’s defense, the Buckeyes’ versatility and determination might give them the edge.
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Sean Stires, Staff Writer
Prediction: Oregon 38, Ohio State 35
Stires highlights Oregon’s offensive explosiveness and efficiency under Gabriel, whose ability to connect on deep passes proved decisive in their previous meeting. Gabriel’s protection—only 13 sacks allowed all season—has been a cornerstone of the Ducks’ success.
Ohio State’s defense, which struggled to pressure Gabriel in their first meeting, must perform better. However, if the Buckeyes’ play-calling falls into predictable patterns, as seen in their loss to Michigan, Oregon could capitalize once again.
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Trevor Trowbridge, Staff Writer
Prediction: Ohio State 34, Oregon 31
For Trowbridge, the key question is whether Ohio State’s defense can adjust to Oregon’s speed. In their October clash, Oregon’s wide receivers torched the Buckeyes, with cornerback Denzel Burke enduring a particularly rough outing. However, Ohio State’s defense is unlikely to repeat such a poor showing, particularly under the spotlight of the Rose Bowl.
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Nick Kremer, Recruiting Analyst
Prediction: Oregon 34, Ohio State 31
Kremer leans toward Oregon’s consistency on offense, particularly Gabriel’s decision-making and the leadership of head coach Dan Lanning. While Ohio State’s wide receivers could create problems for Oregon’s defense, Gabriel’s ability to avoid turnovers and maintain control might tip the scales in the Ducks’ favor.
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Andrew McDonough, Contributor
Prediction: Ohio State 28, Oregon 23
McDonough focuses on the difficulty of beating the same team twice in one season. Ohio State’s defense, which faltered in their first meeting, has since tightened its grip, allowing just two passing touchdowns in their other 12 games combined. If the Buckeyes can neutralize Oregon’s big-play potential, they stand a strong chance of securing a hard-fought victory.
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Game Outlook
This Rose Bowl clash promises to be a closely contested battle between two powerhouse programs. The Ducks will look to replicate their earlier success, relying on Gabriel’s poise and their explosive playmakers. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes, fueled by revenge and armed with adjustments on both sides of the ball, aim to showcase why they’re perennial contenders.
Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect an intense, back-and-forth matchup that could go down as one of the most memorable in College Football Playoff history.
