Man, where do you even start with this one? I mean, the game was barely two minutes old, and it already felt like Oregon was playing catch-up. Ohio State didn’t just win the Rose Bowl; they crushed it. Like, “turn off the TV at halftime” levels of domination. Let’s dig into how the Buckeyes went full throttle on the Ducks and set up what promises to be an epic showdown with Texas in the College Football Playoff.
Jeremiah Smith: Freshman Phenom
Can we talk about Jeremiah Smith for a second? Actually, scratch that—let’s talk about him for an hour. This kid, barely a year removed from prom photos and awkward senior nights, was out here making Oregon’s defense look like a Pop Warner squad. On just the third play of the game, Smith took a short pass and zoomed 45 yards for a touchdown. And that was just the appetizer.
His pièce de résistance? A 43-yard TD in the second quarter where he was so wide open, I legit thought Oregon’s defense had rage-quit. Turns out, they were just confused by Ohio State’s motion. Smith called his shot earlier in the week, saying they’d exploit man coverage, but this wasn’t even that. It was zone, and he still cooked them. Freshman? More like cheat code.
The Will Howard Redemption Arc
Will Howard. That guy. He had Ohio State fans throwing their remote controls back in October when he slid too early to end the Buckeyes’ heartbreaking loss in Eugene. Fast-forward to the Rose Bowl, and Howard delivered the best half of his Ohio State career. By halftime, he’d thrown for 269 yards and three touchdowns. THREE.
What’s wild is how effortless it looked. Every pass, every read—it was like he’d unlocked some quarterbacking zen mode. I don’t know what kind of meditation apps or chakra-aligning playlists he’s using, but whatever it is, keep it coming.
The Ducks Got Plucked
Oregon looked… human. Weirdly human. This was the same team that breezed through the regular season undefeated and took down three playoff teams, including Ohio State, right? But on Wednesday, they were just trying to stay afloat.
Losing their top rusher, Jordan James, early in the game didn’t help. Neither did WR Evan Stewart pulling up during warmups. By the time they scored right before halftime, cutting the lead to 31-7, it already felt like too little, too late.
And can we talk about their ground game? Or lack thereof. Oregon finished with minus-7 rushing yards. Yes, you read that right. MINUS. SEVEN. Ohio State’s defense was relentless, sacking Dillon Gabriel seven times and turning the Ducks’ offensive line into Swiss cheese.
Ground and Pound: TreVeyon Henderson’s Show
Ohio State wasn’t just a one-trick pony with their air attack. TreVeyon Henderson put the exclamation mark on the first half with a jaw-dropping 66-yard touchdown run. The man looked like he had rocket boosters strapped to his cleats.
Henderson finished the day with two touchdowns and enough highlight-reel moments to make every NFL scout salivate. Ohio State’s offensive line deserves a standing ovation for opening up lanes big enough to drive a semi-truck through.
Redemption and Resurgence
This wasn’t just a win for Ohio State—it was a statement. A year ago, this same program was licking its wounds after missing the playoff and getting humbled in the Cotton Bowl by Missouri. That loss to Michigan in the regular season? Salt in the wound.
But the Buckeyes hit the transfer portal like it owed them money, adding key pieces like QB Will Howard, RB Quinshon Judkins, and DB Caleb Downs. And then there’s Smith, the crown jewel of their recruiting class. All those moves built to this moment—a shot at redemption, a shot at glory.
The Road Ahead: Texas Showdown
Now, Ohio State turns its attention to Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals. This isn’t just any matchup; it’s a clash of titans. Texas, with its explosive offense and dynamic playmakers, is no slouch. But if Ohio State keeps playing like they did against Oregon? Watch out.
Two more wins. That’s all that stands between the Buckeyes and the ultimate prize. And after Wednesday’s performance, it feels like the sky’s the limit for this squad.
P.S. Is it too soon to call Jeremiah Smith the best wide receiver in the country? Asking for a friend.
P.P.S. I tried to sketch Henderson’s 66-yard TD run, but it just looked like a squiggly line. I’ll spare you.