Ryan Day’s struggles in big games continued as Ohio State fell to Oregon, adding more pressure to a season already under intense scrutiny. With the loss, Day dropped to 1-7 against top-5 opponents, and the Ohio State fanbase was vocal in their frustration following the defeat. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, the new 12-team Playoff format gives them some breathing room—they can afford this loss and possibly another and still have a legitimate shot at making the postseason.
Photo Cred: Columbus Dispatch
The talent on Ohio State’s roster is undeniable, and if just a play or two had gone differently in Eugene, the narrative might be much different. However, questions surrounding Day’s ability to win these marquee matchups have lingered for some time, and results are ultimately what matter—especially at a program like Ohio State, where expectations and resources are as high as anywhere in the country. Ohio State traveled to Oregon for a top-5 clash, the first time the two teams met as Big Ten rivals.
Both programs have national championship aspirations, and the game lived up to the hype, with neither team gaining more than a one-score lead throughout. The Buckeyes started strong, scoring on the opening drive as Will Howard capped off a methodical march down the field with a rushing touchdown to make it 7-0. But after a turnover, Oregon quickly responded with a touchdown of their own, though a botched extra point left Ohio State ahead 7-6 at the end of the first quarter. The offenses continued to trade blows, with Oregon narrowly ahead 22-21 at halftime.
Quarterback play defined the game, with both Ohio State’s Will Howard and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel shining on the big stage. Howard completed 28 of 35 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns, while Gabriel matched him, throwing for 341 yards and two scores on 23 of 34 passing. Both QBs spread the ball effectively, with each team seeing two receivers record more than 70 yards on seven catches. Oregon surprisingly won the battle on the ground. TreVeyon Henderson led Ohio State with 87 rushing yards, but most of that came on a single 53-yard run.
Photo Cred: Oregon Live
Meanwhile, Jordan James of Oregon rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, outpacing Ohio State’s ground attack. In the second half, Ohio State retook the lead early when Howard connected with freshman sensation Jerimiah Smith for a touchdown, his sixth straight game with a score. Smith finished the game with 9 catches for 100 yards and his seventh touchdown of the year, giving the Buckeyes a 28-22 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
However, Oregon responded with a clutch 27-yard rushing touchdown from Gabriel on a third down, reclaiming a 29-28 lead. After exchanging field goals, Oregon held a slim 32-31 advantage with under two minutes remaining. Ohio State mounted a drive into field goal range, but an offensive pass interference penalty on Smith pushed them back. On the final play, Howard scrambled but failed to get down before time expired, sealing the 1-point victory for Oregon.
While the loss stings, Ohio State’s season is far from over. They remain ranked No. 4 in the AP poll, ahead of powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama, and still control their destiny for both the College Football Playoff and a potential rematch with Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. The defense will need to shore up after giving up several explosive plays, but with a bye week to regroup, Ohio State has time to prepare for their next game against Nebraska on October 26. The challenges keep coming, as a top-3 showdown at Penn State looms just after.
