Oregon and Ohio State are set to face off again, building on a thrilling encounter they had earlier this season. Both teams will meet in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, more than 10 weeks after their previous matchup, which ended in a narrow 32-31 victory for the top-seeded Ducks, who are currently undefeated at 13-0, against the No. 8 Buckeyes, now boasting an 11-2 record.
Since their last clash, both squads have had time to evolve, with players gaining further familiarity with one another and both teams having faced common opponents in the Big Ten. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day noted the advantages of having previously competed against Oregon, remarking on the clarity that comes from knowing what to expect from familiar opponents compared to the uncertainties involved when facing teams from other conferences.
Day emphasized, “This team’s not that way because we played them already and they played in the conference. So there’s again a reference point as we move into this one. So our guys know what they’re up against, but they also know that they’ve evolved and we’ve evolved, and so two very different teams heading into this game.” Day also highlighted the importance of preparation for success in the upcoming matchup.
Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel showcased his skills in their previous meeting, where he threw for 341 yards and added a crucial 27-yard rushing touchdown. Atticus Sappington clinched the win with a 19-yard field goal in the final moments of the game. At that time, Oregon’s notable victory over the then No. 2 Buckeyes stood as the highest-ranked opponent they defeated during the regular season, culminating in a jubilant celebration on the field, humorously remarked upon by Ducks coach Dan Lanning.
The excitement surrounding the rematch raises questions: Will the second game replicate the thrilling nature of their first encounter? After all, the Buckeyes kicked off their playoff run with a convincing 42-17 victory over Tennessee recently.
Heading into this Rose Bowl showdown, Lanning acknowledged the importance of being in peak form at this stage in the season, recognizing the competitive dynamics that can only be fully assessed once the teams hit the field. Lanning noted, “That’s your job as a coach to get your players ready for those moments,” expressing hope that the Ducks would perform at their best.
In their previous season, Lanning’s squad also faced Washington twice, narrowly losing both encounters. While he remained tight-lipped about specific strategies for the rematch against Ohio State, he jokingly suggested that they might resort to their initial game plan.
As both teams prepare for this significant game, nearly three months will have elapsed since their first clash. Adjustments to strategies and game plans on both sides are expected. Day highlighted how the Ducks, in particular, have diversified their playstyle since their last meeting, indicating a need for Ohio State to adapt their approach as well.
Lastly, Day reiterated the necessity of packing an effective game plan that is straightforward enough for the players to execute confidently, conveying the intensity of preparation ahead of this key matchup.
