In Pasadena, California, Ohio State staged an impressive comeback from what had been a season of deep disappointment. Just 32 days prior, Michigan handed the Buckeyes a humiliating defeat in Columbus, a moment punctuated by Michigan planting their flag in the middle of the field. That loss, paired with a chaotic, pepper spray-laden postgame brawl, seemed like the lowest point for Ohio State. But that bitter moment ignited a transformation.
Ohio State redeemed itself, its head coach, and its season with a commanding College Football Playoff (CFP) victory in the Rose Bowl. The No. 8 seed Buckeyes dismantled No. 1 seed Oregon 41-21 in a quarterfinal matchup. This win came after a tight one-point contest between the teams just over two months earlier.
The Buckeyes’ dramatic improvement was evident as they overcame the mental weight of their November 30 loss to Michigan, outscoring Tennessee and Oregon 83-38 in the process. Against Oregon, Ohio State delivered the largest margin of victory in the Rose Bowl in nine years. The Ducks found themselves trailing 34-0 early in the game, with Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher acknowledging the complete dominance of Ohio State in all facets.
This turnaround for Ohio State has sparked comparisons to the 2019 LSU team, known for its unstoppable trajectory to a national title. The Buckeyes, brimming with confidence, seem ready to face any challenge, including their next opponent, Texas, in the CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal.
Cornerback Davison Igbinosun summarized the team’s transformation by crediting the Michigan loss for their newfound motivation. The defense, once ineffective against Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel, sacked him eight times—an astounding feat considering Oregon had allowed only 13 sacks all season.
Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith showcased his talent, breaking Ohio State’s freshman receiving records set by Cris Carter in 1984. Smith recorded 7 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. His performance highlighted Oregon’s misjudgment in single-covering him, as Smith confidently stated he knew he would win every one-on-one matchup.
The victory also revitalized head coach Ryan Day’s reputation. Once under scrutiny, Day received high praise from his players for his leadership during the team’s difficult moments. Receiver Emeka Egbuka emphasized the team’s unwavering trust in Day, who had united the team after their loss to Michigan.
A pivotal team meeting on December 1 served as a turning point for the Buckeyes. Players like Egbuka, Jack Sawyer, Cody Simon, Will Howard, TreVeyon Henderson, and Lathan Ransom rallied their teammates, focusing on accountability and improvement. The team’s determination paid off, as both individual players and the group as a whole grew stronger in the weeks that followed.
Oregon, despite its high seeding, failed to rise to the occasion against Ohio State. The Ducks’ lackluster performance mirrored the struggles Ohio State faced against Michigan, underscoring the Buckeyes’ transformation over the past month.
For Ohio State, the Michigan loss remains a painful memory but also a catalyst for their resurgence. Former Buckeyes great Mike Thomas reflected on the team’s ability to turn the page and forge a new chapter. With their sights set on the national championship, the Buckeyes have proven that even a devastating defeat can lay the groundwork for greatness.