Ohio State football, in a dominance few could have predicted, has turned the page from a string of regular-season disappointments to the most discussed storyline regarding the CFP. A recent 41-21 victory over No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl catapulted the Buckeyes into the CFP semifinals and once again brings into discussion their potential to win a national championship.
A Rose Bowl for the Ages
The headline out of Pasadena was clear: Ohio State was not only ready for Oregon, it was prepared to make the statement. Quarterback Will Howard-who had been criticized because of how he managed the game in Ohio State's regular-season loss to the Ducks-threw three touchdown passes, including the long connections to Jeremiah Smith, an example of some of the Buckeyes' firepower. Smith, a true freshman, had a day for the history books in the Scarlet and Gray, setting an Ohio State single-game freshman receiving yardage record with 187 yards and two touchdowns to take Rose Bowl Offensive MVP honors. The individual accomplishments were more than that-really, an expectation setter for what Ohio State was when it was firing on all cylinders.
Buckeyes' Defensive Performance
While the offense stole much of the limelight, Ohio State's defense was just as impressive. They held Oregon to negative rushing yards, showing a level of resiliency and grit many questioned after the defeat by Michigan late in the season. It was a defensive performance against one of the best teams in the country that spoke volumes about how well the coaching staff could adjust and prepare for a high-level game, quieting criticism about head coach Ryan Day's big-game management.
Looking Ahead: The Cotton Bowl and Beyond
The victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal matchup with Texas at the Cotton Bowl on January 10, 2025. More than just a game that could move them into the National Championship, this matchup is a storybook tale filled with storylines. Texas, led by former Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers, will look to upset the momentum Ohio State has built. This also so happens to be a prelude to their 2025 season opener, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Ohio State's ability to handle Texas's defense-one of the best this season-will be key. The Buckeyes are peaking at just about the right time, and both offensive and defensive units have shown that they can dominate a game when it matters. That leadership from Howard, combined with the explosive plays from Smith and a stout defense, makes Ohio State a real contender, according to analysts giving the team some of the best odds for taking the national title.
Coaching Staff Implications
The Rose Bowl win had implications further than the field itself.
Ryan Day and his staff, particularly offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, have been criticized for performances in big games. This win, in addition to their earlier CFP quarterfinal victory against Tennessee, would suggest a maturing of strategy and execution. The ability of the coaching staff to motivate and prepare this team for back-to-back playoff games speaks to a resilience perhaps underestimated after the Michigan loss. This coaching acumen will further be tested in the upcoming game against Texas.
Team Resilience and Future
Ohio State's run through the playoff has been a storybook one of redemption and proving the depth and talent. Overcoming adversity-most strikingly after the Michigan game-is a theme that really ate its way into the hearts of fans and analysts alike. This team has shown the ability to learn from setbacks, adapt, and perform under pressure-all characteristics necessary for a national championship run.
As the Buckeyes build into their semifinal match, not only does winning have value, but the method continues to pay off by evolving. Mixing this leadership together with exciting youngsters like Smith could suggest Ohio State stands at the threshold of a breakthrough into excellence.
The redemption tale that is Ohio State from the regular season into the CFP semifinals-in the most crucial games of the year, resilience shown by the Buckeyes indeed shines. Anticipation on the Cotton Bowl-a shot at the national title might be there-hope is that this translation in form is the cue for them. Be it as it may, this season once again stands tall as a representative of Ohio State football spirit.