Introduction to Ohio State Buckeyes football vs Oregon Ducks football match player stats
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks faced off in a thrilling College Football Playoff showdown on January 2, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. This highly anticipated clash saw two powerhouse programs battling for a spot in the semifinals, with Ohio State looking to assert its dominance and Oregon aiming to prove itself on the national stage. The Buckeyes ultimately emerged victorious with a 41-21 win, displaying an explosive offense and a suffocating defense that left the Ducks struggling to keep up. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the game, including key player statistics, game highlights, and team performance metrics.
Table of Contents
Game Overview and Key Moments
The first half was an offensive explosion for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who wasted no time imposing their will on the Oregon Ducks. Quarterback Will Howard opened the scoring with a perfectly placed 45-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith, setting the tone for the Buckeyes’ dominant first half. The early lead gave Ohio State an incredible boost of momentum, and they continued to pile on points at an unprecedented pace. Their offensive efficiency was remarkable, scoring on four of their first five possessions with quick, explosive drives that kept Oregon’s defense on its heels.
By halftime, the Buckeyes had built a commanding 34-8 lead, largely thanks to their high-powered passing attack and a strong defensive performance. Oregon’s defense struggled to contain the deep threats, and their offense had difficulty finding any rhythm against Ohio State’s relentless pass rush. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State’s star running back, added to the dominance with a sensational 66-yard touchdown run, displaying his elite speed and vision.
The second half saw Oregon attempting to mount a comeback, but Ohio State’s defense remained resilient. The Ducks managed two touchdowns, but the Buckeyes’ defensive line continued to wreak havoc, forcing multiple sacks and stopping Oregon’s rushing game completely. Ohio State sealed the victory with a final touchdown drive led by Will Howard, cementing their 41-21 victory.
Ohio State Buckeyes Key Player Statistics
Will Howard – Quarterback
- Passing Yards: 319 yards
- Touchdowns: 3
- Completions/Attempts: 17/26 (65%)
- Interceptions: 0
Howard played one of his best games of the season, showing exceptional accuracy, decision-making, and pocket awareness. He efficiently spread the ball to his receivers, exploiting Oregon’s secondary and creating multiple big plays downfield.
Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 7
- Receiving Yards: 187
- Touchdowns: 2
Smith proved to be an unstoppable force, hauling in deep passes with ease and making key contested catches that extended Ohio State’s drives. His ability to gain separation and execute precise route running made him the most dangerous receiver on the field.
TreVeyon Henderson – Running Back
- Rushing Yards: 70 yards
- Carries: 2
- Touchdowns: 1
Henderson’s limited carries did not stop him from making an impact, as he broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run that further solidified Ohio State’s lead. His elusiveness and breakaway speed continue to make him one of the best running backs in college football.
Cody Simon – Linebacker
- Total Tackles: 11
- Sacks: 2
- Tackles for Loss: 3
Simon led the defensive effort with hard-hitting tackles and crucial stops, ensuring Oregon never found any consistency in their offensive rhythm. His constant pressure on the quarterback and run-stopping ability were major factors in Ohio State’s defensive dominance.
Oregon Ducks Key Player Statistics
Dillon Gabriel – Quarterback
- Passing Yards: 299
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
Gabriel showed flashes of brilliance but struggled under Ohio State’s relentless pass rush. His mobility and ability to extend plays kept Oregon in the game, but the lack of a solid run game put all the pressure on him.
Traeshon Holden – Wide Receiver
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving Yards: 120
- Touchdowns: 2
Holden was Oregon’s primary playmaker, consistently making clutch receptions and providing a much-needed spark in the passing game. His big-play ability was on full display, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Buckeyes’ defense.
Noah Whittington – Running Back
- Rushing Yards: 14
- Carries: 7
- Touchdowns: 1
Whittington was completely shut down by Ohio State’s defensive line. His inability to gain significant yardage on the ground left Oregon’s offense one-dimensional and easier to defend.
Team Statistics and Analysis
Ohio State Buckeyes (Winning Team)
- Total Yards: 500
- Passing Yards: 319
- Rushing Yards: 181
- Yards Per Play: 8.8
- Third-Down Conversions: 4/11
- Turnovers: 0
Ohio State’s balanced attack and efficiency were the keys to their victory. The combination of explosive plays, a strong passing game, and solid defensive stops led to a dominant performance.
Oregon Ducks
- Total Yards: 276
- Passing Yards: 299
- Rushing Yards: -23
- Yards Per Play: 3.9
- Third-Down Conversions: 8/19
- Turnovers: 1
Oregon’s offense struggled against Ohio State’s elite defensive line, as evidenced by their negative rushing yards. The lack of a running game forced them into a pass-heavy approach, making their offense predictable and easier to defend.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a statement win against the Oregon Ducks, proving why they belong among the elite teams in college football. Their ability to dominate both sides of the ball was evident, with Will Howard’s passing, Jeremiah Smith’s receiving, and TreVeyon Henderson’s explosive runs leading the way on offense. Meanwhile, their defensive unit stifled Oregon’s rushing attack, applied consistent pressure on the quarterback, and forced crucial stops to maintain control of the game.
For Oregon, this loss highlighted their inconsistencies on both offense and defense. While Dillon Gabriel and Traeshon Holden put up respectable numbers, the inability to establish a ground game and the struggles in defending against the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense ultimately led to their downfall. The Ducks will need to address these issues before heading into next season, while Ohio State moves forward with momentum as they prepare for their next challenge in the College Football Playoff.
This 41-21 victory not only solidified Ohio State’s place in the semifinals but also reinforced their status as a serious national championship contender. With their balanced offense, suffocating defense, and elite playmakers, the Buckeyes are poised to make a deep playoff run, leaving fans excited for what’s next.
Also read – Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats – Dec 11, 2024
