Ohio State Defeats Oregon in Rose Bowl

The Oregon Ducks faced a challenging start in the Rose Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes, trailing 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Criticism emerged about Oregon's playoff eligibility, with commentators questioning their strength of schedule and overall performance despite a previous close win against Ohio State. The Ducks struggled offensively, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel failing to replicate his earlier success, while Ohio State's quarterback Will Howard thrived, connecting with key receivers for significant yardage. Oregon entered the game missing five players, raising concerns about their depth and competitiveness. Analysts and fans alike expressed disbelief at the Ducks' playoff inclusion given their recent performance and the committee's decisions. The rematch was highly anticipated, with Ohio State aiming to avenge their earlier defeat and solidify their place in the College Football Playoff semifinals.