In a thrilling Rose Bowl that has left the college football world abuzz, Ohio State thoroughly dominated Oregon with a 45-24 victory, propelling them into the next stage of the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ performance on January 1 was commanding, as they strolled to a victory that many analysts predicted would be closer. Yet, beneath the headlines of this “statement win,” questions linger over whether Ohio State truly deserves this dominant narrative or if Oregon’s collapse was merely a consequence of their own internal flaws rather than a true reflection of Ohio State’s supremacy.
The Overhyped Ohio State Machine
Let’s first acknowledge Ohio State’s star power—quarterback C.J. Stroud, the dominant receiving corps, and a defensive line that seemed to have Oregon’s offense guessing. These are elements that make Ohio State an undeniable threat in the College Football Playoff. However, let’s not fall into the trap of overvaluing one performance. While the Buckeyes looked formidable in this game, Oregon’s failure to show up, particularly defensively, raises concerns. Oregon’s secondary was torched time and again, and their offensive line allowed an absurd number of pressures on quarterback Bo Nix.
But it’s not just the win that’s worth questioning—it’s the narrative surrounding it. How much credit does Ohio State deserve when they were playing a team riddled with injuries and a defense that looked disjointed? Should a program that has spent the majority of the year ranked high in the polls really be receiving all this praise when they’ve only shown flashes of brilliance against teams that are clearly below their level?
The Unseen Vulnerabilities in Ohio State’s Victory
If Ohio State is to be regarded as a true contender for the national title, one can’t help but point out the vulnerabilities that were visible in their game. Despite the final score, the Buckeyes struggled to close out drives in the first half. In fact, for stretches, it seemed like Oregon might pull off an upset if they could clean up their mistakes.
Moreover, Ohio State’s defense—while it ultimately put up a dominant performance—was not perfect. Oregon had several chances to take control of the game, but it was either a missed opportunity by the Ducks or a heroic play by Ohio State. This raises the question: when the Buckeyes face more competent teams in the College Football Playoff, will their defense hold up against higher-caliber offenses?
A Flawed Oregon Team Playing Below Its Potential
Let’s be clear—Oregon’s downfall in this game can’t be attributed solely to Ohio State’s prowess. The Ducks entered the Rose Bowl lacking key players due to injury and suspensions, most notably their star running back, Bucky Irving. But more troubling than the personnel losses was the mental collapse on display.
Oregon’s coaching staff, which has been lauded for its ingenuity, failed to adjust in the second half as Ohio State took control. There was a noticeable disconnect between the game plan and in-game execution, and it’s fair to question whether this loss says more about Oregon’s failure than Ohio State’s triumph.
Even when Oregon had opportunities to respond, poor decision-making, such as failed 4th-down conversions and missed field goals, left the Ducks with little hope. The notion that Oregon could have challenged for a playoff spot had they executed better speaks volumes about the disparity between an overvalued Oregon team and a Buckeyes squad that failed to impress against lesser competition earlier in the season.
The College Football Playoff: A Stage Too Big for Ohio State?
Despite all the praise, one has to ask: is Ohio State truly a top-tier team in the College Football Playoff picture? Their win over Oregon will be hailed by many as a potential turning point for the program, but in reality, they might not be the juggernaut the public imagines them to be.
Ohio State will face stiffer competition in the next rounds, with teams like Georgia and Michigan—both of whom bring their own set of issues but are undoubtedly more seasoned than an Oregon squad that crumbled under the spotlight. Until Ohio State proves they can handle adversity from another Playoff-caliber team, the victory over Oregon will remain, for all its fireworks, a victory against a team that had already been exposed as inconsistent and plagued with issues.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s victory in the Rose Bowl advances them to the College Football Playoff with a loud statement. However, whether that statement truly reflects their superiority or if it highlights Oregon’s deficiencies is still up for debate. As the Buckeyes march forward, they must confront the reality that the road to a national title is not as simple as dominating an Oregon team that had little left to give. If they are to live up to their hype, they will need to face and conquer real competition—something that has remained in question all season long.