PASADENA, Calif. — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day may have preached “leaving no doubt” since the beginning of the season, but the Buckeyes left plenty of doubt in their two regular-season losses to Oregon and Michigan.
Absolutely no doubt, however, was left by Ohio State Wednesday at the Rose Bowl, as the Buckeyes annihilated the previously undefeated Oregon Ducks 41-21 to advance into the College Football Championship semifinal.
“You’re a sum of your experiences,” Day said. “This team has had great wins this season; [we’ve] had some tough losses, and we’ve learned from those. You’ve gotta grow, you’ve gotta build, you’ve gotta make sure you’re focusing on your strengths and making sure you understand what your weaknesses are.”
On a picture-perfect, 69-degree California day, freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith’s performance was just as breathtaking, as he hauled in seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns en route to offensive player of the game honors. Smith also broke Cris Carter’s freshman record for most receiving yards in one game (172), set in the 1985 Rose Bowl.
“Jeremiah Smith is one of the best wide receivers I’ve ever seen in my life,” Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke said. “He’s amazing.”
Ohio State has faced recent criticism for its use of NIL money and high-priced coaches with sometimes underwhelming results. But against the Ducks, the Buckeyes maximized their different weapons both offensively and defensively, making it impossible for Oregon to contain them.
In the first half alone, Ohio State found the endzone four times and scored on six of its first seven drives, while the Ducks punted on six of their first seven offensive chances.
A minute into the game, quarterback Will Howard found Smith for a 45-yard touchdown and nearly seven minutes later, Howard delivered a perfect pass to wideout Emeka Egbuka for a 42-yard score.
Smith ended the first quarter with 118 receiving yards, while Howard threw for 212 yards through the air, as the Buckeyes amassed nearly 200 more yards of offense than Oregon.
“We knew we were gonna come out firing,” Howard said. “Coach [Chip] Kelly told me we’re gonna take some shots early. And so, I want to say I’m surprised [we came out firing], but no, not really.”
And during the first frame, the Buckeye defense held Oregon to a mere 7 rush yards and 37 total yards.
Ohio State refused to let the Ducks back into the game in the second quarter, as the Buckeye defense forced an Oregon incompletion on fourth down near midfield, paving the way for Smith to haul in his second touchdown, that time a 43-yard score.
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