Oregon Rallies Past Ohio State to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Ducks overcame a 14-0 deficit to defeat the 11th-ranked Buckeyes 41-28, leaving Ohio State with its first back-to-back losses since 2011.
By Kaito Sokolov ·
College football fans watching the clash between Oregon and Ohio State on Saturday witnessed a dramatic reversal that could alter the College Football Playoff picture. The Ducks, who started the game trailing by 14 points, finished with a 41-28 victory over the 11th-ranked Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning credited his players for maintaining composure during the early deficit. He noted that the team did not flinch when down 14 points and instead focused on letting the game hang in the balance. The coaching staff believed the squad seized momentum and held onto it until the final moments, when they methodically advanced down the field.
The result marks a significant shift in the standings for both programs. Oregon improves to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten, while Ohio State falls to 6-3 and 4-2. The Buckeyes have lost two consecutive games for the first time since 2011. Additionally, this is the first time since October 1992 that Ohio State has lost back-to-back games to unranked opponents.
Luke Fahey started at quarterback for Ohio State in his second game following an injury to Julian Sayin. Fahey completed 36 of 50 passes for 360 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception. Bo Jackson carried the ball 11 times for 48 yards and scored two touchdowns. Despite their efforts, the Buckeyes allowed 30 or more points in consecutive losses for the first time since 1988.
Dierre Hill Jr. was the offensive engine for Oregon. The sophomore rushed for 75 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. His first score, a 9-yard run, occurred with 1:25 remaining in the second quarter. He extended the lead to 24-14 on the opening drive of the third quarter with a 48-yard run, cutting right and breaking three tackles before reaching the end zone.
Dylan Raiola managed the Oregon offense, completing 25 of 40 passes for 257 yards and two second-half touchdowns. Dakorien Moore contributed an 11-yard one-handed catch in the third quarter that helped extend the lead to 31-14. The Ducks also benefited from a strategic fake punt on fourth-and-9, which moved the ball 30 yards and set up Hill's first touchdown.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged the difficulty of stopping the momentum once it shifted. He stated that the team came out playing as expected but could not swing the game back after the tide turned. Day has now lost three regular-season games for the first time in his eight seasons as head coach. The Buckeyes have likely seen their chances of a College Football Playoff berth diminish after starting the season as the top-ranked team.
Next week, Oregon will host Michigan, while Ohio State will host Northwestern. Both teams remain in the race for a playoff spot, with Oregon currently ranked 23rd in the College Football Playoff rankings and Ohio State at 12th.
