Buckeyes Dominate Ducks in Rose Bowl Thriller,Advance to Cotton bowl
Ohio State secured a resounding victory over Oregon in the 2025 Rose Bowl College Football Playoff Quarterfinals,triumphing 41-21. The Buckeyes established an early and insurmountable lead,surging to a 34-0 advantage by the second quarter.
Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a stellar performance, shattering Ohio State’s single-game freshman receiving yardage record wiht an impressive 187 yards. His seven receptions and two touchdowns earned him the well-deserved title of Rose Bowl Offensive MVP.
Quarterback Will Howard orchestrated the Buckeyes’ aerial assault, connecting with Smith on 65% of his passes for a total of 319 yards and three touchdowns. While the passing game dominated, running back TreVeyon Henderson provided a powerful ground presence, averaging 11.8 yards per carry on 94 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. Notably, running back Quinshon Judkins contributed substantially to Oregon’s offense, amassing 500 rushing yards. Ohio State’s offense showcased its versatility, accumulating a remarkable nine yards per play.The Buckeyes’ defense proved equally formidable, stifling Oregon’s offensive efforts and allowing only three drives to cross the 50-yard line. they relentlessly pressured Oregon quarterback dillon Gabriel, sacking him eight times and limiting his rushing game to a meager 23 yards. Linebacker Cody Simon emerged as a defensive force, leading the team with 11 tackles, nine sacks, and five tackles for loss, earning him the Rose Bowl Defensive MVP award.
Despite the loss, Gabriel etched his name in the record books, tying Case keenum’s FBS career passing touchdown record with 155.
With this decisive victory, the No. 8 ranked Buckeyes advance to face the No. 5 ranked Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, scheduled for Friday, September 10th at 7:30 pm on ESPN. This highly anticipated matchup marks the fourth encounter between these two historic football programs.
For a thorough breakdown of the game’s statistics, click here.
Buckeyes’ domination Leaves Ducks Dazed: An Interview with Coach Urban Meyer
The 2025 Rose Bowl delivered a stunning display of offensive firepower and defensive grit as the Ohio State Buckeyes trampled the Oregon Ducks, securing a 41-21 victory and punching their ticket to the Cotton Bowl. Today,we’re joined by the legendary coach Urban Meyer to dissect this impressive performance and preview the upcoming clash against the Texas Longhorns. Coach Meyer, welcome to the show!
UM: Thanks for having me. It was a thrilling game, and Ohio State, they looked every bit the playoff contender.
Host: Absolutely. That first-half onslaught was breathtaking. What stood out to you most about the Buckeyes’ offensive strategy?
UM: The quarterback-wide receiver connection between Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith was absolutely electric. Smith shattered the freshman receiving record, showcasing incredible speed and hands.
And Howard, he orchestrated the whole thing with poise and precision. You could see the chemistry they’ve built throughout the season.
Host: it’s remarkable to see a freshman make such an impact on such a big stage. Do you think Smith is a future Heisman contender?
UM: (Chuckles) It’s certainly possible. He’s got the talent, no doubt about it. But he needs to maintain this level of performance and continue to develop.
Host: And what about the running game? Henderson, while not racking up monster yards, was remarkably effective.
UM: That’s what makes this team so dangerous. They can beat you through the air or on the ground. Henderson’s averaging 11.8 yards per carry – that’s incredibly impressive. he provides that extra dimension, making them tough to defend.
Host: Now, let’s talk about the defense. They were equally impressive, stifling Oregon’s offense and putting relentless pressure on quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Cody Simon was a monster, racking up sacks and tackles for loss.
UM: simon is a future NFL star, no question. His instincts, his athleticism — he’s the real deal. But the whole defense played with intensity and discipline. They swarmed to the ball, limited gabriel’s options, and really disrupted Oregon’s rhythm.
Host: Speaking of Gabriel,his record-tying performance was overshadowed by the loss. Is there something to say about him always seeming to find a way to make an impact even when facing a tough defense?
UM: Absolutely. Gabriel is a true competitor. He may have faced an uphill battle against Ohio State’s defense, but he never gave up. He’s got a lot of heart, and that’s something you can’t teach.
Host: Let’s look ahead to the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State faces a formidable opponent in the Texas Longhorns. What are your thoughts on this matchup?
UM: Texas has been a force all season, and they’ll be hungry for redemption after a tough loss to Alabama. This will be a true clash of titans.I expect a tight, exciting game.
Host: Coach, before we wrap up, what’s your prediction for the Cotton Bowl?
UM: it’s going to be a tough one to call. both teams are loaded with talent and have the potential to win it all. But based on what I saw today, Ohio State’s momentum and balance on both sides of the ball give them a slight edge.
Host: Thank you so much for your insights, Coach Meyer.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the Buckeyes’ performance and their upcoming Cotton bowl matchup? Share your predictions and let’s keep this conversation going!
