The rematch we’ve been waiting for almost all season is finally here, taking place in one of the most historic venues college football has to offer.
The top-seeded Oregon Ducks will play the eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff in Pasadena, California, at The Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
It’s hard to write a script better than that, isn’t it?
While the Ducks had a first-round bye thanks to their Big Ten championship game win, the Buckeyes impressed with their 42-17 blowout of the Tennessee Volunteers a couple of weeks ago.
The looming contest will be among the most anticipated games of the year, and the betting line is closing at a number that suggests it will be a nail-biter.
Take a look at the updated odds from BetMGM:
Oregon vs. Ohio State odds
Oregon vs. Ohio State analysis
The last time these teams met, it resulted in a one-point win for Oregon at home, 32-31. While this game at the Rose Bowl will take place on a neutral field, the Ducks will have a solid advantage in terms of proximity for fans to travel. It feels like we can expect a fan-split of about 60-40, in favor of the Ducks to start.
This is a classic matchup of “momentum” vs. “rest.” The Buckeyes are coming off of arguably their best game of the year in a blowout over Tennessee in the first round of the playoff, and they’re riding high going into the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, the Ducks have been able to rest and recuperate over the past three weeks, using the time to get as healthy as they have been all season, and prepare for Ohio State.
In a game where both teams have among the most talented rosters in the sport, this will likely come down to matchups. Can Oregon’s secondary hold down the Buckeyes’ elite receiving corps? Can the Buckeyes defensive line get pressure on Dillon Gabriel? Does Dan Lanning have a trick or two up his sleeves to pull out in a high-leverage moment?
Oregon vs. Ohio State predictions
This is a hard game to predict because it feels like a lot of outcomes are plausible. Can Oregon win? Absolutely, they already did so before and are the only undefeated team remaining in the nation. Can Ohio State win? Undoubtedly, yes. They are arguably the most talented team in the nation and when they’re clicking, nobody can stop them.
Ultimately, my gut tells me that the Ducks have had over three weeks to prepare for this game, and they will have the advantage when it comes to game plan. In the end, it’s going to come down to execution, and who can make the plays when it matters. On paper, it’s even. My gut says Oregon.
CFP schedule
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Penn State vs. Boise State — Tuesday, Dec. 31
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Texas vs. Arizona State — Wednesday, Jan. 1
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Georgia vs. Notre Dame — Wednesday, Jan. 1
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Oregon vs. Ohio State — Wednesday, Jan. 1
