The Oregon Ducks defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes just a few months ago. However, the Buckeyes that took the field at the Rose Bowl Game were a very different team than the one that visited the Ducks in Eugene.
The first quarter was an absolute and complete disaster for Oregon. Not only did Ohio State find the end zone in just one minute of playing time but the Ducks' offense was seemingly stuck in a standstill – failing to find the endzone in the first 15 minutes of the game.
A usually unflappable Dillon Gabriel, who threw 0 interceptions and scored 3 total touchdowns in the teams' first matchup, struggled to find his targets while running back Jordan James rushed for just 8 total yards in the first quarter.
On the other side of the ball, despite the addition of pass rusher Jordan Burch on Oregon's defensive line, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard seemed to have endless time to find his men downfield.
Howard repeatedly connected with star freshman Jeremiah Smith for 118 yards and 1 touchdown in the first quarter. The QB also found Emeka Egbuka and Gee Scott Jr. to bring his first-quarter stats up to 212 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Thru one. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/QEC61m4Jmo
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) January 1, 2025
While it was only the first 15 minutes and there was still plenty of time left on the clock, you could see the distress on the faces of Duck fans at the Rose Bowl – and you could feel the pit in your stomach grow every time Ohio State marched down the field.
At the end of the first quarter, the Buckeyes had built an impressive 14-0 lead over the No. 1 team in the country – the first time Oregon had trailed by two touchdowns all season.