Ohio State dropped two straight games for the first time since 2011 on Saturday, suffering a stunning 41-28 loss to No. 23 Oregon after leading by two touchdowns. This isn’t just any loss either, folks: it’s the first time since October 1992 that Ohio State has lost back-to-back games to unranked opponents. Talk about a gut punch that felt like a full-on knockout in Columbus.
Ducks Unleash 38 Straight Points and Get Sweet Revenge
Oregon, now 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten, came out flat, going down 14-0 late in the first quarter. But then, it was like a flip switched. The Ducks scored on four of their next five drives and just took over the game, unleashing a ridiculous 38 straight points. Oregon coach Dan Lanning called it exactly right, crediting his guys for “not flinching, not blinking when you’re down 14, and then just keep fighting.” He saw them “get a hold of momentum and then really didn’t let it go.” Dierre Hill Jr. was an absolute beast on the ground, rushing for 75 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns. He got Oregon on the board with a 9-yard score with just over a minute left in the second quarter, making it 14-10. Then, on the opening drive of the third, he extended Oregon’s lead to 24-14 with a monster 48-yard run where he just shed three tackles like they were nothing. Dylan Raiola was solid too, passing for 257 yards, completing 25 of 40 attempts, and throwing two second-half touchdowns, including a wild one-handed, 11-yard catch by Dakorien Moore in the back left corner of the end zone. Brandon Smith even got in on the action with a 15-yard screen pass for a score.
This wasn’t just a win for Oregon, either; it was sweet, sweet revenge. Remember the 2024 Rose Bowl? Ohio State absolutely clobbered them 41-21, crushing Oregon’s hopes for a CFP title and an undefeated season. Ohio State went on to win their second CFP title after that. So yeah, this one tasted extra good for Lanning and his squad.
Buckeyes’ Playoff Dreams Are officially DUSTED
For Ohio State, this is a nightmare. Opening the season as the top-ranked team in The Associated Press Top 25, their College Football Playoff chances are now officially dashed. Coach Ryan Day, who’s in his eighth season, just lost three regular-season games for the first time in his tenure, admitting, “We didn’t expect any of this to happen. I thought the way that we came out was how we thought we would play in this game. And then once the momentum swung, we weren’t able to stop that and then swing it.” You could feel the frustration on the sideline, with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who snagged 7 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, reportedly screaming at coaches and teammates in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Luke Fahey, in only his second start after Julian Sayin was injured on October 17, threw for 360 yards with a touchdown and an interception, completing 36 of 50 passes. Running back Bo Jackson added two touchdowns on 11 carries for 48 yards. But honestly, when Oregon scored 38 straight points, the writing was on the wall. Over 103,000 scarlet-clad fans packed Ohio Stadium, but many of them were already heading for the exits by midway through the fourth quarter. Can you blame them? This was a brutal collapse.
Ohio State (6-3, 4-2, No. 12 CFP) needs to regroup fast. After two straight losses, their season has taken a wild, unexpected turn. For Oregon, this comeback win and revenge performance is a massive boost and proves they are a force to be reckoned with moving forward in the Big Ten.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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