Ohio State could have defeated Oregon, but let’s be real—it wasn’t meant to be on this night.
The Buckeyes left Oregon’s wine country nursing their wounds after a nail-biting 32-31 loss to the Ducks. While Ohio State tried to shrug off their defeat, this wasn’t just a typical loss; it was a classic game that deserves recognition for the battle it truly was, rather than dwelling on the “coulda, shoulda” narrative.
Ohio State’s Challenges: Could They Have Won?
Could Ohio State have won at the ever-energetic Autzen Stadium? It’s a loaded question. Sure, the No. 2 Buckeyes had the potential to secure a victory. But should they have? Absolutely not.
Oregon was simply better on this occasion. They executed plays that Ohio State struggled to counter. The Ducks showcased their offensive prowess by completing four passes of 32 yards or more, while Ohio State’s deep-ball threat remained mysteriously absent.
Quarterback Kyle McCord faced the weight of expectations but seemed out of sync with his receiving corps. How do you explain a lack of success on deep throws without placing blame? Well, that’s a tricky proposition. Chip Kelly, Oregon’s coach, hinted at how the Buckeyes’ defense forced them to focus on shorter passes instead of taking shots downfield.
Ohio State’s Offensive Shortcomings
Ohio State did manage some successful connections down the middle, including a notable 25-yard grab by tight end Gee Scott Jr. However, with talents like Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith available, not exploiting the deep routes feels like a wasted opportunity.
One critical moment, however, can’t be ignored. A potential game-winning field goal slipped away when Smith was penalised for offensive pass interference, a clear push-off that moved Ohio State out of field goal range.
From that moment, it was second-and-25, then third-and-25, and the Buckeyes were left scrambling as the clock ticked down. When McCord slid after a 12-yard scramble, it was game over.
Blame Game: Did Ohio State Beat Themselves?
“I don’t think they necessarily beat us. I think we beat ourselves a little bit,” McCord lamented after the game.
But let’s be honest: Oregon did outplay the Buckeyes. When a player or coach mentions, “the game didn’t come down to one play,” it often means it did. In this case, Smith’s penalty was a turning point, but it wasn’t the sole factor.
“Overall, just too many explosive plays on the defensive side,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes allowed too many big gains, particularly in the secondary, where cornerback Denzel Burke had a rough outing, giving up major completions and failing to contain Oregon’s Jordan James, who ran for 115 yards.
The Impact of Prior Competition
It’s worth noting that Ohio State’s prior competition didn’t prepare them adequately for the offensive talent Oregon displayed. Their previous five opponents didn’t match the Buckeyes’ talent level, making the Ducks’ skillset feel like a shock to the system.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles acknowledged, “It’s my job to create that in practice. We’ve got to find a way to ramp up that competition.”
Last-Minute Drama: Missed Opportunities
Despite the defensive lapses, lost fumbles, and an onside kick blunder, Ohio State still found themselves with a chance to win it in the end.
“We didn’t finish,” Day admitted. “We talk about leaving no doubt and not coming down to one play, and that was this game.”
This sentiment rings true. The better team on that night won the game. Ohio State has plenty to improve upon, but it’s crucial to recognise that Oregon executed their game plan better.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Ohio State
So, could Ohio State have defeated Oregon? Certainly. Should they have? Not on that night. The Buckeyes have room for growth and must learn from this experience to prepare for future challenges.
This classic encounter serves as a reminder that football is as much about execution as it is about talent. Ohio State needs to regroup, refocus, and refine their strategy to ensure they can handle the big moments when they arise.
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