The first round of the College Football Playoff was a dud compared to the hype that surrounded it. But we have reached the quarterfinal stage of the playoff and there is hope for much more competitive games coming down the line.
One of the better games on the slate is in the Rose Bowl as the Ohio State Buckeyes will be taking on the Oregon Ducks. Oregon comes into this game as the top-rated seed in the entire playoff and they remain the only undefeated team in the country.
But the Buckeyes will be out for revenge as they dropped a one-point game to Oregon earlier this season. Ohio State isn’t afraid of the Ducks and will be coming in to make a massive statement.
Ohio State is coming off a rout of the Tennesee Volunteers in the opening round of the playoff while Oregon has been waiting since the Big Ten title game. This is a matchup between heavyweight rivals and should provide some real entertainment for everyone.
EUGENE, OREGON – OCTOBER 12: Jordan James #20 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. Ohio State and Oregon meet up again but this time in the CFP.
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
But who wins this contest? Newsweek Sports has expert predictions for this epic showdown.
Matt Levine: Ohio State enters this game looking for some redemption but the issue is that the Buckeyes haven’t been consistent all year. They have arguably the best collection of talent in the country but haven’t shown it from game to game.
Oregon on the other hand has been the most consistent team all year. Led by transfer quarterback Dillion Gabriel, the Ducks are dreaming of a national title. The offense has been electric and the defense has been on point. Beating the Buckeyes twice in one year won’t be easy but I think Oregon maintains their status as the only team without a loss.
Prediction: Oregon 38, Ohio State 34
Ricardo Sandoval: This game is possibly the game of the week as the Ohio State Buckeyes look to get revenge on the Oregon Ducks. Although the Ducks are the No. 1 seed, they received a tough road to the title game. The Buckeyes are coming off an impressive win over Tennesse, and the Ducks will be well-rested and have proved to be the better team this year. Nonetheless, I believe the Buckeyes will get their revenge on the Ducks in the granddaddy of them all.
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Oregon 31
Valentina Martinez: Both Oregon and Ohio State are elite teams so the matchup is poised to be a Rose Bowl Classic. It’ll be down to the wire, but Oregon will fall short.
Prediction: Ohio State 34, Oregon 32
Ryan Stano: By far the best game of the weekend. Whoever wins this game will likely win the national championship. Oregon’s secondary will have no answer for Jeremiah Smith, who might be the best player on the field. Despite Dillon Gabriel’s great season, the Ducks come up short.
Prediction: Ohio State 38 Oregon 35
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