At the University of Oregon, fans have a tradition of singing “Shout,” inspired by the film “Animal House,” during the break between the third and fourth quarters. This past Saturday, that tradition culminated in exuberant screams as they celebrated a thrilling victory over Ohio State.
In a nail-biter at Autzen Stadium, the third-ranked Oregon Ducks edged out the second-ranked Buckeyes, 32-31. This matchup marked the second instance this college football season where a clash of top-10 teams was determined on the last play.
Following Alabama’s intense win over Georgia weeks earlier, the Ducks improved their record to 6-0, while Ohio State fell to 5-1. The Buckeyes had the ball with 1:47 left in the game but were unable to reach field goal range, with their final play falling apart before quarterback Will Howard could attempt a last-ditch pass into the end zone.
This matchup highlighted the trends in college football today, with experienced transfer quarterbacks leading teams from opposite coasts competing in league play due to conference realignment. The possibility of a rematch looms in two months, fueled by the upcoming expansion of the College Football Playoff. After this thrilling top-five encounter, many fans are eager for another showdown.
Howard had an impressive performance, completing 28 of 35 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns, while Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel matched him with 23 completions on 34 attempts for 341 yards and two touchdowns. Up until the final drive, both teams were so evenly matched that their differences seemed negligible.
Oregon finished with slightly more rushing and passing yards than Ohio State. The Buckeyes initially led 7-6 after the first quarter, while Oregon took a 22-21 lead at halftime, then Ohio State was ahead 31-29 with just under two minutes left in the game. Facing third and goal just two yards from the end zone, Oregon managed to gain only a yard, leading to a 19-yard field goal that ultimately secured their 32-31 victory.
Ohio State’s last drive ended after eight plays and 49 yards, finishing 38 yards from the end zone. Historically, the Buckeyes dominated this matchup, winning the first nine games against Oregon, but the Ducks have now triumphed in the last two encounters.
In past seasons, the stakes would have made this game crucial for the loser’s playoff ambitions. Each weekend’s pressure has traditionally fueled the sport’s popularity, setting it apart from the NFL. However, the recent back-and-forth nature of this contest serves as a strong argument for the expansion of the playoff to 12 teams. Both teams showcased their excellence, ensuring that they would have further chances to prove themselves later in the season, rather than penalizing one for a loss in early October. This new format is certainly something to cheer about.