Ohio State football faced a tough test on Saturday but fell short in a narrow battle against Oregon, losing 32-31 in Eugene, Oregon. The No. 2 Buckeyes (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) squared off against No. 3 Oregon (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) in a high-stakes match-up that has significant implications for both conference standings and the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoffs.
The Buckeyes’ quarterback Will Howard made a desperate 12-yard scramble as time ran out, trying to set up a potential game-winning field goal. Oregon’s Atticus Sappington had given the Ducks a late lead with a 19-yard field goal with 1:47 left on the clock, marking the seventh lead change of the game. Despite the close score, there were no ties at any point, largely due to a botched snap by Oregon following their first touchdown. Oregon never led by more than one point, while the Buckeyes had leads of up to seven points.
This game marked the first Big Ten contest between Ohio State and Oregon, as the Ducks joined the conference this season. Although Oregon has now won two consecutive games against the Buckeyes, Ohio State still leads the all-time series 9-2, including Oregon’s most recent victory of 35-28 on September 11, 2021.
Final stats comparison highlighted the performances of both quarterbacks:
Will Howard completed 28 of 35 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns, while Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel connected on 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State managed 467 total yards compared to Oregon’s 496, including 122 rushing yards against the Ducks’ 73.
In the closing moments of the game, the Buckeyes fell short as a critical offensive pass interference penalty on Jeremiah Smith pushed Ohio State out of field goal range. The fans celebrated as the Ducks held onto their lead and secured the victory.
Throughout the game, both teams exchanged leads in what became a thrilling contest. The result underscores the competitive nature of the Big Ten this season, as teams vie for playoff positioning in the latter half of the season.