Ohio State football faced a significant setback during its most challenging matchup of the 2024 season, losing 32-31 to Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday.
Ranked No. 2, Ohio State (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) suffered its first defeat in a matchup against No. 3 Oregon (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) that had potential implications for conference standings and the upcoming College Football Playoffs. The game saw a thrilling back-and-forth battle with multiple lead changes, but it ended in heartbreak for the Buckeyes as quarterback Will Howard ran out of time while scrambling for a play that could have secured a game-winning field goal.
Oregon’s Atticus Sappington booted a 19-yard field goal with 1:47 left to clinch the victory. This game was notable as it marked the first Big Ten encounter between the two teams since Oregon joined the conference this season. Despite the loss, Ohio State maintains a series lead over Oregon, holding a 9-2 record.
Here’s a summary of the game:
Final Score: Oregon 32, Ohio State 31
Scoring Breakdown:
– Ohio State: 7 (1Q), 14 (2Q), 7 (3Q), 3 (4Q) – Total: 31
– Oregon: 6 (1Q), 16 (2Q), 0 (3Q), 10 (4Q) – Total: 32
Key Stats:
– Quarterback Comparison:
– Will Howard: 28 completions on 35 attempts, 326 yards, 2 touchdowns
– Dillon Gabriel (Oregon): 23 completions on 34 attempts, 341 yards, 2 touchdowns
– Total Yards: Ohio State 467, Oregon 496
– Rushing Yards: Ohio State 122, Oregon 73
– Passing Yards: Ohio State 326, Oregon 341
– First Downs: Ohio State 22, Oregon 18
– Time of Possession: Ohio State 33:09, Oregon 26:51
– Penalties: Ohio State 8 for 70 yards, Oregon 3 for 25 yards
– Turnovers: Ohio State 1 (leading to 6 points), Oregon 0
Throughout the game, both teams displayed resilience, with the lead changing hands seven times. Despite trailing most of the first half, Ohio State regained the lead on various occasions, but ultimately could not secure a win.
The Buckeyes are expected to regroup in anticipation of their upcoming matchups, while Oregon continues to capitalize on its current momentum.