Our Oregon football team heads into the Rose Bowl as underdogs against a familiar opponent, marking their first meeting with the Buckeyes since October 12th at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks came out on top in a controversial conclusion to their heavyweight bout, beating Ohio State 32-31, and igniting a 13-0 start that’s carried the Ducks to be ranked first overall in the country for a few months now.
Today, we are two days out from the “revenge game” the Buckeyes have been eager for all year. Even Mr. FishDuck took a break from his fun at Pin Up Bet to share his Rose Bowl prediction thoughts with me.
Luckily, we predict this will be far from a revenge game for Ohio State, and instead a statement game for Oregon football.
Oregon’s roster is full of spark plugs who can make a huge difference in this matchup – Photo via Steven Chan
Key Matchups to Watch for Oregon Football
Wide Receivers: Oregon has a trio of exceptional receivers, and so does Ohio State. Jeremiah Smith of the Buckeyes and Tez Johnson of the Ducks are expected to lead the way, but make no mistake—ANYONE in this starting lineup could be the x-factor downfield for either squad. We’ll see which offense gets cooking first: the red-hot Buckeyes fresh off of a statement win or the well-rested Ducks primed for a schematic overthrowing of Ohio State’s secondary.
Quarterbacks: The weight of this matchup can’t be overstated. As much as football is a physical game, this is more of a duel between the ears than in the trenches. Ohio State’s Will Howard is going to have to bring the same A-game he had against Tennessee to have a chance to win this bout. While his confidence surely can’t be any higher right now, a first-half interception or fumble could easily turn the tide in this one. Expect dominant play from Dillon Gabriel that demands Howard to try and keep up.
Special Teams: Underrated, yet essential. This is where I think we’re really going to feel Tez Johnson make an impact early. Starting the drive between the 35-yard line and 50-yard line in the first half is MASSIVE in a game like this. Fortunately, Noah Whittington and Tez are going to be at full strength, so let’s see them take this game over for the Ducks on special teams like De’Anthony Thomas so often did in bowl games for Oregon.
Unfortunately for the Ducks, though, Ohio State’s got a returner of their own. Caleb Downs is certainly no slouch for the Buckeyes’ special teams. We’ve seen him make spark plays left and right this year on defense or in the return game. The Ducks will need to do their part in playing keep-away from one of the truly special playmakers in all of college football, who will certainly be doing more of the same at the next level soon. Keep an eye on both groups before the game goes to commercial.
Jordan Burch has been dominant in the stretches he has been healthy – Photo via Craig Strobeck
The Difference Maker of All Difference Makers for Oregon Football: Jordan Burch
Of all the matchups to hone in on, Oregon deploying star defensive end Jordan Burch to exploit an undermanned Ohio State offensive line is HUGE. If you’ll recall in the first matchup, Oregon was desperately missing Burch when Jeremiah Smith got cooking on the outside, and Matayo Uiagalelei was left with the lion’s share of the load in pass rush. Of course, Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell are going to be a factor too, but there’s so much more to having no.1 back on the field.
Burch is a disruptive force that’s been a cornerstone of Oregon football and the entire team’s defensive success since he came back to the field. Against a Buckeyes offensive line that has been plagued by injuries, Burch’s ability to get Howard off base and disrupt the Buckeyes’ offensive rhythm may be the deciding factor. If the Ducks can leverage his dominance effectively, they’ll be well-positioned to control the tempo and secure a statement victory on their way to play Texas or Arizona State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
As much as Matayo played great without Burch, he’ll be glad to have his running mate back this time around – Photo via Eric Becker
Score Prediction: 29-23, Oregon
A wonky score, but typical for a team that constantly is trying new iterations of trick plays and lining up for swinging gate two-point conversions. I think there’s certainly some validity to the Ducks potentially scraping some rust off after a long layover in the wings of the postseason, but still: this is the best team in college football. If the Buckeyes jump out to an early 7-0 lead, expect the Ducks to answer quickly, take the game over, and decisively advance to the next leg of their College Football Playoff run.
For Dan Lanning and co. preparing for this game, this has to be what you coach your whole life for. We couldn’t ask for a more premiere matchup as fans. As a mammoth-level game, leave your score predictions, difference makers, and thoughts on the matchup for Oregon football in the FishDuck Forum with decorum today to get the good vibes going for the Ducks early.
FEBU, Happy (almost) New Year, and GO DUCKS!
Alex Heining
Los Angeles, California
Top Photo by: Eric Becker
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Alex Heining is an Oregon alumni from the graduate class of 2021. After studying sports business and media studies, he has moved into the field of digital marketing as a copywriter and content manager in the Los Angeles area. Still, he loves his Ducks and goes to local high school games all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area to check out new recruits of the future (and a SoFi game or two with the pros). On any given Saturday, expect to find him doing martial arts, playing the guitar, or screaming at the tv over a missed holding penalty.