As Ohio State prepares for one of the biggest challenges of its season, defensive end Jack Sawyer isn’t holding back.
With the Buckeyes heading to Eugene for a highly anticipated clash against the third-ranked Oregon Ducks, Sawyer made it clear that the team is ready for the fight.
“Super excited. Can’t wait to go compete against a team like Oregon,” Sawyer said. “Going behind enemy lines, we love that. We’re ready for a heavyweight battle.”
Tomorrow promises to be, at least on paper, the single-best week of the entire college football regular season.
With a plethora of phenomenal matchups on tap, Ohio State vs. Oregon certainly seems to be the biggest game of the entire day.
While it’s still insane to think that the matchup is a Big Ten clash, it’s something we better get used to. These two programs already share a history, and they will only get more acquainted with each other from here on out.
The Buckeyes head into next Saturday’s game with momentum after dismantling Big Ten rival Iowa. Led by a defense that includes stars such as Jack Sawyer, safety Caleb Downs, edge rusher JT Tuimoloau, and cornerback Denzel Burke, Ohio State has shown that its defense is as formidable as its offense.
Speaking to reporters, Sawyer exuded confidence ahead of the trip to Oregon. “Going behind enemy lines” reflects the Buckeyes’ mindset as they prepare for a tough road environment. The matchup against Oregon will undoubtedly test their undefeated start to the season.
Head coach Ryan Day has also been preparing his squad for what could be one of their toughest tests.
Ohio State’s offense is led by transfer quarterback Will Howard, formerly of Kansas State, and bolstered by standout running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Together, they have consistently kept the Buckeyes on the offensive attack.
New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has played an enormous role in Ohio State’s success on the season. Not having to worry about being the head coach or all the headaches that come with NIL and recruiting, Kelly is right where he wants to be – up in the booth and in charge of the offense only.
Oregon, under head coach Dan Lanning, is certainly no slouch either. Considered the best young coach in the country, Lanning has built the Ducks into a powerhouse program.
Known for his SEC-inspired toughness, Lanning’s squad has talent on both sides of the ball and will look to protect their home turf against one of college football’s most storied programs.
Both teams have everything to play for in what promises to be one of the most pivotal games of the season. With the CFP picture still developing, whoever comes out victorious in Eugene will have a clearer path toward a potential playoff berth.
While Sawyer is clearly excited for the challenge in Eugene, teammate Josh Fryar struck a different tune when he admitted that he’s not a fan of playing on the big stage.
“I don’t like it on national television, because if you get messed up, everybody knows. The reporters, the announcers, everybody,” the senior right tackle surprisingly said.
While there’s a part of me that thinks Fryar was just being a little cute while speaking about the enormous spotlight that shines on Ohio State, that’s still a comment that should make Buckeye fans a little concerned.
Regardless, what are your thoughts on the enormous matchup?
Who do you think will come out on top? … Can you see the Buckeyes pulling off the victory in such a hostile environment?
Will this only be the first time we see these two powers clash this season???