The stage is set for a high-stakes College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, where undefeated No. 1 seed Oregon will take on No. 8 Ohio State in what many expect to be the game of the postseason.
Despite Oregon’s flawless record, the Buckeyes are heading into the New Year’s Day matchup as 2.5-point favorites.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is well aware of the challenge ahead, describing Ohio State as one of the most formidable teams in the nation.
“I don’t know if there’s a more talented team in the nation,” Lanning said of the Buckeyes. “Obviously, they’ve got great weapons outside at wideout and across the board.
“Their tight end is a big target. Their running backs are elite. I think they’ve settled in with their offensive line and that’s really shown up. And then defensively, they play with relentless effort. They’ve got talent across the board at really every position.”
While the oddsmakers are siding with Ohio State, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum is taking a different stance.
“We saw what happened against Michigan, we’re over that,” Finebaum said. “We saw what happened in the Oregon game. They’re inconsistent and I think against Oregon, which has been a flawless team most of the season, I don’t think they’re going to get it done … Peg me in for the Ducks. Quack. Quack.”
Ohio State’s journey to this rematch has been fueled by redemption.
The Buckeyes suffered a heartbreaking 32-31 loss to Oregon at Autzen Stadium in October, a game that ended with quarterback Will Howard’s mistimed slide costing them a chance at victory.
Reflecting on the loss, Howard expressed his determination to make the most of the opportunity.
“You don’t get second chances a lot in life. That just doesn’t happen. So, I’m thankful that we even get a chance to go out there and play these guys again,” Howard said.
“And it really has nothing to do with me, man. It’s about this team and the way that we lost that game. It still hurts. It still hurts all of us. So, we’re excited for another crack at these guys.
“We’ll keep it in the back of our heads. It’s a new game. We’re both very different teams than we were back then, but that definitely hasn’t left my head.”
What a scene it will be at the Rose Bowl when this epic clash kicks off on New Year’s Day.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s prediction?
More importantly, what is YOUR prediction for the matchup???
