When the Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats face off on the football field, it’s more than just a game—it’s a clash of college football titans. Both teams have rich histories, passionate fan bases, and rosters packed with talent. Their recent matchups, particularly the thrilling October 12, 2024, game and the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025, have given fans plenty to talk about. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats from these games, breaking down who stood out, how the teams performed, and what the numbers tell us about these epic battles. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about college football, this breakdown is designed to be clear, engaging, and easy to follow.
A Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats Rivalry Steeped in History
Before we get to the stats, let’s set the stage. Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats have met 12 times in their history, with the Buckeyes holding a 10-2 edge. Their encounters include iconic games like the 1958 Rose Bowl, where Oregon’s Jack Crabtree earned MVP honors despite a 10-7 loss, and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, where Ohio State dominated 42-20. More recently, the 2024 season saw two high-stakes games: a regular-season thriller in Eugene and a Rose Bowl rout in Pasadena. These games showcased incredible individual performances, and the stats tell a compelling story.
The October 12, 2024, Showdown: Oregon 32, Ohio State 31
The first meeting of the 2024 season was a nail-biter at Autzen Stadium, where No. 3 Oregon edged out No. 2 Ohio State 32-31 in front of a record crowd of 61,128. This game was a back-and-forth battle with six lead changes, showcasing the offensive firepower of both teams. Let’s break down the key player stats from this game.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Key Performers
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Will Howard (Quarterback): Howard was the heartbeat of Ohio State’s offense, completing 28 of 35 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, his fifth of the season. Despite his strong performance, a late-game decision to run instead of sliding cost the Buckeyes a chance at a game-winning field goal. Howard’s poise under pressure was evident, but a pass interference penalty on freshman Jeremiah Smith in the final moments pushed Ohio State out of field goal range.
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Jeremiah Smith (Wide Receiver): The freshman phenom lived up to the hype, catching four passes for 74 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown. His 38-yard reception set up a crucial score, but the aforementioned penalty late in the game was a setback. Smith’s ability to get open and make big plays was a glimpse of his bright future.
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Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver): Egbuka was a reliable target, hauling in eight catches for 99 yards and a 15-yard touchdown. His 26-yard reception in the final minute gave Ohio State hope, but the drive stalled. Egbuka’s consistency was key in keeping the Buckeyes competitive.
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Quinshon Judkins (Running Back): Judkins ran for 66 yards on 14 carries and scored a 1-yard touchdown. However, a fumble forced and recovered by Oregon’s Derrick Harmon at the Ohio State 28-yard line led to a Ducks touchdown, shifting momentum.
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TreVeyon Henderson (Running Back): Henderson contributed 87 yards on 10 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. His explosive runs helped balance Ohio State’s attack, though the team leaned heavily on the passing game.
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Team Stats: Ohio State racked up 467 total yards (326 passing, 141 rushing) and converted 6 of 12 third downs. They averaged 7.2 yards per play but were hampered by five penalties for 45 yards, including the costly pass interference call. The Buckeyes’ defense struggled, failing to record a single sack or turnover, a rare lapse for a unit ranked No. 1 nationally.
Oregon Ducks: Key Performers
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Dillon Gabriel (Quarterback): Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy candidate, was electric, completing 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving Oregon a 29-28 lead. Gabriel’s ability to extend plays with his legs and find open receivers was pivotal, though he faced pressure from Ohio State’s defense late in the game.
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Jordan James (Running Back): James powered Oregon’s ground game, rushing for 115 yards on 23 carries and scoring a 3-yard touchdown. His physicality helped the Ducks control the clock and win the field position battle.
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Tez Johnson (Wide Receiver): Johnson was a game-changer, catching six passes for 75 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown that gave Oregon a 22-21 lead at halftime. His speed stretched Ohio State’s defense thin.
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Traeshon Holden (Wide Receiver): Holden had a mixed day, catching four passes for 59 yards but was ejected in the second quarter for spitting on Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun. His absence forced Oregon to rely on other receivers, but the Ducks adapted well.
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Atticus Sappington (Kicker): Sappington was the hero, nailing a 19-yard field goal with 1:47 left to secure the 32-31 lead. He also made a 27-yard field goal earlier, though a botched extra-point attempt kept the game close.
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Team Stats: Oregon amassed 496 total yards (341 passing, 155 rushing) and went 7 of 14 on third downs. They averaged 7.4 yards per play but were hurt by three penalties, including an illegal substitution that gave Ohio State a brief lifeline. The Ducks’ defense forced two fumbles, recovering one, and capitalized on Ohio State’s mistakes.
Game-Changing Moments
The game was defined by its wild swings. Oregon’s Traeshon Holden ejection and a flubbed extra-point attempt gave Ohio State opportunities, but the Buckeyes couldn’t capitalize fully. A pass interference call on Jeremiah Smith in the final minute and Will Howard’s late slide were decisive, as Oregon’s defense held firm. The Ducks’ ability to start drives from better field position (never beyond their own 40-yard line) was a key factor, as noted by coach Dan Lanning.
The Rose Bowl Rematch: Ohio State 41, Oregon 21
Fast forward to January 1, 2025, and the stakes were even higher in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. Ohio State, the No. 8 seed, avenged their earlier loss with a dominant 41-21 victory over the top-seeded, unbeaten Oregon Ducks. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 34-0 lead in the first half, showcasing their explosive offense and suffocating defense. Let’s dive into the stats.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Key Performers
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Will Howard (Quarterback): Howard was nearly flawless, completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. He spread the ball effectively, connecting with Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka for long scores. Howard’s 212 yards in the first quarter alone surpassed his total against Tennessee in the CFP first round. His ability to read Oregon’s defense and deliver precise passes was a masterclass.
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Jeremiah Smith (Wide Receiver): Smith stole the show, earning Rose Bowl Offensive MVP honors with seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns (45 and 42 yards). He broke Ohio State’s single-game freshman receiving yardage record, showcasing his elite speed and hands. Smith’s ability to get open, even against Oregon’s talented secondary, was a game-changer.
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TreVeyon Henderson (Running Back): Henderson was explosive, rushing for 94 yards on eight carries (11.8 yards per carry) and scoring two touchdowns, including a 66-yard sprint. His big plays complemented Ohio State’s passing attack, keeping Oregon’s defense off balance.
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Quinshon Judkins (Running Back): Judkins added 85 yards on 15 carries, providing a physical presence in the run game. The duo of Henderson and Judkins overwhelmed Oregon’s front seven.
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Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver): Egbuka caught five passes for 62 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown. His reliable hands and route-running kept drives alive.
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Jayden Fielding (Kicker): Fielding was perfect, hitting a 36-yard field goal to cap a 34-0 first half. His consistency ensured Ohio State maximized scoring opportunities.
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Team Stats: Ohio State dominated with 500 total yards (319 passing, 181 rushing) and averaged 8.8 yards per play. They converted 4 of 11 third downs and committed just two penalties. The Buckeyes’ defense was relentless, recording eight sacks and holding Oregon to -23 rushing yards, a testament to their dominance.
Oregon Ducks: Key Performers
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Dillon Gabriel (Quarterback): Gabriel struggled under constant pressure, completing 29 of 42 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked eight times, losing 43 yards, which crippled Oregon’s offense. Gabriel’s resilience kept the Ducks in the game, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
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Traeshon Holden (Wide Receiver): Holden bounced back from his ejection in the first game, catching six passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. His big plays in the second half gave Oregon a spark, but it was too late.
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Noah Whittington (Running Back): Whittington scored a 2-yard touchdown but managed only 20 yards on seven carries. Oregon’s run game was non-existent, averaging -0.9 yards per carry.
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Team Stats: Oregon managed 276 total yards (299 passing, -23 rushing) and went 8 of 19 on third downs and 2 of 3 on fourth downs. They committed three penalties but avoided turnovers. The Ducks’ offense couldn’t find rhythm against Ohio State’s aggressive defense, and their 3.9 yards per play reflected their struggles.
Game-Changing Moments
Ohio State set the tone early, scoring on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith just 49 seconds into the game. The Buckeyes’ offense was unstoppable in the first half, with three-play and two-play touchdown drives showcasing their explosiveness. Oregon’s first-round bye seemed to hurt them, as they looked rusty and couldn’t match Ohio State’s intensity. The Buckeyes’ eight sacks, led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, disrupted Oregon’s game plan, and TreVeyon Henderson’s 66-yard touchdown run sealed the rout.
Comparing the Two Games
The October 2024 game was a close, high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing offensive prowess. Oregon’s field position advantage and timely defensive stops made the difference. In contrast, the Rose Bowl was a one-sided demolition, with Ohio State’s defense suffocating Oregon’s offense and their own offense firing on all cylinders. Jeremiah Smith’s emergence as a star was evident in both games, but his record-breaking performance in the Rose Bowl cemented his status as a future NFL prospect. Will Howard’s growth from a near-hero in October to a dominant force in January showed Ohio State’s ability to learn from their earlier loss.
Key Takeaways for Fans
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Ohio State’s Depth: The Buckeyes’ roster, loaded with NFL-caliber talent like Smith, Howard, Henderson, and Judkins, proved too much for Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Their ability to dominate both lines of scrimmage was a difference-maker.
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Oregon’s Resilience: Despite the Rose Bowl loss, Dillon Gabriel and Jordan James showed why the Ducks were the No. 1 seed. Their regular-season win over Ohio State highlighted their ability to compete with the best.
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Impact Players: Jeremiah Smith’s 187 yards in the Rose Bowl and Dillon Gabriel’s 341 yards in October were standout performances. Both players are likely to be high NFL draft picks.
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Defensive Contrasts: Ohio State’s defense went from no sacks in October to eight in January, showing their ability to adjust. Oregon’s defense struggled to contain Ohio State’s big plays in the rematch.
Looking Ahead
The Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats rivalry is heating up, especially as Big Ten foes. Their 2024 matchups showed both teams are national championship contenders. Ohio State advanced to the CFP semifinals against Texas, while Oregon’s season ended with a 13-1 record, a remarkable feat in their first Big Ten year. Fans can look forward to their next meeting in 2025, as both teams reload with talent.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats delivered two unforgettable games in 2024, each with its own story told through the stats. From Dillon Gabriel’s heroics in Eugene to Jeremiah Smith’s record-breaking day in Pasadena, the player performances showcased the best of college football. Whether you’re cheering for the Scarlet and Gray or the Green and Yellow, these games proved why this matchup is one of the sport’s most exciting. Keep an eye on these teams, as their stars are sure to shine in the NFL and beyond.