The AP third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes thought they’d have a relatively easy time disposing of No. 12 Oregon at home on Saturday, but the Ducks took the fight to the hosts in Columbus, and emerging with a 35-28 upset victory.
Even though Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for a whopping 484 yards and three touchdowns, hard as it is to believe, he left plenty of yards on the field. Some of that is on Ohio State’s unimaginative scheme, which deploys the exact same rushing plays ad nauseum, but Stroud also had some critical misses.
In the fourth quarter, Stroud overshot Garrett Wilson down the right sideline on a downfield throw that would’ve potentially tied the score at 35. It was one of several deep shots Stroud failed to connect on throughout the afternoon. He later scrambled outside the pocket and sailed a pass over Chris Olave’s head, resulting in an interception.
Ohio State’s celebrated offensive line struggled against Oregon’s front seven, despite top 2022 NFL Draft prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux not in at defensive end for the Ducks. They were also without star linebacker Justin Flowe.
The fact that the Buckeyes couldn’t get enough push up front to establish the run is a huge red flag, but let’s give some credit to Oregon.
Rallying around the absences of multiple key players, the Ducks played inspired football, while Ohio State was flat. Head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff completely outcoached and outclassed Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.
Undisciplined defense and failed in-game adjustments doomed Ohio State, as did an excellent showing by Oregon tailback CJ Verdell. He had 195 total yards and three touchdowns, running for 161 yards on 20 carries and two scores, including a 77-yard house call near the start of the third quarter.
So, now it’s time to look at just how crushed the Buckeyes got on social media for their first regular-season loss during Day’s tenure.
Ohio State blasted for poor defense, failing to meet the hype in loss to Oregon
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