Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks Logo Vandalized Before Rose Bowl vs. Ohio State

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 31, 2024 3:23 PM ET

Vandalism occurred near the University of Oregon shortly before Wednesday's Rose Bowl.

Oregon will play Ohio State in a highly anticipated second-round College Football Playoff matchup in Pasadena, California. Buckeyes fans might have pulled a childish prank on their new Big Ten rival ahead of the game.

As The Register-Guard's Chris Pietsch documented, the giant "O" hanging at Skinner Butte above the University of Oregon's campus in Eugene was splattered with red paint. The "O" is usually painted yellow but was re-redecorated in one of Ohio State's primary colors.

Eugene Police Department didn't respond to an inquiry from The Register-Guard regarding the vandalism.

A live update from Eugene, Oregon this morning where I can confirm that the O on Skinner Butte has been splattered with red paint. @registerguard @rosebowlgame pic.twitter.com/UE0JIaMngh
— Chris Pietsch (@ChrisPietsch) December 31, 2024

Upon joining the Big Ten, Oregon went 13-0 under head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks conquered their most formidable challenge when earning a 32-31 home victory over the Buckeyes in October.

The two powerhouses combined for 963 yards in a close encounter at Autzen Stadium. Atticus Sappington kicked a game-winning field goal with less than two minutes remaining.

EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks reacts after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. The Oregon Ducks won 32-31. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)Alika Jenner/Getty Images

They appeared on a collision course for a rematch to crown a Big Ten champion, but Ohio State ended the regular season with a 13-10 loss to Michigan. Ryan Day's Buckeyes responded to the rivalry shortcoming with a statement win to start the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State scored 21 first quarter-points in a 42-17 victory over Tennessee in Columbus. Will Howard completed 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, both to standout freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

"We were ready to get that bad taste out of our mouth, let it all loose, and dominate Tennessee," Smith said of avenging the Michigan loss, per ESPN's Chris Low. "Here's a chance to do it again."

Fighting for their first national title, the Ducks face a brutal bracket despite garnering the No. 1 seed. The Buckeyes are slight favorites to win the Rose Bowl.

"You turn on the film and you try to find weaknesses in an opponent. It's really hard to find weaknesses in Ohio State," Lanning said Tuesday, per Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors.

Oregon and Ohio State will play for a spot in the semifinals on Wednesday. The Rose Bowl starts at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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