Oregon’s 41-28 Upset Ends Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes
The Ducks erased a 14-0 deficit to drop the Buckeyes to 6-3, marking their first two-game losing streak since 2011.
By Alessia Romano ·
Oregon defeated No. 11 Ohio State 41-28 on Saturday at Ohio Stadium, capping a second consecutive victory for the Ducks and delivering a major setback to the Buckeyes' postseason aspirations. The result leaves Ohio State at 6-3 and 4-2 in Big Ten play, while Oregon improves to 6-3 and 4-2 in the conference.
The game featured a dramatic shift in momentum that erased Ohio State’s early dominance. The Buckeyes held a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter after Bo Jackson scored on runs of 16 and 8 yards. Oregon responded by scoring on four of its next five drives to take control, ultimately outscoring Ohio State 38-14 over the middle portion of the contest. The final margin of 13 points reflected the extent of the Buckeyes' collapse after establishing a double-digit cushion.
Dierre Hill Jr. anchored the Oregon offense with 75 rushing yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. His second score, a 48-yard run in the opening drive of the third quarter, extended the lead to 24-14 after he cut right and broke three tackles. Quarterback Dylan Raiola contributed 257 passing yards on 25 of 40 completions, including two second-half touchdowns that put the game out of reach.
The turning point occurred early in the second quarter on a fourth-and-9 play. Linebacker Teitum Tuioti snapped the ball and threw a 30-yard fake punt to Matayo Uiagalelei, moving the ball to the Ohio State 39. That play set up Hill’s first touchdown six plays later. Coach Dan Lanning credited the squad for maintaining composure after falling behind, stating they did not flinch when down 14 and allowed the momentum to settle once they scored.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged that the team’s start did not match expectations and that they failed to reverse the momentum shift once it occurred. Day has now lost three regular-season games in his eight seasons leading the program, a first for him. The Buckeyes have dropped back-to-back games for the first time since 2011 and have lost consecutive games to unranked opponents for the first time since October 1992.
The loss likely eliminates Ohio State from the College Football Playoff, as they opened the season as the top-ranked team in the Associated Press poll. The team now sits at No. 12 in the CFP rankings. Many of the 103,551 fans in attendance, mostly wearing scarlet, left by midway through the fourth quarter after Oregon scored 38 straight points.
Ohio State’s quarterback Luke Fahey completed 36 of 50 passes for 360 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His performance included a pick by Devin Jackson at the Oregon 41, which helped spark the Ducks' late-half surge. Oregon will host Michigan next Saturday, while Ohio State hosts Northwestern in the same timeframe.
