As the sun sets over the picturesque Pasadena hills on New Year’s Day, the Rose Bowl—affectionately known as “The Grandaddy of Them All”—will host an epic College Football Playoff Quarterfinal showdown. The 8th-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes and the top-seeded Oregon Ducks, both now members of the Big Ten, are set to clash in what promises to be a historic battle on the gridiron. This isn’t just another playoff game; it’s a matchup steeped in history, pride, and a shared legacy of dominance.

This editorial recounts the story of these two powerhouse programs, their previous meetings, and what makes this clash one for the ages.

Ohio State vs. Oregon: A Rivalry of Championship Proportions

Ohio State and Oregon share a storied history on the football field, having faced each other in some of the sport’s most memorable games. While not traditional rivals, their meetings have often occurred on the grandest stages, elevating their clashes into a marquee matchup for fans and players alike.

Their First Meeting: The 1958 Rose Bowl

The Buckeyes and Ducks first crossed paths in the 1958 Rose Bowl, a game that showcased Ohio State’s dominance under legendary coach Woody Hayes. Led by Heisman Trophy-winning halfback Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, the Buckeyes secured a decisive 10-7 victory over the Ducks, marking their second Rose Bowl win in program history. This game set the tone for the Buckeyes’ future dominance in the series.

The 2010 Rose Bowl

Over five decades later, the two programs reunited in Pasadena for the 2010 Rose Bowl. Oregon, under then-head coach Chip Kelly, entered the game with one of the most explosive offenses in college football, led by quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LaMichael James. However, Ohio State’s Jim Tressel-led squad, anchored by quarterback Terrelle Pryor, controlled the game’s tempo with a methodical offensive approach and stifling defense. The Buckeyes triumphed 26-17, cementing their status as Rose Bowl stalwarts.

The 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship

The stakes reached their zenith in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, the first in the playoff era. Ohio State, the fourth seed, upset top-seeded Alabama in the semifinal to earn their spot against Oregon, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes delivered a dominant performance, powered by running back Ezekiel Elliott’s 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns, to secure a 42-20 victory. This win solidified Ohio State’s legacy and denied Oregon its first national championship.

The 2024 Playoff Quarterfinal: A New Era

This year’s matchup in the Rose Bowl brings a fresh chapter to this storied rivalry. With both teams now part of the Big Ten, the stakes are higher than ever. Ohio State enters as the underdog, an 8th seed with everything to prove. Oregon, meanwhile, is the top seed, a team built for dominance and determined to secure its first-ever national title.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Resilient Underdogs

The Buckeyes’ path to Pasadena has been anything but straightforward. A midseason loss to Michigan placed their playoff hopes in jeopardy, but a strong finish, combined with some fortuitous results in other conferences, earned them the final playoff spot.

Led by quarterback Devin Brown and a potent offensive duo in running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State boasts a high-powered attack capable of putting up points in a hurry. Defensively, the Buckeyes rely on their fearsome front seven, led by All-American defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, to disrupt opposing offenses.

Ohio State’s history in the Rose Bowl fuels their confidence. The Buckeyes hold an 8-7 all-time record in Pasadena, and their fans will turn the stadium into a sea of scarlet and gray.

Oregon Ducks: Aiming for History

For Oregon, this season has been a statement of intent. The Ducks dominated the regular season under head coach Dan Lanning, showcasing a balanced offense and a lockdown defense. Quarterback Bo Nix, playing in his fifth season, has been a revelation, combining veteran poise with the ability to make plays under pressure. On the ground, running back Bucky Irving leads the charge, while a deep receiving corps ensures no shortage of targets.

Defensively, Oregon’s strength lies in its secondary, with All-American cornerback Dontae Manning anchoring a unit that leads the nation in interceptions. The Ducks are determined to exorcise the ghosts of past losses to Ohio State and prove their top-seeded status is no fluke.

Clashing Styles: Power vs. Speed

This game represents a classic clash of styles: Ohio State’s physical, methodical approach against Oregon’s speed and explosiveness.

The Buckeyes’ Blueprint

For Ohio State to pull off the upset, they will need to control the tempo. Establishing the run game with Henderson and utilizing short, efficient passes to Harrison Jr. will keep the Ducks’ offense off the field. On defense, the Buckeyes must apply relentless pressure on Nix, forcing him into mistakes.

The Ducks’ Formula for Success

Oregon, on the other hand, thrives on quick strikes. Their ability to stretch the field with deep passes and open up running lanes with their spread offense will test Ohio State’s discipline. Defensively, the Ducks will look to capitalize on turnovers, an area where they’ve excelled all season.

The Setting: The Rose Bowl’s Timeless Magic

The Rose Bowl, with its iconic setting and rich history, adds an extra layer of grandeur to this matchup. The game’s 5:00 PM ET kickoff ensures it will be played under the California sunset, with the San Gabriel Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. This setting has hosted countless legends, and this year’s playoff quarterfinal will undoubtedly add to its lore.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

With so much on the line, this game is shaping up to be a classic. While Oregon enters as the favorite, Ohio State’s resilience and history in the Rose Bowl cannot be underestimated. The Buckeyes have thrived in underdog roles before, and their physicality could pose problems for Oregon’s high-octane attack.

On the flip side, Oregon’s balance and depth make them a formidable opponent. If Bo Nix can maintain his composure and the defense continues its stellar play, the Ducks have a clear path to victory.

In the end, this game will likely be decided by turnovers, special teams, and the ability to execute in critical moments. Regardless of the outcome, fans are in for a treat as two of college football’s most storied programs collide in the sport’s most iconic venue.

The 2024 Rose Bowl Playoff Quarterfinal is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of college football’s enduring legacy. Ohio State and Oregon, two programs with rich histories and passionate fanbases, will once again write a new chapter in their shared story. As the teams take the field in Pasadena, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their universities, their fans, and the sport itself.

This New Year’s Day, all eyes will be on the Rose Bowl. And when the dust settles, one team will move closer to a national championship, while the other will have contributed to an unforgettable installment in college football lore.

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