Ducks Storm Past No. 11 Ohio State 41-28 in Columbus
Oregon erased a 14-0 deficit to beat the Buckeyes, marking their first back-to-back losses to unranked teams since 1992.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Oregon overcame a 14-0 deficit to defeat No. 11 Ohio State 41-28 at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
The Ducks, ranked 23rd in the College Football Playoff, trailed late in the first quarter before scoring on four of their next five possessions. This surge allowed them to take control and secure a 41-28 victory. The result leaves Ohio State with its second consecutive loss for the first time since 2011.
Dierre Hill Jr. provided the offensive spark for Oregon. The sophomore rushed for 75 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. Dylan Raiola completed 25 of 40 passes for 257 yards and two second-half touchdowns for the Ducks.
For Ohio State, Luke Fahey completed 36 of 50 passes for 360 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Bo Jackson carried the ball 11 times for 48 yards and two scores. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught seven passes for 133 yards and a touchdown.
Coach Dan Lanning praised his players for maintaining composure during the early struggle. "A lot of credit to our players for really not flinching, not blinking when you’re down 14, and then just keep fighting," Lanning said. He noted that the team held onto momentum once they regained it, only giving ground near the final whistle.
The loss stings for the Buckeyes, who beat Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl last season to end their undefeated run. That Ohio State team went on to win the national championship. This Saturday's result dashes their hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff, having started the year as the Associated Press top-ranked team.
Ryan Day, the Ohio State head coach, acknowledged the shift in momentum. "We didn't expect any of this to happen. I thought the way that we came out was how we thought we would play in this game. And then once the momentum swung, we weren't able to stop that and then swing it," Day said. This is the first time in his eight seasons leading the team that he has lost three regular-season games.
A fake punt on fourth-and-9 in the second quarter proved to be the turning point. Linebacker Teitum Tuioti handed off to Matayo Uiagalelei for a 30-yard gain. Hill scored on the next drive to cut the deficit to 14-10. The Ducks added two more scores in the final minutes of the half to take a 17-14 lead into the break.
The crowd of 103,551 at Ohio Stadium saw many fans leave by the fourth quarter after Oregon scored 38 consecutive points. The Ducks extended their lead to 31-14 midway through the third quarter on a one-handed 11-yard catch by Dakorien Moore. Brandon Smith later rushed 15 yards on a screen pass, extending the Buckeyes' losing streak against unranked opponents to two games, a feat last accomplished in 1992.
