Ohio State players are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch with Oregon after securing a spot in the quarterfinal game at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. The Buckeyes have been eager to avenge their loss to the Ducks earlier in the season, with quarterback Will Howard expressing his excitement for another chance to face their opponents.
In their previous encounter, Ohio State led twice in the second half but ultimately fell short, losing by a narrow margin. The team's defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, highlighted the motivation the players have drawn from that defeat, emphasizing their determination to perform better this time around.
Reflecting on their previous matchup, Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon acknowledged the need to learn from past mistakes and adapt to the changes in both teams' strategies. With the Buckeyes' defense now ranked as the best in the nation, they are prepared to face the challenge posed by Oregon's potent offense.
During their recent victory over Tennessee, Ohio State showcased a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Will Howard delivered an impressive display, throwing two touchdown passes and amassing 311 passing yards. The defense also excelled, limiting Tennessee's quarterback to his lowest passing yardage of the season.
Oregon's coach, Dan Lanning, acknowledged the Buckeyes' strength and explosiveness, recognizing them as a formidable opponent. The upcoming quarterfinal game promises to be a thrilling showdown between two top-tier teams seeking to advance in the playoffs.
As the college football playoffs progress, other quarterfinal matchups include Penn State against Boise State, Texas against Arizona State, and Notre Dame against Georgia. The stage is set for intense competition as teams vie for a spot in the championship game.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
