The Ohio State Buckeyes have opened the 2024-25 playoffs on a manic attack spree against any logo and team put in front of them. It started with the dismantling of the Tennessee Volunteers who were slaughtered by a score of 42-17 and if they kept their foot on the gas, it could have ended 60-0. For the Volunteers who attempted to take over Columbus, it felt that bad, if not, worse. That win earned the Buckeyes an invite to the historic Rose Bowl, a place they are used to winning. This time it would seem to not be so easy as they had to face off against the undefeated Oregon Ducks, who they previously fell to in Eugene. As it turned out, it was quite easy. The Buckeyes did things to the Ducks that would earn them jail time in nearly every other country in the world. They shattered the hopes and dreams of Duck fans everywhere and thoroughly embarrassed their new conference rivals out west.

The Buckeyes started off hot in the first quarter, scoring immediately and repeatedly, while stuffing the high-powered Oregon offense. The Ducks were down Evan Stewart who reportedly was injured in pregame warmups. Jeremiah Smith, the star freshman receiver, began his legendary performance by housing a quick catch for 45 yards, just one minute into the game. Ryan Day ensured a fast start for the Bucks, and he would not relent in the first half. The score was 14-0 after one quarter and the demoralized Ducks would see their season end by halftime.

The second quarter brought an onslaught of Buckeyes rolling down the field while their defense tore up Dillon Gabriel. Late in the third, Ohio State led the game 34-0 and would let up just 8 points as the half came to an end. Smith scored again in the second quarter, this time flying on a deep cross for 43 yards. A subtle head bob left swung the safety in coverage in that direction, allowing Smith to take in a wide-open score. These subtle movements during a route are something usually seen in far older players as those small keys are quite advanced for a receiver to do in the middle of a full sprint. It requires understanding of the defense's instincts and coverage to pull off and the newly 19-year-old executed perfectly. Smith clearly has shown all season as well as in the playoffs that he is a generational talent and the buzz in the NFL is that he would be a top pick in this year's draft if he were eligible, with some saying he would be the number one pick. Smith would end up with a remarkable stat line of 7 receptions, 187 yards, and 2 TDs.

In the second half, the game was essentially wrapped up as the Buckeyes showed they could score at will after the Ducks put one more score on the board in the third. The game resulted in a complete team win of 41-21 and anyone who watched could see that if Ryan Day had no mercy in his heart, the game would have been easily more lopsided. The Ducks showed little signs of life in the second half and head coach Dan Lanning punted multiple times in good field position on fourth and short, displaying his own recognition of total defeat.

Oregon will be alright. The embarrassment on the field is not a death sentence and they will certainly remain relevant for a long time and will absolutely continue to compete at the top level. Lanning and the Ducks will have to wait for their first title as a head coach and program at least another year. 2024 will go down in their history as one of the best years for the team from Eugene and the Rose Bowl, a small stain on what had been a perfect year. The Ducks won a Big 10 title in their first year and became the only team ever to beat Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State in the same year. Add in Wisconsin too and the typical powerhouses of the conference all fell in year one to Oregon. It should be considered a threat to the conference, a takeover of sorts. Ohio State got their second chance and Ryan Day took advantage of it, scheming up a perfect game plan. Oregon should hold their heads high in defeat, knowing that what Ohio State is showing themselves to be is simply inevitable this year. Texas will be next up for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State will travel to Arlington, TX to face the state's premier team. The Longhorns held on and survived an attack from the Sun Devils of Arizona State. Questionable calls certainly helped out a slow team from Austin. Texas is going to have to figure out their offense and fast. Ohio State's defense has put together excellent performances and to name just one standout player would be difficult. Cody Simon won defensive MVP in his Rose Bowl performance, while Lathan Ransom, David Igbinosun, and Jordan Hancock each played out of their minds. One cannot forget about playmakers JT Tuimoloau, Sonny Styles or Tyleik Williams who greatly helped in run support. Many who know the ins and outs of this Buckeye defense would call me crazy for not listing Jack Sawyer, Caleb Downs, or Denzel Burke yet. All of this to say, Ohio State's defense run by Jim Knowles has won them their playoff games despite the flash of Smith and Egbuka or a mistake free Will Howard thus far.

The biggest difference in the Ohio State victory over Oregon compared to their October 12th loss is the pressure from the defense. In their first matchup they recorded no sacks on Dillon Gabriel and very few pressures and hits. January 1st saw the Buckeyes swarm Gabriel, taking him down 8, yes 8, times. I would expect the Buckeye defense to go after Quinn Ewers and attempt to overwhelm an up and down quarterback, who once left their program. In the regular season, Ewers had a 49% completion rate under pressure vs 71% when clean. The Texas offensive line should be up for the challenge, but it will be extremely difficult to keep up with such a deep Ohio State defense who has found their rhythm.

Ohio State's offense has felt unstoppable in these playoffs with their fantastic receiving group. However, there is a highly interesting debate about which room is better: receivers or the backfield. The backfield led by Quinshon Judkins and Treyveon Henderson has been remarkable this season and they should get their fill but only after Ohio State attacks through the air. Texas' run defense has been one of the best in the country all year. They have not seen a running game quite like Ohio State's yet, but I would anticipate the Buckeyes would like to start the game by getting Howard and his stable of receivers going first to limit a run specific personnel up front.

It should be a highly interesting game at the Cotton Bowl this year with a National Title spot on the line. I believe it will be time for Texas to be exposed however and Ohio State's momentum should carry them through. I anticipate a 34-17 victory for the Buckeyes in “Jerry World” and they will earn a chance to win a title on January 20th. Ryan Day and Ohio State have been out for blood and every game they've played, every step they've taken, since the Michigan loss has been deliberate to deliver Columbus another championship. No team will be spared. The Buckeyes are gladiators in a coliseum, simply waiting for the next beast to slay.