As the College Football Playoff (CFP) season unfolds, the showdown between the Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups in recent memory. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but the question remains: who enters the game with the most momentum?
Oregon, led by head coach Dan Lanning, has been one of the most dynamic teams in college football this year. The Ducks have played with a chip on their shoulder after a tough 2023 campaign, and their performance in the Pac-12 Championship Game against Washington was a testament to their resilience and talent. One of Oregon’s most significant wins came early in the season when they defeated the then-number three Ohio State Buckeyes in a shocking 35-28 upset in Columbus. This victory not only demonstrated Oregon’s potential, but it also boosted the team’s confidence heading into the heart of the season. Quarterback Bo Nix, who transferred from Auburn, has been a key catalyst in the Ducks’ resurgence. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.
Oregon’s offense, led by Nix and standout running back Bucky Irving, has been nearly unstoppable, and the defense, though not as heralded, has made timely stops when necessary. The Ducks have proven they can beat elite teams and thrive under pressure, which bodes well for their chances in the playoff.
In addition to their impressive offense, Oregon’s coaching staff has shown a knack for making adjustments, and Lanning’s experience at Georgia under Kirby Smart has paid off. The Ducks enter the playoff with significant momentum, and their early-season win over Ohio State will serve as a confidence booster, especially when facing off against a familiar and formidable opponent.
Ohio State, on the other hand, has had a slightly more tumultuous path to the playoff. Despite boasting an undefeated regular season, the Buckeyes have faced challenges that have tested their resolve. Their most notable defeat was a narrow loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game. However, they have rebounded well and earned their spot in the CFP due to their strong overall resume.
Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, has been potent throughout the season, and the receiving corps—featuring Marvin Harrison Jr.—has been one of the most explosive units in the country. Stroud has displayed excellent poise, and his ability to distribute the ball to various playmakers gives the Buckeyes a high ceiling. While their offensive line has been inconsistent at times, Ohio State has generally been able to outpace opponents with its high-powered attack.
Defensively, Ohio State is a talented but sometimes inconsistent group. The Buckeyes have struggled with physical teams, such as Michigan, but they remain one of the most talented units in the nation. With players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Tommy Eichenberg leading the way, Ohio State’s defense can be suffocating when it is firing on all cylinders. However, their struggles in high-pressure games, like the loss to Michigan, could leave lingering doubts heading into a playoff game against a motivated and talented Oregon team.
The question of momentum is crucial in a playoff setting, and while Ohio State enters the game with a storied history and a strong overall season, Oregon’s recent performances, including the early-season victory over the Buckeyes, indicate they have the psychological advantage.
Oregon’s confidence is palpable, and their big-game experience throughout the season, including victories over top-ranked opponents, has set the stage for their playoff run. In contrast, Ohio State enters with questions surrounding their ability to handle adversity, especially after their loss to Michigan and the uncertainty surrounding how they will perform against a high-flying Oregon offense.
The key will likely be whether Oregon can continue to execute at a high level against a talented Ohio State defense, while also keeping Stroud and the Buckeyes’ offense at bay. Oregon’s defense has been opportunistic, but they’ll face one of their biggest tests against an offense as dynamic as Ohio State’s. Conversely, Ohio State must prove they can rise to the occasion after a humbling loss to Michigan, and they will need to contain Nix and the Ducks’ balanced attack if they are to emerge victorious.
As the College Football Playoff gets underway, Oregon appears to have the momentum heading into their matchup with Ohio State. Their early-season win, combined with a strong finish to the season and a high-powered offense, gives them the edge. Ohio State, while talented, has shown vulnerability in recent weeks, and their ability to bounce back from a loss to Michigan will be tested against a hungry Oregon team.
Ultimately, momentum plays a significant role in playoff success, and right now, Oregon seems to have the upper hand as they look to make a run for the national title. But as always in college football, anything can happen when two elite teams take the field.