Ohio State falls to Oregon, suffering first back-to-back losses since 1992
The Buckeyes dropped a 41-28 decision in Columbus, falling for the second straight week and likely ending their College Football Playoff hopes.
By Jack Weber ·
Oregon erased a 14-0 deficit to defeat No. 11 Ohio State 41-28 on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The loss marked the first time since 2011 that the Buckeyes have dropped two consecutive games. Oregon’s victory also snapped a season-long streak for the Ducks, who have now won two straight games.
Ohio State built its early lead in the first quarter. Bo Jackson rushed for touchdowns from 16 and 8 yards out, putting the home team ahead 14-0 late in the period. The Buckeyes maintained that lead until the second quarter when Gage Hurych kicked a 33-yard field goal.
Oregon shifted momentum with a fake punt on fourth-and-9. Linebacker Teitum Tuioti took the snap and threw a 30-yard pass to Matayo Uiagalelei, moving the ball to the Ohio State 39-yard line. Six plays later, Dierre Hill Jr. rushed 9 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-10. Hill then scored again on a 48-yard run to open the third quarter, extending Oregon’s lead to 24-14.
Oregon’s offense continued to control the game. Dylan Raiola passed for 257 yards and two second-half touchdowns. Dakorien Moore caught an 11-yard pass in the back of the end zone to make the score 31-14. Later, Brandon Smith ran a 15-yard screen pass, marking the first time since 1988 that Ohio State has allowed at least 30 points in consecutive losses.
Coach Dan Lanning credited his players for staying composed during the early deficit. "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 let the game hang and pursued the lead aggressively once they seized momentum.
For Ohio State, the loss represents a significant setback. The team had started the season as the No. 1 ranked team in the Associated Press Top 25. With this defeat, their chances of making the College Football Playoff appear slim. It is also the first time since October 1992 that Ohio State has lost back-to-back games to unranked opponents. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had 7 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, was seen arguing with coaches on the sideline.
Ohio State added two fourth-quarter touchdowns to close the gap, trailing 38-14 at one point before the final score reached 41-28. Many of the 103,551 fans left the stadium before the fourth quarter ended. Next week, Oregon will host Michigan, while Ohio State hosts Northwestern.
