PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Oregon head coach Dan Lanning shouldered responsibility for his team’s 41-21 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Rose Bowl, ending the Ducks’ perfect season.
The Buckeyes dominated from the start, amassing 34 points by halftime behind quarterback Will Howard’s commanding performance. Ohio State’s defense pressured Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel throughout, recording eight sacks against Oregon’s typically robust offensive line.
“I didn’t get our team prepared,” Lanning said after the game, acknowledging Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s superior game plan. The loss came despite Oregon’s previous victory over the Buckeyes in October, when they edged Ohio State 32-31.
Gabriel managed to lead two 75-yard scoring drives, showing glimpses of the offensive prowess that carried Oregon through an undefeated regular season. However, the Buckeyes’ defensive standout Cody Simon and receiver Jeremiah Smith proved too much for the Ducks to handle.
The defeat marks another setback in Oregon’s quest for its first national championship, though Lanning remained optimistic: “Adversity happens in life… We’re going to get an opportunity in life to continue to attack and move forward.”
