Oregon Ducks vs Ohio State Buckeyes January 1st 2025

ESPN is covering the action as the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks face off in a college football playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, presented by Prudential. Kick-off is set for 5:00 ET on Wednesday, January 1st. The game is being played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, with both teams coming in with impressive records. Ohio State is 11-2, and Oregon is undefeated at 13-0. The Buckeyes are the slight -2.5-point favorites, and the over/under line is currently at 54 points.

Ohio State vs. Oregon Key Information

• Teams: Buckeyes at Ducks
• Where: Rose Bowl Pasadena
• Date: Wednesday, January 1st
• Betting Odds OHIOST -131 | ORE +109 O/U 54

The Buckeyes Can Win If…

Ohio State enters the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential with an 11-2 record. They’ve gone 8-1 at home and 3-1 on the road this season. The Buckeyes have been favored in all 13 games, holding a +24.6 average scoring margin.

Against the spread, Ohio State is 7-6, with a 5-4 record at home and 2-2 on the road. They’ve been the favorite in every game and have a -2.6 average margin against the spread.

This week’s over/under line is 54 points. Ohio State’s games have averaged an over/under line of 50 points, with their over/under record at 6-7 and an average combined score of 47.4 points per game.

Ohio State’s offense is ranked 4th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 11. They are 11th in points per game, scoring 36 per contest. Will Howard has thrown for 3,171 yards and has a passer rating of 118. He has completed 73.2% of his passes, leading to 29 touchdowns, though he has also thrown 9 interceptions.

Ohio State is 21st in passing yards per game, averaging 259.2 yards, and they rank 3rd in completion percentage at 71.2%. Jeremiah Smith has 1,037 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season. On the ground, Quinshon Judkins has rushed for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Ohio State’s defense has been a strong point this season, ranking first in the nation by allowing just 11.4 points per game. They’ve also given up only 141.2 passing yards per game, the fourth-lowest in the country, and 105.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks 15th.

In their recent game against Tennessee, Ohio State’s defense allowed 17 points and 256 total yards. Tennessee rushed 39 times for 152 yards and completed 14 passes for 104 yards.

• Over their last three games, the Ohio State Buckeyes have gone 2-1 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an ATS mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 2-1 in those same games.
• The Ohio State Buckeyes have gone 8-2 over their last ten regular season games. This includes going 6-4 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 3-7.

The Ducks Can Win If…

Oregon enters the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl with a perfect 13-0 record. The Ducks have gone 7-0 at home and 5-0 on the road this season. They’ve been favored in 11 of their 13 games, going 11-0 as the favorite. Oregon’s average scoring margin is +18.2 points per game.

Against the spread, Oregon is 7-5 this season. They are 4-3 ATS at home and 3-2 on the road. As the favorite, they’ve gone 6-5 ATS, with a 3-3 record at home.

The over/under line for this week’s game is 54 points. Oregon’s games have averaged 53.7 points, and their over/under record is 6-6. Their average over/under line this season has been 53.4 points, with an average margin of +1.6 points.

Heading into week 1, Oregon’s offense ranks 12th in scoring, with 35.9 points per game, but they are 2nd in our offensive power rankings. Dillon Gabriel leads the passing attack, having thrown for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns. He has a passer rating of 116 and has thrown six interceptions.

Oregon is 13th in passing completions, averaging 23.5 per game, and they are 14th in passing yards, with 278 per game. They lead the nation in completion percentage at 73.6%. On third downs, they convert 49.1% of their attempts. Jordan James has rushed for 1,253 yards and 15 touchdowns. Tez Johnson has 78 catches for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Oregon’s defense has been solid this season, ranking 14th nationally by allowing just 17.8 points per game. They’ve given up 128.1 rushing yards per game and 175.7 passing yards, which ranks 17th in the country. Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 70.2 against Oregon, the 13th-lowest in the nation.

Against Penn State, Oregon’s defense allowed 37 points but also forced an interception. They gave up 325 total yards, including 189 rushing yards on 40 attempts, while holding Penn State’s passing attack to 136 yards.

• Oregon has put together a record of 3-0 over their past three games. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 2-1.
• The Oregon Ducks have gone 10-0 over their last ten regular season games. Their record vs the spread sits at 6-4 in these matchups, while posting a 4-6 over-under mark.

The Lean

Our projected score for this week one matchup between Oregon and Ohio State is 31-26 in favor of the Ducks. Oregon is the +2.5 point underdog at home, and we like their chances to not only cover the spread but to win the game straight-up.

With the over/under line set at 54 points, our projection of 57 total points suggests that taking the over is the best play for this game.

Rose Bowl Rematch: No. 8 Ohio State Faces No. 1 Oregon for Redemption

The Rose Bowl is set for a blockbuster showdown as No. 8 Ohio State looks to avenge its October loss to No. 1 Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The matchup in Pasadena pits two powerhouse programs with explosive offenses and a shared history of high-stakes drama.

Ohio State’s Redemption Journey

Ohio State (11-2) narrowly lost to Oregon (13-0) in their regular-season clash, a 32-31 heartbreaker marked by a final-play misstep from quarterback Will Howard. With the clock running out, Howard slid at Oregon’s 26-yard line, ending the Buckeyes’ chances at a game-winning field goal.

Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, has been impressive this season, throwing for 3,171 yards and 29 touchdowns against nine interceptions. His primary weapons include:

• Emeka Egbuka: 65 receptions, 824 yards, 9 touchdowns.
• Jeremiah Smith: 63 receptions, 1,037 yards, 12 touchdowns.

Led by former Oregon head coach and current offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Buckeyes average 36 points per game and boast one of the nation’s most balanced offenses.

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Oregon’s Perfect Season

The Ducks are the only unbeaten team left in college football, entering the Rose Bowl with a flawless 13-0 record. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist, has been the engine behind their success.

Gabriel’s season stats are stellar:

• 73.2% completion rate.
• 3,558 passing yards.
• 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

Gabriel is also closing in on history, with 153 career touchdown passes—just two shy of the all-time FBS record held by Case Keenum.

Oregon’s ground game is equally dangerous, led by running back Jordan James, who has rushed for 1,253 yards and 15 touchdowns. With six 100-yard games, James complements Gabriel’s passing attack, making the Ducks a nightmare to defend.

What’s Changed Since October?

The October meeting between these teams was an offensive showcase. Gabriel threw for 341 yards, scored three total touchdowns, and displayed poise in high-pressure moments. Howard matched him step for step, throwing for 326 yards and three total touchdowns.

Both teams have evolved since that game, and their coaches are ready to make adjustments.

“You look at what worked and what didn’t, then adapt to the strengths of your current team,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said. “This rematch won’t look exactly like the first game.”

NFL Lines, Scores, and Odds: Your Ultimate Guide to Game Day Insights

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Will Howard vs. Oregon’s Secondary: Howard’s ability to execute in high-pressure moments will be critical, especially after his October mistake.
2. Dillon Gabriel vs. Ohio State’s Defense: Gabriel’s efficiency and big-play ability will test the Buckeyes’ defense, which allows just 11.4 points per game.
3. Jordan James vs. Ohio State’s Front Seven: If James can establish the run, Oregon’s offense will be nearly unstoppable.

What’s at Stake?

The winner of this game advances to the College Football Playoff semifinals, with Oregon aiming to keep its perfect season alive. For Ohio State, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative and prove they belong among the elite.

“This is what it’s all about—big games, big moments,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “We’re ready for the challenge.”

Final Thoughts

The Rose Bowl promises to be a thrilling rematch between two of the best teams in college football. With high-powered offenses, standout quarterbacks, and redemption on the line, this game has all the ingredients for an instant classic.