Ohio State and Oregon battled in an instant classic in Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won 32-31, leaving questions for the Buckeyes in its wake.

Dear Fellow Buckeyes,

This was another tough loss in a big game for Ohio State, so let’s put it in perspective and dissect what happened. Oregon is a top-three team and is as advertised, and Autzen Stadium was a world-class environment on Saturday night. 

I won’t downplay the sting of losing in heartbreaking fashion because the opportunities were there. Let’s not debate officiating or calls. There were egregious ones in both directions. The bigger the game, the smaller the margins, and giving Oregon two extra possessions was a key difference in the game.

I’ll address the offense first, which played at a high level. The only critique is that Judkins was stripped in the first quarter. Whether or not the Ducks scored on the extra possessions after turnovers still cost the Buckeyes an opportunity to score. 

Chip Kelly’s unit had no trouble moving the football throughout the night. Drives either ended in a turnover or stalled due to a poorly timed penalty or miscue. It was a methodical approach and exploited matchup issues all game long. 

Will Howard was outstanding for most of the night. The final play was the black eye of his evening, but there should’ve been 0:01 remaining debatably. Still, situational awareness must be at the forefront of that play and the decision to tuck it and run. 

Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith also had solid outings, 10-93-1 and 9-100-1, respectively. TreVeyon Henderson also carried the ball ten times for 87 yards. I expected the Buckeyes to run the football more, but they liked their matchups and still moved the ball consistently. Losing Josh Simmons was a tough blow for Ohio State, and evident in the second half. 

Moreover, this is the fifth straight loss in which Ohio State has been outrushed. That’s a key stat to keep in mind. Additionally, Oregon was masterful offensively. Both teams were, which played to Oregon’s advantage because Ohio State has the stronger defense. 

The game was played on Gabriel’s terms. The Ducks’ offense dictated, and DG had a clean pocket throughout the night. The Silver Bullets mustered only two tackles for loss and zero sacks. 

Denzel Burke had his worst game of the season, giving up over 200 yards and two touchdowns. He was the fish on Saturday night. Burke is a talented cover corner but his uncharacteristic performance was a glaring weakness in Eugene. 

The defense struggled in a big game yet again; however, this is the best offense faced. Nevertheless, the lack of a pass rush is an obvious omission from the scheme. Oregon’s offense is too creative and efficient not to pressure or hurry the quarterback the entire night. 

Ohio State gave up too many big plays and did not force a turnover, which loomed large. The Judkins fumble (stripped) and the rocket onside kick following a penalty gave the Ducks two extra possessions, crucial moments that Oregon capitalized on. The Buckeyes also lost the physical battle more often than expected, which is something else to note. 

Unlike in years past, this Ohio State team is built to win these games and legitimately contend for a National Championship. This year, I’ll raise the belief Saturday was the outlier performance. While I realize the roster makeup is the same and certain tenured players haven’t performed at a high level in big games, they are built to respond. 

There are razor-thin margins in a few of Day’s losses, but it’s egregious to think he’ll be fired for being 2-6 vs. the AP Top 5. Ohio State is a field goal away from beating Georgia, one play away from beating Oregon, and an interception away from taking down Michigan last year. 

Oregon is a great team, and we all know it. Winning this game was always possible but not guaranteed. It’s also not surprising to have lost. Execution has to be near perfection in these games, and it hasn’t been, but losing to Top 5 teams isn’t equal to being shell-shocked by Iowa or Purdue. 

The purpose isn’t to list excuses or live in a hypothetical land. Reality is apparent: execute better, and you win. Let the loss serve as motivation and fire to fuel the back half of the season. That’s what I believe will happen, and if Ohio State wants to win the Big Ten, it’s going to have to earn it. 

Both Ohio State and Oregon are elite teams, and a neutral-site rematch favors the Buckeyes. Beat [Nebraska and] Penn State. Beat TTUN. Get to Indy. All of the goals are still ahead.