TSB Staff Picks vs. Oregon in the Rose Bowl as the team predicts the rematch between the Buckeyes and Ducks in the CFP Quarterfinal.
Dave: Oregon 32-31
Blake: These are the two most talented teams in the country and this game is legitimately a 50/50 shot. Both offenses will showcase their firepower piloted by high-level quarterback play. The Rose Bowl could be decided by a mistake or which team has the ball last. Will there be a stolen possession, how many punts will we see, can the defenses takeover? The aforementioned questions all pose reality. However, it’s difficult to predict hypotheticals, turnovers and special teams, so I’ll stick with offense and defense.
Jim Knowles and the Ohio State defense have something to prove, and I believe they do it. It may not be possible to stop Oregon from scoring, but what it matters most the Silver Bullets will make big plays. I also like a big game from Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka again as Will Howard relies on his arm, especially early. Buy stock in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins for the second half as the Buckeyes slow it down. Ohio State 35 Oregon 31
Dan: Jim Knowles has some tricks up his sleeves for Oregon’s offense. Ohio State 31 Oregon 28
Cass: The Grand Daddy of Them All: The Rose Bowl. This game is different from years past. Still a playoff game but it is a quarter final matchup between two of the best teams in the country and from the same conference. The Ohio State Buckeyes vs The Oregon Ducks. Buckeyes lost 32-31 on October 12th. However Oregon has been consistently good and Ohio State had its ups and downs. More ups however especially with an improved defense. I think the Buckeyes will continue to lean on the defense and control the clock on offense. Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau need to bring the pressure in Gabriel. Look for Denzel Burke to bounce back. Offensively I think Buckeyes will get the ball out quick to Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate to open up the shots down field to Jeremiah Smith which will open up the running game with Quinshon Judkins and TreyVeon Henderson. Buckeyes will win in a close game. Buckeyes 28 – Ducks 20
Grant: Ohio State 31 Oregon 24
Carson H: I think Ohio State silences all of the doubters once again as they look to complete the one goal they have that’s still in front of them. I expect the leaders to step up and the Buckeyes to lead coast-to-coast, this time finishing the job. Ohio State 34 Oregon 24
Carson M: Oregon comes out with a strong defensive scheme to match Ohio State’s elite passing attack. Jim Knowles defense follows suit and keeps the first half very low scoring. The Buckeyes ultimately make second half adjustments and win this game to the tune of 21-17. The rushing game is the heel for the Buckeyes in this game as Ohio State finds an answer for Oregon’s balanced attack. Both defensive coaches will have an answer for the high scoring affair last time. Buckeyes edge them out 21-17.
Kaleb: Ohio State 35 Oregon 17
AJ: Howard throws a late pick and the Buckeyes come up just short. 28-24 Ducks
Gabe: Ohio State 31 Oregon 24
