Complete and utter domination. Was that the most enjoyable game I've ever watched? It's gotta be pretty high up on the list given what was at stake. I think it would ABSOLUTELY be #1 for me had it not been for a little bit of lollygagging at the end of the first half and early on in the third quarter.......but bottom line? Ohio State absolutely crushed the undefeated #1 team in the country and it was awesome to watch.
- Chip Kelly and Ryan Day obviously knew they could throw the ball against Oregon so I'm glad they stuck with that early on. I always worry they're gonna get vanilla too early but I loved the strategy today. Incredible work by everyone involved with the offensive game-planning.
- Will Howard was awesome today. The dude came out firing and didn't make any big mistakes except for maybe missing an open Carnell Tate (he was watching Jeremiah around the same time Tate came open so not a huge deal imo). Major props to him.
- Today's offensive line looked better than they did in the previous game. That's certainly saying something given the injuries. Tegra got beat a few times and Harmon made some plays....but he's an elite player so that's gonna happen on occasion. Fryar got beat a few times too but overall I thought the offensive line held up VERY well against a great front. Great work by Frye and everyone involved.
- I'm not an NFL draft guru but I'd like to think Donovan Jackson's stock is really on the rise since he's clearly showing he can play guard AND tackle.
- Everything that can be said about Jeremiah Smith has already been said. He's just unreal and would be the best WR on how many NFL teams -- 20+? Usually that's a dumb talking point and people tend to exaggerate.....but I think it's a legitimate discussion with him. He's just absurd.
- The counter call to Trey on the long TD was just phenomenal by Chip. He had Jeremiah running out into the flat and Oregon was clearly worried about a quick pass to him. Just an awesome play.
- Judkins looked better than he has in a while. Solid game from him.
- I know the punt from the Oregon 36 was a hot topic early......but I think I was okay with that given the circumstances. They were up 7-0 against the #1 team in the country. Obviously under different circumstances I would 100% be in favor of going for it there. I certainly didn't love only netting 16 yards on the punt though. Styles probably couldn't have downed it inside the 5 but it would've been tough given the lack of hang time. Oh well.
- Oregon's first SIX drives: PUNT, PUNT, PUNT, TURNOVER ON DOWNS, PUNT, PUNT
- If you're complaining about Jim Knowles right now then you are probably a moron.
- With OSU up 17-0 in the second quarter, the defense stopped Oregon on 4th and 3 (Simon tipped the Gabriel pass) and two plays later was the 43-yard touchdown to Jeremiah. I think that 4th down stop was the biggest play of the entire game.
- Tyleik, Jack, JT and the entire defensive line were dominant today. Those guys were awesome despite being blatantly held multiple times with no flags coming in (don't even get me started on this -- especially the one on Tyleik on the TD before the half).
- Kenyatta Jackson flashed at times and so did Caden Curry (amazing motor). That makes me feel great heading into the 2025 season.
- Denzel Burke and Sonny Styles made an awesome play on a reverse.
- Caleb Downs is a freakshow. He simply can do everything.
- Cody Simon was everywhere today. Sheesh.
- I thought the secondary as a whole played great. Yes I know they gave up a few scores but Gabriel dropped back to pass 50+ times.
- Very happy for Denzel after what happened last time.
- I sure thought that should have been illegal touching on the Oregon wideout (Holden) before the half. Unless he was forced out by Igbinosun? No clue what the deal was with that one.
- Minor gripe: I don't love letting them convert on 3rd and 22 to start the third quarter.
- Just wanted to reiterate that Jack Sawyer annihilated the Oregon tackles and has put together a couple of unreal performances in the CFP.
- Props to Jayden Fielding today.
