The 2024 college football season saw an early showdown between Ohio State and Oregon, with the Ducks securing a home victory. However, the Buckeyes got their revenge in the College Football Playoff, meeting Oregon once again on a neutral field at the Rose Bowl—and this time, the outcome was drastically different.
Ohio State dominated from the opening snap, jumping to a 34-0 lead before halftime and ultimately securing a 41-21 victory. The Buckeyes’ offense dismantled Oregon’s defense, while their own defensive unit suffocated the Ducks’ attack. It was a statement win that left no doubt about which team was superior on that stage.
However, not everyone sees it that way. Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson made headlines by claiming that Ohio State “couldn’t hang” with the Ducks’ skill. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Johnson suggested that Oregon had the better athletes and maintained that the Buckeyes were simply executing a conservative game plan rather than proving their superiority.
His remarks have ignited debate among fans and analysts alike. While Ohio State clearly overpowered Oregon in every aspect of the game, some argue that the Ducks’ first-round bye may have contributed to their sluggish start, whereas Ohio State was coming off an explosive win against Tennessee. Could that have played a factor in Oregon’s struggles? The discussion remains open, and the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) format in the future could provide more insight into how bye weeks impact momentum.
Regardless of outside narratives, the Buckeyes proved they belonged on the biggest stage. Their physicality, depth, and execution were on full display, leaving little room for excuses. Yet, Johnson’s comments suggest that the Ducks still believe they were the more talented team, even in the face of a decisive loss.
If there’s one point Johnson made that resonates, it’s that the Rose Bowl matchup had the intensity of a national championship game. In many ways, it felt like the defining game of the season—though Ohio State’s thrilling victories over Notre Dame and Texas also carried similar weight. The Buckeyes went on to win the national championship, solidifying their place as the best team in the country.
While much of the season’s conversation focused on Ohio State’s loss to Michigan, what followed was an incredible playoff run that silenced doubters. Whether Oregon fans agree or not, the Buckeyes left no doubt about their dominance when it mattered most. Even Johnson, in his own way, acknowledged that Ohio State finished the year as the nation’s top team.
With the Ducks set to join the Big Ten next season, the rivalry between these two programs could soon become even more heated. If there’s one certainty, it’s that the next time these teams meet, Ohio State will have plenty of extra motivation to remind Oregon just how that last game played out.