Oregon Ducks vs The Ohio State Buckeyes

After Ohio State played Michigan, most college football fans would have counted out the chances of Ohio State matching up against the Ducks.  But after a convincing win against a solid SEC opponent, college football's most expensive NIL team is rolling. 

In the Ducks arguably most important historical game in October, the Ducks won in slightly controversial terms.  Ohio State's freshman phenom, Jeremiah Smith  was called for offensive pass interference, 

In a closely contested game between Ohio State and Oregon on October 12, 2024, a pivotal moment occurred involving a controversial offensive pass interference (OPI) call against Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

The Incident:

Late in the fourth quarter, with Ohio State trailing by one point, quarterback Will Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith for an 8-yard gain, positioning the Buckeyes within field goal range. However, officials flagged Smith for offensive pass interference, citing that he pushed off the defender to create separation. This 15-yard penalty moved Ohio State out of field goal range, significantly impacting their chances of securing a victory. 

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Controversy and Reactions:

The call sparked immediate debate among analysts, fans, and commentators. Many observed that the defensive back initiated contact with Smith, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the penalty. Analyst Joel Klatt expressed confusion over the decision, suggesting that such calls are uncommon in critical game moments. 

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Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed the penalty in his post-game remarks, expressing disagreement with the call but emphasizing that the game should not have hinged on a single play. He stated, "It cost us... But it shouldn't come down to one play... It should never come down to that situation." 

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Impact on the Game:

This penalty was a turning point in the game, as it nullified a crucial gain and disrupted Ohio State's momentum during a potential game-winning drive. The Buckeyes ultimately fell to the Ducks with a final score of 32-31.

Conclusion:

The offensive pass interference call against Jeremiah Smith remains a topic of discussion, highlighting the significant influence officiating decisions can have on the outcome of high-stakes football games.

Most recent common opponent...

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has expressed his eagerness for a rematch against Oregon following their narrow 32-31 loss on October 12, 2024. He stated, "I'm excited, it's going to be a heck of an opportunity for all of us. I think we've all been looking forward to this one and for another crack at these guys. The way that last one ended doesn't sit right with me, it still bugs me." 

In the October game, Howard threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, adding another on the ground. However, a critical mistake on the final play, where he failed to manage the clock properly, led to the loss. 

Looking ahead, Howard is focused on the upcoming matchup, expressing his excitement and determination to avenge the earlier defeat. 

Oregon's motivation might be the fact that they are once again the underdog according to Vegas oddsmakers.

Should be an exciting game.