LOS ANGELES — Ohio State has sold out its allotment of tickets for the prestigious Rose Bowl, as confirmed by a school spokesman on Monday. The Buckeyes were provided 12,500 tickets for the New Year’s Day bowl game, which will host the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff (CFP). This figure includes tickets for the Ohio State marching band, who will perform as part of the festivities. While the number of tickets allocated to Ohio State is smaller compared to previous years, the fervor surrounding this year’s Rose Bowl matchup against unbeaten Oregon has generated substantial interest among Buckeye fans.
In comparison, when Ohio State played Utah in the Rose Bowl three years ago, the school was granted a larger ticket allotment—20,000 tickets. That game, which was not part of the College Football Playoff, still drew a massive following from Ohio State supporters. During the 2021 season, the Buckeyes sold approximately 13,000 of their allocated tickets for the Rose Bowl. That year, Ohio State staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Utah 48-45, with quarterback C.J. Stroud setting a new school record by throwing for 573 yards and six touchdowns. It was a high-octane game that showcased Ohio State’s offensive prowess and helped cap off an exciting but ultimately disappointing season.
This year’s Rose Bowl brings an entirely different atmosphere, as the Buckeyes will face Oregon in a playoff quarterfinal. Oregon, the top seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff, remains unbeaten on the season and presents a formidable challenge for Ohio State. The anticipation for this game is palpable, and the interest from Ohio State fans has been intense. The decision to sell out the 12,500 tickets allocated to the university underscores the enthusiasm surrounding the Buckeyes’ playoff run.
The Rose Bowl, known as the “Granddaddy of Them All,” is a time-honored tradition in college football, and the 2024 edition will carry even more weight as part of the expanded playoff format. For Ohio State, a program with a rich history and a loyal fanbase, the opportunity to compete for a national championship is of the utmost importance. With the Buckeyes poised to make a deep playoff run, this game against Oregon represents the first critical step toward that goal.
For Ohio State, the Rose Bowl has been a familiar stage for success. While the Buckeyes have had their fair share of triumphs in the game, including their 2021 victory, the stakes are considerably higher this year. A win in this quarterfinal would keep their championship hopes alive, and the outcome could have significant ramifications for the program’s future.
Oregon, led by head coach Dan Lanning, enters the game as the top seed in the playoff. The Ducks have been dominant throughout the season, with an unbeaten record that has caught the attention of the college football world. As a result, they are seen as one of the favorites to secure a spot in the national championship game. Their defense, in particular, has been one of the standout units in college football, making this matchup with Ohio State all the more intriguing.
Ohio State, on the other hand, has been on a journey of its own. After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Michigan to close out the regular season, the Buckeyes have regrouped and refocused on their ultimate goal—winning the national championship. The team has undergone several adjustments in recent weeks, and the Buckeyes are playing with a renewed sense of purpose as they head into this playoff showdown.
For Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, this game represents a pivotal moment in his career. Howard has had an up-and-down season, but his performances in big moments have been a key factor in Ohio State’s success. If the Buckeyes are to advance in the playoff, Howard will need to be at his best, particularly against a talented Oregon defense. The matchup between Ohio State’s explosive offense and Oregon’s stingy defense will be one of the key storylines of the game, and much will depend on Howard’s ability to execute in the pocket and take advantage of any opportunities presented.
The Rose Bowl is also a showcase for some of the country’s most talented players. Ohio State’s dynamic freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, has been one of the standout stars for the Buckeyes this season. Smith is coming off a dominant performance in Ohio State’s playoff-opening victory over Tennessee, where he caught six passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns. His performance against Oregon in the first round of the playoff will be closely watched, as Smith has the ability to change the course of a game with his big-play potential.
Ohio State’s defense, which has undergone significant changes since its earlier loss to Oregon this season, will also play a crucial role. The Buckeyes have been one of the top defensive teams in the country, and their ability to stop Oregon’s high-powered offense will be a determining factor in the outcome of the game. Ohio State’s defensive line, which has been improved throughout the season, will need to pressure Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and disrupt his rhythm. Gabriel, who has been a Heisman Trophy contender this season, is a dynamic player who can make plays with both his arm and his legs. Ohio State’s defense will need to be disciplined and aggressive in order to contain him.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who has a long history with both Oregon and Ohio State, will also play a key role in the game. Kelly’s offensive system has been widely successful, and his experience in big-game situations will be crucial for the Buckeyes as they face off against Oregon. Kelly has been instrumental in developing Ohio State’s explosive offensive attack, and his ability to call the right plays in critical moments will be one of the keys to the Buckeyes’ success.
For Ohio State, the Rose Bowl represents more than just a bowl game—it is the next step toward securing a national championship. The Buckeyes have a storied history in college football, and their fans expect nothing less than a championship run every season. With the playoff now expanded to 12 teams, the opportunity for Ohio State to claim a title is very much alive, and the Rose Bowl is just the beginning of what the team hopes will be a memorable postseason journey.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their clash with Oregon, they can take solace in the fact that they have a passionate fanbase behind them. The sold-out ticket allotment is a testament to the unwavering support that Ohio State fans have for their team. The excitement surrounding the Rose Bowl is palpable, and both teams will be eager to prove their worth on the national stage.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff on Wednesday, the anticipation for this game continues to grow. For Ohio State, the road to the national championship starts now, and the Rose Bowl is the first hurdle on their journey. With a sold-out crowd of loyal fans in the stands, the Buckeyes will look to make their mark and advance one step closer to their ultimate goal.
