College Football Playoff Scores: Ohio State Rips Out Oregon in the Rose Bowl; Texas Holds On to Defeat Arizona State in the Peach Bowl
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is always a thrilling event that showcases the pinnacle of college football talent, offering fans high-intensity matchups that often go down to the wire. This season’s slate of games was no exception, with Ohio State and Texas emerging victorious in the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl, respectively. The results of these two iconic bowl games have not only impacted the landscape of the College Football Playoff but also delivered unforgettable moments that will resonate with fans for years to come.
Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of each game, analyzing how Ohio State’s dominant performance against Oregon and Texas’ thrilling victory over Arizona State played out.
Ohio State Rips Out Oregon in the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, often considered the “Granddaddy of Them All,” lived up to its reputation this season, with Ohio State taking on Oregon in what became a showcase of high-octane offense and relentless defense. The Buckeyes, coming off a somewhat disappointing regular season but still loaded with talent, were determined to make a statement, and Oregon was standing in their way.
1. The Build-Up to the Game: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Heading into the Rose Bowl, Ohio State had been a juggernaut all season long, finishing with a strong record despite some early-season hiccups. Quarterback Kyle McCord, who had been a standout throughout the season, was playing with a chip on his shoulder after the Buckeyes had fallen short in their bid for a College Football Playoff berth. Oregon, on the other hand, was having an impressive campaign but was considered an underdog in this matchup. The Ducks had a potent offense led by their dual-threat quarterback, Bo Nix, but their defense was a point of concern heading into the game.
The stage was set for an explosive contest, and fans knew this game would likely come down to which team could impose its will on both sides of the ball.
2. The First Half: Ohio State’s Explosive Start
From the moment the game kicked off, Ohio State made it clear that they were here to dominate. The Buckeyes came out firing on all cylinders. McCord, who had been superb all season, orchestrated a fast-paced offense that left Oregon’s defense scrambling. The combination of McCord’s strong arm, Ohio State’s stellar offensive line, and explosive wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. put pressure on Oregon from the start.
The first quarter was an absolute showcase for the Buckeyes. McCord connected with Harrison on a pair of dazzling throws, including a 38-yard touchdown pass that set the tone early. Oregon’s defense seemed to struggle to keep up with the tempo, and by the time the second quarter rolled around, Ohio State had built a commanding lead.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State’s front seven was ferocious. Bo Nix, who had been effective all year, was under constant pressure, and the Buckeyes’ defensive line was able to disrupt the Oregon passing game. The Ohio State secondary, which had been one of the strongest in the nation, kept Oregon’s wide receivers in check. The Ducks were forced to abandon their usual rhythm, and it was clear that the Buckeyes were in control.
3. The Second Half: Oregon’s Attempt to Fight Back
Oregon, however, wasn’t about to roll over. Despite the early deficit, the Ducks made adjustments and came out strong in the second half. Nix began to settle in, finding some success through the air with quick, short passes that allowed his playmakers to make moves in the open field. Oregon managed to put together a few scoring drives, including a touchdown run by running back Bucky Irving, who had a strong game despite Ohio State’s dominant defense.
Yet, for every score Oregon put on the board, Ohio State had an answer. McCord continued to display poise, hitting tight end Cade Stover for a key touchdown, and running back Miyan Williams punched in a short-yardage score. Oregon’s defense, which had been on the field for long stretches, began to wear down.
Ohio State’s defense was simply too good, and by the fourth quarter, the game was essentially out of reach. With an offense that could score at will and a defense that stifled every attempt from Oregon to gain momentum, Ohio State sealed the victory with a dominant 42-20 scoreline.
4. Key Players and Takeaways
- Kyle McCord had a standout performance, throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns. His accuracy, particularly on deep throws, was exceptional, and he looked every bit the part of an elite quarterback.
- Marvin Harrison Jr., the star wide receiver, was an absolute force, finishing with over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. His size, speed, and ability to make spectacular catches were on full display.
- Ohio State’s Defense was the unsung hero, limiting Bo Nix and Oregon’s offense to just 20 points. The Buckeyes’ pass rush was relentless, and the secondary made key plays to stifle Oregon’s comeback attempt.
Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory cemented their place among the nation’s elite, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
Texas Holds On to Defeat Arizona State in the Peach Bowl
The Peach Bowl, another high-profile New Year’s Six game, saw the Texas Longhorns take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in what was expected to be a more evenly matched contest. Arizona State had been one of the surprise teams of the season, exceeding expectations with a balanced attack and an efficient defense. Texas, however, had been one of the most consistent teams all year, boasting a powerful offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a defense that had been improving throughout the season.
1. The Build-Up to the Game: Texas vs. Arizona State
Texas entered the Peach Bowl as the higher-ranked team, but Arizona State was no stranger to pulling off upsets. The Sun Devils had a stingy defense and an offense that could catch fire when it mattered. For Texas, this was a chance to prove they were more than just a team with potential; they wanted to show they could finish strong and earn a spot in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
Texas had the edge in terms of talent, but Arizona State was ready to challenge them every step of the way.
2. The First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game started off as a tightly contested affair. Arizona State came out firing, utilizing a balanced attack that kept Texas on its heels. Quarterback Emory Jones, who had been effective all season, connected on several key passes, and running back Xazavian Valladay ran hard against a Texas defense that was known for its physicality. Arizona State moved the ball with relative ease, and it didn’t take long for them to open the scoring with a field goal, followed by a touchdown run from Valladay.
However, Texas responded quickly. Ewers, who had been solid all season but had occasionally been inconsistent, was dialed in from the start. His ability to make pinpoint throws, particularly to wide receiver Xavier Worthy, kept Arizona State’s defense guessing. The Longhorns answered with a touchdown pass to Worthy and a rushing touchdown by running back Bijan Robinson, who showed once again why he was one of the best running backs in the nation.
The back-and-forth continued throughout the first half, with both teams trading scores. Texas’ offensive line played a pivotal role in controlling the line of scrimmage, allowing Robinson to find holes, while Arizona State’s defense had moments where it looked like it could stifle Texas’ attack.
At halftime, Texas held a slim 21-17 lead, and it was clear this game would go down to the wire.
3. The Second Half: Texas Holds On
The second half saw both teams make adjustments. Arizona State’s defense, which had been vulnerable to big plays in the first half, tightened up, and they forced a few key turnovers. However, Texas’ offense was too powerful to contain for long stretches. Ewers’ calm demeanor and ability to move the ball downfield in clutch moments kept Arizona State from building any momentum.
With the score tied at 28-28 midway through the fourth quarter, Texas made the decisive move. Ewers led the Longhorns on a methodical drive, mixing in runs from Robinson and short, efficient passes to set up a game-winning touchdown. Robinson, who had been a workhorse all day, capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge, giving Texas a 35-28 lead.
Arizona State had one final chance to tie the game, but Texas’ defense, which had been bending but not breaking, stepped up in the final minutes. A crucial interception sealed the game for the Longhorns, as they held on for a 35-28 victory.
4. Key Players and Takeaways
- Quinn Ewers was efficient, throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. His poise in the pocket and ability to make throws under pressure was a key reason for Texas’ success.
- Bijan Robinson continued his dominance, rushing for over 150 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His ability to control the game with his physical running style was crucial.
- Arizona State’s Defense fought hard but ultimately couldn’t keep up with Texas’ offensive firepower in the second half. Despite strong play from Emory Jones and Xazavian Valladay, the Sun Devils couldn’t finish the job.
Texas’ win in the Peach Bowl solidified their place as one of the top teams in the country, while Arizona State, despite the loss, showed that they could compete with the best of them.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff games between Ohio State and Oregon, and Texas and Arizona State, were full of drama and excitement, showcasing the best of college football. Ohio State’s dominant victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl was a statement performance, demonstrating both offensive and defensive dominance. Meanwhile, Texas’ hard-fought win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl showed the Longhorns’ resilience and ability to win in close, high-stakes situations.
As the College Football Playoff continues to shape up, these games serve as a reminder of the intense competition and thrilling moments that make college football so special. Fans can only look forward to what’s next as the race for the championship intensifies.
