Ohio State vs. Oregon: 5 Key Takeaways From a Wild Night in Columbus
The 2023 season kicked off with a bang as Ohio State and Oregon battled in a thrilling matchup in Columbus. The Buckeyes ultimately emerged victorious, but this game had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Here are five key takeaways from the game that have us excited for what's to come in the Big Ten and Pac-12:
1. C.J. Stroud is a Star in the Making: The sophomore quarterback continued his ascent with a dazzling performance. His arm talent and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket were on full display. Stroud threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his position as one of the top QBs in the country.
2. The Buckeyes' Defense Still Needs Work: While the offense put on a show, the defense had some struggles early on. Oregon's rushing attack, led by Bo Nix, put up 202 yards on the ground. Ohio State's secondary also gave up some big plays, a trend that will need to change if they want to make a deep playoff run.
3. Oregon is No Slouch: The Ducks proved they are a legitimate contender in the Pac-12. Bo Nix had a great game, showing that he can be a leader for this program. Oregon's offense is explosive and their defense has the potential to be very good.
4. Special Teams Can Be the Difference: The game came down to the wire, and the Buckeyes ultimately won thanks to a crucial field goal by Noah Ruggles. Special teams play often gets overlooked, but in a game like this, it can be the deciding factor.
5. Big Ten is Looking Strong: The Big Ten already had a reputation for being a tough conference, and this win by Ohio State reinforces that perception. The Buckeyes are clearly one of the top teams in the country, and the rest of the conference has some talented squads as well.
The Ohio State vs. Oregon game was an exciting and high-scoring affair. It's a sign of things to come, with both teams looking to make a big statement in the 2023 season. Expect to see both Ohio State and Oregon in the mix for the College Football Playoff come December.
