Jeremiah Smith and Cody Simon Shine as Ohio State Dominates Oregon in Rose Bowl
The 111th Rose Bowl Game will be remembered for a long time, thanks to the outstanding performances of Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Cody Simon. Smith, a freshman wide receiver, took home the offensive honors, while Simon, a linebacker, was named the Defensive Player of the Game, as the Buckeyes dominated the previously unbeaten and top-ranked Oregon Ducks 41-21.
Smith’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he set a freshman single-game receiving record with 187 yards and two critical first-half touchdowns. His impressive display earned him the Offensive MVP award, and it’s easy to see why. Smith’s speed, agility, and ability to make big plays were on full display, leaving the Oregon defense struggling to keep up. At one point, he even broke an ankle tackle and cruised 45 yards to the end zone for a touchdown, giving Ohio State an early 7-0 lead.
But Smith wasn’t the only Buckeye making waves on offense. Quarterback Will Howard had a stellar game, completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ offense as a whole was clicking on all cylinders, with running back TreVeyon Henderson adding two touchdowns, including a 66-yard scamper that gave Ohio State a commanding 31-0 lead.
On the defensive side of the ball, Cody Simon was a force to be reckoned with. The linebacker recorded 11 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and a pass breakup, earning him the Defensive Player of the Game award. Simon’s performance was a testament to the Buckeyes’ stout defense, which held Oregon to just 276 total yards and forced eight sacks. The Ducks’ quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, was under constant pressure, and the Buckeyes’ defense capitalized on his mistakes.
The victory marked a significant turnaround for Ohio State, which had lost to Oregon earlier in the season. The Buckeyes’ coach, Ryan Day, praised his team’s resilience and determination, saying, “This team is resilient. We wanted to win a national championship, and the way that we got here wasn’t what we expected. But the players have stuck together, and they’re fighting to continue to stay together”.
The win also marked a milestone for the Buckeyes, as they became the sixth team to topple the nation’s number one team since the inception of the AP poll in 1936. The victory was Ohio State’s biggest margin of victory over a number one team in school history.
As the Buckeyes prepare to face the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10, they’ll be looking to build on their momentum. With Smith and Simon leading the charge, Ohio State is poised to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes’ offense has been one of the most potent in the country all season, and their performance in the Rose Bowl was no exception. They racked up 500 total yards, including 319 passing yards and 181 rushing yards. The team’s ability to move the ball effectively and score points has been a key factor in their success, and they’ll look to continue that trend against Texas.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes have been just as impressive. They’ve held their opponents to an average of just 17.5 points per game, and they’ve been particularly effective against the run. The team’s defense has been led by Simon, who has been a tackling machine all season. He’s recorded 105 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.
The Rose Bowl Game was a resounding success for Ohio State, and the team’s dominant performance has set them up for a thrilling matchup against Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic. With their offense and defense firing on all cylinders, the Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with in the College Football Playoff.
Key Stats
– _Jeremiah Smith:_ 7 receptions, 187 yards, 2 touchdowns
– _Cody Simon:_ 11 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup
– _Will Howard:_ 17/26 passing, 319 yards, 3 touchdowns
– _TreVeyon Henderson:_ 8 carries, 94 yards, 2 touchdowns
– _Ohio State:_ 500 total yards, 41 points
– _Oregon:_ 276 total yards, 21 points
What’s Next
– The Buckeyes will face the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10.
– The game will be broadcast on ESPN and WatchESPN.
Related Stories
– Ohio State Dominates Oregon in Rose Bowl, Advances to CFP Semifinals
– Texas Longhorns Advance to CFP Semifinals with Win over USC
– College Football Playoff National Championship Set for January 13
Quotes
– “This team is resilient. We wanted to win a national championship,
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