When the Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats field, it’s more than just a game—it’s a clash of college football titans. Both teams have rich histories, passionate fan bases, and a knack for producing NFL-caliber talent. Their matchups, especially the thrilling encounters in 2024, have given fans plenty to talk about. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from two key games in 2024—the regular-season thriller on October 12 at Autzen Stadium and the Rose Bowl rematch on January 1, 2025. We’ll keep it simple, engaging, and packed with insights for fans of all ages, whether you’re a die-hard Buckeye, a proud Duck, or just love college football.
The Stage is Set: Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats in 2024
The 2024 college football season brought two high-stakes games between the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 3 Oregon Ducks. The first was a regular-season battle in Eugene, Oregon, where the Ducks edged out a 32-31 victory in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The second was the Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, where Ohio State flipped the script with a commanding 41-21 win. Both games showcased incredible individual performances, strategic brilliance, and moments that will be remembered for years.
Let’s dive into the player stats from these games, focusing on key performers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and on defense. We’ll also highlight special teams contributions and what these numbers tell us about each team’s strengths.
Game 1: October 12, 2024 – Oregon 32, Ohio State 31
This game was a back-and-forth nail-biter at Autzen Stadium, with seven lead changes and a final score decided in the last seconds. The stats reflect how closely matched these teams were, with both offenses firing on all cylinders.
Quarterback Performances
Ohio State: Will Howard
Will Howard was a standout for the Buckeyes, showing poise under pressure. He completed 28 of 35 passes (80% completion rate) for 326 yards and threw two touchdowns with no interceptions. Howard also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, though his five carries resulted in a net loss of 3 yards due to sacks. His ability to read Oregon’s defense and deliver accurate passes kept Ohio State in the game until the final play, where a 12-yard scramble fell just short of setting up a game-winning field goal.
Oregon: Dillon Gabriel
Oregon’s Heisman hopeful, Dillon Gabriel, was equally impressive, completing 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns, also with no interceptions. His efficiency shone through, averaging 10 yards per pass attempt. Gabriel’s mobility was a game-changer, as he scrambled for a 27-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave Oregon a 29-28 lead. Despite some snapping issues with center Iapani Laloulu, Gabriel’s clutch performance earned him high praise.
Rushing Stats
Ohio State: TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins
The Buckeyes’ running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins was a force. Henderson led with 87 yards on 10 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per rush, including a 53-yard burst that set up a scoring drive. Judkins added 23 yards on 11 carries and scored a 1-yard touchdown. Together, they helped Ohio State amass 141 rushing yards at 4.3 yards per carry, though a fumble by Judkins at the Ohio State 28-yard line gave Oregon a short field.
Oregon: Jordan James
Jordan James was Oregon’s top rusher, churning out 115 yards on 23 carries and scoring a 3-yard touchdown. His 25-yard run set up his score, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 7-6 in the first quarter. The Ducks totaled 155 rushing yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, with Gabriel’s 27-yard touchdown run being the highlight. Oregon’s ground game was steady but struggled against Ohio State’s stout front in key moments.
Receiving Leaders
Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka
Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith lived up to the hype, hauling in 9 catches for 100 yards and a 6-yard touchdown. His ability to make contested catches was evident, as he scored in all six games of his freshman year. Emeka Egbuka complemented Smith with 5 receptions for 72 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown that gave Ohio State a 21-15 lead in the second quarter.
Oregon: Evan Stewart and Tez Johnson
Evan Stewart was Oregon’s MVP, catching 7 passes for 149 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown. His 69-yard reception set up a crucial score, and his physicality against Ohio State’s press coverage was a difference-maker. Tez Johnson added 5 catches for 32 yards, with a 48-yard touchdown that gave Oregon a 22-21 lead at halftime. Unfortunately, Oregon lost Traeshon Holden to an ejection for spitting, which limited their receiving depth.
Defensive Highlights
Ohio State
Ohio State’s defense, ranked No. 1 nationally, held strong but couldn’t stop Oregon’s late surge. They recorded 2 tackles for loss (TFLs) and forced no turnovers, though they recovered a fumble by Judkins. Penalties hurt the Buckeyes, with 8 for 70 yards, including an offensive pass interference call on Jeremiah Smith that pushed them out of field goal range late in the game.
Oregon: Matayo Uiagalelei and Jeffrey Bassa
Oregon’s defense stepped up without star defensive end Jordan Burch. Matayo Uiagalelei was a menace, recording 1 sack and 3 solo tackles, disrupting Ohio State’s backfield. Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa nearly had an interception on Ohio State’s first drive, setting the tone. The Ducks’ defense caused two false starts and a delay of game in one drive, showcasing the impact of the Autzen Stadium crowd. They also limited Ohio State to 4-of-12 on third downs.
Special Teams
Ohio State: Jayden Fielding
Kicker Jayden Fielding was perfect, making all four extra points and a 40-yard field goal that gave Ohio State a 31-29 lead with 6 minutes left. However, a botched onside kick recovery by CJ Hicks gave Oregon a short field.
Oregon: Atticus Sappington
Atticus Sappington was clutch, nailing a 27-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 19-yard field goal with 1:47 left to secure the 32-31 win. A bobbled snap on an extra point led to a failed two-point conversion, keeping the game close.
Team Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats Snapshot
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Total Yards: Oregon 496, Ohio State 467
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Passing Yards: Oregon 341, Ohio State 326
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Rushing Yards: Oregon 155, Ohio State 141
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First Downs: Ohio State 22, Oregon 18
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Third Down Efficiency: Oregon 6-14, Ohio State 4-12
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Penalties: Ohio State 8-70, Oregon 3-25
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Time of Possession: Ohio State 33:04, Oregon 26:56
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Turnovers: Ohio State 2 (fumbles), Oregon 0
This game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with Oregon’s late field goal and home crowd advantage sealing the deal.
Game 2: January 1, 2025 – Rose Bowl (Ohio State 41, Oregon 21)
The Rose Bowl rematch was a different story, as Ohio State dominated with a 41-21 victory, advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinal. The Buckeyes’ offense exploded, and their defense shut down Oregon’s run game, exacting revenge for the October loss.
Quarterback Performances
Ohio State: Will Howard
Will Howard was surgical, completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards, throwing three touchdowns with no interceptions. His efficiency (12.3 yards per pass attempt) and ability to avoid mistakes were key. Despite being sacked for a 3-yard loss, Howard’s performance was a masterclass, spreading the ball to multiple receivers.
Oregon: Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore
Dillon Gabriel struggled against Ohio State’s defense, completing 29 of 41 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns but taking a beating with 12 carries for a net loss of 43 yards due to sacks. Backup Dante Moore went 0-for-1, showing Oregon’s passing game couldn’t find its rhythm.
Rushing Stats
Ohio State: TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins
Henderson was electric, rushing for 94 yards on 8 carries with two touchdowns, averaging 11.8 yards per carry. Judkins added 85 yards on 17 carries, helping Ohio State total 181 rushing yards at 5.8 yards per carry. Their physicality overwhelmed Oregon’s defense.
Oregon: Jordan James and Noah Whittington
Oregon’s run game was nonexistent, totaling -23 yards due to sacks on Gabriel. Jordan James managed just 14 yards on 7 carries, while Noah Whittington scored a 1-yard touchdown but gained only 3 yards on 6 carries. Ohio State’s defensive front dominated the trenches.
Receiving Leaders
Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka
Jeremiah Smith stole the show, catching 7 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. His big-play ability (26.7 yards per catch) torched Oregon’s secondary. Emeka Egbuka added 5 receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown, while Gee Scott Jr. and Carnell Tate contributed 30 and 10 yards, respectively.
Oregon: Traeshon Holden and Terrance Ferguson
Traeshon Holden led with 7 catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns, showing resilience after his ejection in the first game. Terrance Ferguson had 5 receptions for 71 yards, and Tez Johnson added 5 for 32 yards. Despite decent numbers, Oregon’s receivers couldn’t overcome the defensive pressure on Gabriel.
Defensive Highlights
Ohio State
The Buckeyes’ defense was relentless, holding Oregon to -23 rushing yards and going 4-of-11 on third downs. They committed just two penalties and forced no turnovers but pressured Gabriel into negative rushing yards. Ohio State’s discipline and physicality were key to the blowout.
Oregon
Oregon’s defense struggled, allowing 500 total yards (319 passing, 181 rushing). They went 8-of-19 on third downs and 2-of-3 on fourth downs but couldn’t stop Ohio State’s big plays. The Ducks’ three penalties for 13 yards were minimal, but their inability to contain Smith and the Buckeyes’ run game was costly.
Special Teams
Ohio State: Jayden Fielding
Jayden Fielding was perfect again, making 5-of-5 extra points and 2-of-2 field goals, with a long of 46 yards. His consistency added crucial points in a high-scoring game.
Oregon: Atticus Sappington
Atticus Sappington made his only extra point attempt but had no field goal attempts, as Oregon’s offense struggled to get into scoring position.
Team Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats Snapshot
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Total Yards: Ohio State 500, Oregon 276
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Passing Yards: Ohio State 319, Oregon 299
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Rushing Yards: Ohio State 181, Oregon -23
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First Downs: Ohio State (not specified), Oregon 15
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Third Down Efficiency: Ohio State 4-11, Oregon 8-19
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Penalties: Ohio State 2 (unspecified yards), Oregon 3-13
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Time of Possession: Not specified, but Ohio State controlled the game
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Turnovers: Both teams 0
Ohio State’s dominance in the Rose Bowl showcased their ability to adapt and overpower a previously unbeaten Oregon team.
What the Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats Tell Us
Ohio State’s Strengths
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Balanced Offense: Will Howard’s passing (645 yards, 5 TDs over two games) and the Henderson-Judkins duo (287 rushing yards combined) gave Ohio State versatility. Jeremiah Smith’s emergence as a freshman star (287 yards, 3 TDs) added a big-play threat.
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Discipline in the Rematch: Cutting penalties from 8 to 2 in the Rose Bowl showed Ohio State’s focus and coaching adjustments.
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Defensive Adjustments: After allowing 496 yards in the first game, Ohio State’s defense clamped down in the Rose Bowl, limiting Oregon to 276 yards and -23 rushing yards.
Oregon’s Strengths
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Dillon Gabriel’s Dual Threat: Gabriel’s 640 passing yards and 3 total TDs across both games highlight his ability to keep Oregon competitive. His 27-yard TD run in the first game was a game-changer.
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Receiving Depth: Evan Stewart (149 yards in Game 1) and Traeshon Holden (116 yards in Game 2) gave Oregon reliable targets, even with injuries and ejections.
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Home Field Advantage: The Autzen Stadium crowd forced Ohio State penalties in the first game, proving Oregon’s environment is a weapon.
Key Differences
The October game was a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle where special teams and turnovers (Ohio State’s two fumbles) made the difference. The Rose Bowl saw Ohio State dominate with a balanced attack and a suffocating defense that neutralized Oregon’s run game. Coaching adjustments, particularly from Ohio State’s Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (a former Oregon coach), were evident in the rematch.
Why These Stats Matter
Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats tell the story of individual brilliance and team strategy. For Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith’s emergence and Will Howard’s consistency signal a bright future. For Oregon, Dillon Gabriel’s leadership and Evan Stewart’s big plays show they can compete with anyone, even if the Rose Bowl exposed weaknesses. These games also highlight the importance of discipline (penalties and turnovers) and adapting to in-season rematches, a rare challenge in college football.
Looking Ahead
The Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats rivalry is heating up, especially with both teams now in the Big Ten. Ohio State’s 9-2 all-time series lead was tested in 2024, with Oregon proving they can hang with the best. As both teams lose key players to the NFL Draft (like Gabriel and Smith), their ability to reload with young talent will shape future matchups.