On Saturday October 12th,2024, at 7:30 PM eastern time the 3rd ranked Oregon Ducks hosted the 2nd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in Eugene Oregon. This was the college football game of the week. The Buckeyes came into the game as a 3-point underdog. They took an early lead with a Will Howard 3-yard touchdown run. Oregon did answer with a touchdown of their own and they botched the snap on the extra point attempt.  This was a mere part of a strange first half.

Oregon also missed a 44-yard field goal try and failed to convert a 2-point conversion. The Ducks did have a successful onside kick recovery that gave them momentum for a strong first half finish. The worst part of the game was when Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden was ejected for spitting on Ohio State defensive back Davison Igbinosun. The first half was a back-and-forth struggle and ended with the Oregon Ducks leading the Ohio State Buckeyes 22-21.

Ohio State’s first possession of the 3rd quarter ended with a Will Howard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith. Oregon tried to answer the touchdown. But they were stopped on a 4th and goal on the 2-yard line. The 3rd quarter ended with Ohio State leading Oregon 28-22.

The 4th quarter continued with the seesaw battle and with Oregon scoring a touchdown and a field goal. Ohio State also scored a field goal, and they had the opportunity for a game winning field goal drive. The drive was stopped short when Jeremiah Smith was called for offensive pass interference and the team was taken out of field goal range. The final score was Oregon 32 and Ohio State 31.  Will Howard went 28 for 35, 326 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith was good for 9 receptions, 100 yards, and 1 touchdown. This loss is a setback for the Buckeyes. But it is not a back breaker. They need to get back to work and that starts in 2 weeks against Nebraska.