No. 2 Ohio State travels to No. 3 Oregon on Saturday night for the first game between the Buckeyes and Ducks in Eugene since 1967 in what should be one of the most impactful games of the 2024 season. Not only does it count towards the final Big Ten standings — a result of the latest major round of conference realignment — it will have a huge bearing on the 12-team College Football Playoff race.
Not only is this Ohio State’s first trip to Eugene in almost 60 years, but this is just the fourth time this century that these two teams have faced off. The last time Oregon and Ohio State took the field against one another, the Ducks walked out of Columbus, Ohio, with a marquee 35-28 nonconference win 2021.
That was Oregon’s first-ever victory over the Buckeyes, cutting Ohio State’s advantage to 9-1 in the all-time series. Obviously, the stakes in this one are even higher.
It will be the third straight season that Big Ten teams ranked No. 2 and No. 3 have faced off. Each of the last two seasons it was No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan, and the winner — Michigan in both instances — went on to earn a Big Ten title and spot in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State vs. Oregon: Need to know
Dillon Gabriel needs to play better: Most assumed that the transition from Bo Nix to Dillon Gabriel would, at the very least, be smooth. Gabriel is one of the most accomplished passers in college football, and he produced big results during stops at UCF and Oklahoma before landing in Eugene. The initial results have been underwhelming.
Gabriel’s early season struggles were understandable. Oregon suffered through offensive line injuries through its first couple of games and it took a while for the run game to find its footing. Those issues tend to throw an offense out of rhythm. But in the Ducks’ two Big Ten games, Gabriel has three interceptions. Two of those have come in the red zone, which is a glaring problem. His completion rate in conference play dropped to 68.4%, compared to 83.7% against nonconference foes, and his yards per attempt dropped to 7.1. He will have to elevate his game against a loaded Ohio State defense that features future NFL Draft picks at every level.
Ohio State and Oregon have been dominant: Ohio State currently leads the FBS in points per game differential (+39.2) this season, and the Buckeyes are also holding opponents to just 6.8 points per game. The Buckeyes won every contest by at least 28 and allowed the fewest points through five games since 1973.
Oregon has been equally impressive. Since the start of last season, Ohio State (+24.8) and the Ducks (+25.2) are the top two programs in terms of FBS point differential. Ohio State has also won 45 straight against conference opponents that aren’t Michigan, while Oregon has won 18 straight games against conference foes that aren’t Washington, including a 2-0 start to Big Ten play. This game likely won’t be a blowout, but it is an interesting showcase of two of the most dominant teams (on a statistical basis, at least) over the past couple years.
Keep an eye on Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith entered college football as one of the most ballyhooed freshman in recent memory and, somehow, he has exceeded expectations thus far. Through just five games, he is already second on the Ohio State true freshman receiving yards list. He passed Garrett Wilson and David Boston by reaching the 453-yard mark in last week’s win against Iowa. He has also scored a touchdown in every game this year, which extends a freshman record that he already broke.
He currently leads all freshmen in receptions with 23 and he’s tied for the FBS freshman lead in touchdowns with six. While the numbers are eye-popping, his actual play is even more remarkable. He makes one-handed grabs look routine, and snags anything thrown at him within a reasonable radius. There’s going to be a lot of tremendous talent on the field Saturday, but it’s going to be hard for viewers to take their eyes off Smith.
How to watch Ohio State vs. Oregon live
Date: Saturday, Oct. 12 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Autzen Stadium — Eugene, Oregon
TV: NBC | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
Ohio State vs. Oregon prediction, picks
This will be Ohio State’s first real test of the season. It’s the Buckeyes’ first game against a ranked opponent, and Autzen Stadium is an extremely hard place to play. That being said, Ryan Day’s squad matches up really well in this one. Oregon hasn’t exactly set the world on fire so far, and its offensive struggles have been a big reason. The Ducks’ offensive line allowed seven sacks in the first two games and, though they have buckled down since, Ohio State brings in the best defensive front they’ll see all year. Oregon’s run game has jelled recently, but Ohio State has held three of its five opponents below 100 total yards rushing. This game will be close; Ohio State should cover. Pick: Ohio State -3.5
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