Oregon Reflects on Missed Cotton Bowl Opportunity After Rose Bowl Loss

Nine days after their season ended in the Rose Bowl, the Oregon Ducks will watch No. 5 Texas face No. 8 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, a game they could have been playing in had they not been defeated by the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. The top-seeded Ducks, the only undefeated FBS team entering the CFP, were throttled by Ohio State in a rematch of their regular-season game, which Oregon had won en route to a Big Ten Championship.

In their first meeting on October 14 in Eugene, Oregon, the Ducks emerged victorious, capitalizing on Ohio State’s defensive missteps. Oregon’s offense was dominant, amassing 496 total yards, including 341 through the air. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 23 of 34 passes for two touchdowns, including a crucial 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that secured the win.

However, the Rose Bowl rematch told a different story. Ohio State’s defense, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, made significant adjustments. The Buckeyes held Oregon to -23 rushing yards and consistently pressured Nix, who still managed to throw for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Eichenberg attributed the turnaround to a shift in mindset and improved execution. “We went through a lot of tough conversations after that game,” Eichenberg said. “It’s all about execution. If you do your job, you’re going to like your result.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day emphasized the importance of high-level execution, a lesson that carried the Buckeyes to a blowout victory and a spot in the CFP semifinals. Now, Ohio State faces Texas in the Cotton Bowl, just two wins away from their first national championship in over a decade.

For Oregon, the loss marks a missed opportunity to continue their historic season. Despite their disappointment, the Ducks’ 2023 campaign remains one of their most successful in recent years, highlighted by their Big Ten Championship and a near-perfect regular season.