In a dramatic Saturday night showdown at Ohio Stadium, the Oregon Ducks (6‑3, 4‑2 Big Ten) overcame a 14‑0 start to beat No. 11 Ohio State 41‑28. The comeback marked Oregon’s third straight win after a season‑ending concussion to their starting quarterback earlier this year.
Early lead erased
Ohio State struck first, with running back Bo Jackson scoring on 16‑ and 8‑yard runs to put the Buckeyes up 14‑0 late in the first quarter. Oregon answered with a 33‑yard field goal by Gage Hurych early in the second quarter, then Dierre Hill Jr. punched in a 9‑yard touchdown run with 1:25 left in the half to make it 14‑10.
Momentum shifts
Oregon seized the lead before halftime when Hill broke through for a 48‑yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the third quarter, extending the advantage to 24‑14. Quarterback Dylan Raiola, who threw for 257 yards, added two second‑half touchdown passes, including a 11‑yard strike to Dakorien Moore that was initially overturned but stood after review.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith contributed a touchdown and 133 receiving yards, while Oregon’s defense forced a key interception by defensive back Devin Jackson, setting up another scoring drive.
Key plays and player notes
Luke Fahey, starting for Ohio State after Julian Sayin’s injury, completed 36 of 50 passes for 360 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Ohio State’s late‑game rally added two touchdowns, but the Ducks’ 38 straight points proved decisive.
Oregon’s fake punt on fourth‑and‑9, executed by linebacker Teitum Tuioti to Matayo Uiagalelei for a 30‑yard gain, sparked the first scoring surge and highlighted the Ducks’ willingness to take calculated risks.
Coaches react
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised his players’ resilience, saying, “A lot of credit to our players for really not flinching, not blinking when you’re down 14, and then just keep fighting.” He added that the team “held onto momentum” through the final minutes.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged the shift, noting, “We didn’t expect any of this to happen. Once the momentum swung, we weren’t able to stop that.” The loss marks the first time since October 1992 that the Buckeyes have suffered back‑to‑back defeats to unranked opponents.
Implications
The victory improves Oregon’s standing in the Big Ten race and keeps their College Football Playoff hopes alive, while Ohio State’s chances of returning to the CFP appear diminished after opening the season as the AP No. 1 team.
Next week, Oregon hosts Michigan, and Ohio State travels to Northwestern, each looking to rebound from this pivotal matchup.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
