Off-Script Ohio: Buckeyes collapse against Oregon. What’s next for Ohio State?
· Yahoo Sports
Ohio State’s afternoon started about as well as it could have, with the Buckeyes jumping out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead.
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Unfortunately, everything fell apart from there. Oregon took control, scored 41 points and handed Ohio State its second consecutive loss. The Buckeyes are now 6-3, and their playoff hopes have taken a major hit.
Luke Fahey threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns, but Ohio State struggled to establish the run and finished with just 53 rushing yards. The defense had an even tougher afternoon, allowing 395 total yards and failing to consistently slow down the Ducks.
Cole and Joey recap the loss, discuss the biggest problems on both sides of the ball and try to figure out how things went so wrong after such a promising start.
What went wrong?
There are plenty of reasons for frustration after Saturday.
The defense struggled to get pressure, missed opportunities to get off the field and allowed Oregon to dictate the game after the first quarter. Offensively, the Buckeyes failed to find much of a running game, and some questionable decisions left plenty of points on the table.
The hosts also discuss the lack of involvement for Jeremiah Smith in the second and third quarters, despite his importance to the offense. With the game slipping away, why didn’t Ohio State give Tavien St. Clair an opportunity in the second half?
Cole and Joey break down the decisions, performances and coaching concerns that stood out most.
Where does Ohio State go from here?
At 6-3, Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff is extremely unlikely, and even reaching the Big Ten Championship Game will require a lot of help. With three regular season games remaining, the conversation is quickly shifting toward the future of the program.
Cole and Joey discuss the performances of Ryan Day, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, including which coaches they want back next season.
They also debate how many current starters are worth retaining, which players should be priorities and what needs to change heading into 2027.
What’s next?
Ohio State has Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan remaining on its schedule. With the playoff picture nearly out of reach, these games are an opportunity to evaluate the roster and figure out what the Buckeyes need to become a championship contender again.
Cole and Joey look ahead to the final three games and discuss the biggest priorities for Ohio State this offseason.