The Ohio State football season is turning out to be a full-fledged disaster. After suffering painful losses to Texas and USC, the Buckeyes (6-3) were hoping to get their season back in gear when they returned home for a game against struggling Oregon (6-3).
The Ducks came into the game having lost 2 of their last 4 games. They had been beaten UCLA and Illinois mixed in with close victories over Nebraska and Northwestern.
A trip to the horseshoe in Columbus did not look like the ideal place for the Ducks to turn their season around. It didn't get off to a good start, as Ohio State raced out to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, a bell went off for the Ducks after that, and they took apart the Buckeyes.
Ducks respond with hot streak
Oregon scored 38 consecutive points before Ohio State would score again. The Buckeyes had problems on both sides of the ball, as Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola was able to sit in the pocket and spread the ball around to his receivers. Ohio State was unable to put any pressure on Raiola. Oregon emerged with a 41-28 upset victory and Ohio State fans were angered with their team's brutal performance.
The Buckeyes have been forced to go with backup quarterback Luke Fahey since the injury to starter Julian Sayin. After a hot start in the first quarter, Fahey and the Buckeyes offense were unable to continue the chase. As Oregon scored on multiple possessions, the Buckeyes failed on play after play. Ohio State fans let Fahey and head coach Ryan Day hear their dissatisfaction with loud booing.
Nobody was more upset than wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is widely considered the best college player in the nation. While his overall stats for the game were respectable as he caught 7 passes for 133 yards and 1 touchdown, he was angered by the inconsistent offense when the Ducks were on their 38-point roll.
Ohio State's chances of participating in the College Football Playoffs seem to be out of reach at this point.