Wow is all I can say as the Oregon Ducks, who had a tough time beating Fresno State last week, was decidedly holding back some of their game.
The opponent was third-ranked Ohio State, the Big Ten’s reported giant. The Ducks’ star defensive end, Kayvon Thibodeaux, the man who N.F.L. scouts drool over, on Saturday, was hurt. Justin Flowe, a fearsome freshman linebacker, was also out for Oregon, which entered Saturday ranked 12th. In a rematch of the national championship game from January 2015, oddsmakers favored the Buckeyes by more than two touchdowns.
None of it mattered much: Oregon stunned Ohio State, 35-28, at Ohio Stadium. In just the second full week of this season, half of the teams that reached last season’s College Football Playoff have already lost. GO FIGGUR. And the preseason favorite in the Pac-12, which has not had a team appear in the playoff since the 2016 season, cleared the most formidable test on its schedule.
Oregon did it with what the Ohio State red faced faithful gauking on. The Buckeyes never once led in Columbus, where they played before a home crowd for the first time since 2019 and lost for the first time in more than four years. Honestly, if that red paint were washed off, red faces would remain.
The Buckeyes never gained control of the ballgame but always creeped to within seven when the Ducks poured on another burst of ground power to pull ahead by a more palatable lead. Even at the end of the game when it looked as though tOHS would tie or win in the final seconds, the Ducks showed their closing ability and finished the victory 35-28. Depending on which poll you look at, not that it matters at week three, the Ducks stand at number four. Time to hold on dearly.
Next up Stoney Brook 4:30 Saturday September 18th. Expect your scores, results and Duckpoll stuff to be late. I’m working, recording a live gig in Cottage Grove and won’t be posting results until late. I won’t even get to watch the game. I’m sure Larry will update me. Have a great game everyone and (((GO DUCKS)))
