A College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Showdown
The stage is set for a highly anticipated rematch between the No. 1 Oregon Ducks and the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in this year’s Rose Bowl Game, taking place on January 1 in Pasadena, California. With College Football Playoff semifinal aspirations on the line, the stakes are higher than ever in this iconic matchup.
This showdown marks the second time these two powerhouse teams have met this season. Their previous clash, a thrilling 32–31 victory for the Ducks on October 12, was pivotal in shaping the Big Ten title race. Now, the Buckeyes have their chance at redemption in what promises to be another unforgettable battle.
What’s at Stake?
While the Rose Bowl itself is one of the most celebrated traditions in college football, the significance of this year’s game extends well beyond the trophy. The winner will advance to the College Football Playoff semifinal, where they will face the victor of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl matchup between No. 5 Texas and No. 4 Arizona State. For both Oregon and Ohio State, this game is a crucial step toward their ultimate goal of a national championship.
How to Watch Ohio State vs. Oregon
The game will be broadcast live from the Rose Bowl on both ABC and ESPN. The commentary team for the game includes Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color commentary), and sideline reporters Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge, bringing expert insight to the action. This same crew called Ohio State’s opening-round playoff win over Tennessee on December 21, providing continuity for fans of the Buckeyes.
For viewers looking for additional perspectives, ESPN offers a variety of alternative broadcasts:
- Main Feed: ABC/ESPN
- Command Center: ESPNU
- SkyCast: ESPN News
- Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show: ESPN2
Cord-cutters can also catch the game through streaming platforms like Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Sling TV, which offer ESPN and ABC with a subscription plan.
Kickoff Times
The Rose Bowl kicks off in the afternoon, making it a centerpiece for New Year’s Day festivities. Here are the start times by time zone:
- Eastern Time: 5 p.m.
- Central Time: 4 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 3 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 2 p.m.
The Road to the Rose Bowl
For Oregon, their season has been a testament to resilience and dominance, culminating in their No. 1 seeding in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Ohio State enters this game determined to rewrite their script after a narrow loss to the Ducks earlier this season. Both teams bring elite talent, passionate fanbases, and a burning desire to keep their championship dreams alive.
With a berth in the semifinals on the line, this year’s Rose Bowl promises to deliver all the drama and excitement college football fans could hope for.
This article references reporting from ESPN.
