Ohio State lost its status as this season’s national championship frontrunner in its first game against Oregon. The Buckeyes reasserted themselves as the team to beat in this year’s title race in their second game against Oregon.
The Buckeyes were seen by many as college football’s best team this year until they suffered a 32-31 loss to the Ducks in Eugene on Oct. 12. Up until then, Ohio State had been the dominant team it was supposed to be, blowing out each of its first five opponents by at least 28 points. But the loss to Oregon created doubt about the Buckeyes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball after they allowed 496 yards to the Ducks in that game.