Ten Things People Will Be Saying After The Oregon Game

EUGENE, OR — Welcome to the week that Buckeye fans have been pointing to for months now, while also keeping their good eye on the Michigan game at the end of November.

But before we can get to November, we must first get through Oregon Week. The No. 3 Ducks host the No. 2 Buckeyes in one of the Games of the Year in 2024. Ohio State is a field goal favorite right now, and most people are seemingly going along with those numbers.

The winner of this game is going to be set up very well. The loser is going to have to answer some questions. Regardless, many things will be said, and here are 10 of them.

“It is good to have Carnell Tate back.”

Carnell Tate missed last week’s game, which means they were without one of the Big Ten’s best receivers and a very talented run blocker on the outside. Now that he’s back, everybody will get a chance to see why he’d be a No. 1 receiver on almost any other team in the nation, and why he shouldn’t be ignored on this team. The Ducks may choose to put their worst cornerback on Tate, which will net the results that you’d expect.

“I’m glad Tyleik Williams came back for his senior season.”

The biggest mismatch in this game may be between Tyleik Williams and whoever is across from him on the interior of the Oregon offensive line. This has been the Ducks’ weak spot on offense this season, which doesn’t bode well for them against one of the best defensive tackles in college football. Expect Williams to play a lot in this game, and he could be just as impactful rushing the passer on early downs as he is stopping the run.

“Jeremiah Smith is still pretty exciting even when he’s just making two-handed catches.”

Watching Jeremiah Smith catch the football is always fun, but when he chooses to use two hands instead of one, it can sometimes be a bit disappointing. Sure, it’s still the same guy, but it’s a lot like going to see a classic rock band and they only want to play songs off of their new album, but you’d rather hear the old stuff you fell in love with. Yes, Jeremiah, it’s great that you have two hands, but people want the hits!

“More people should be talking about Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom.”

Of all of the great duos on this Ohio State football team, Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs may be the best. They are tasked with being both the first and last lines of defense at times, and they are damn good at it. While all coverage is important, tackling these receivers early on will be paramount. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel only throws a couple of deep balls per game, so that’s not really where the Ducks’ bread is buttered. Ransom and Downs will be on display all over the field Saturday night.

“Ohio State is not gonna get away with this slow start in Happy Valley.”

Because we can never just appreciate the moment and not look ahead, a slower-than-expected start for the Buckeyes will bring about some concern that will be discussed after the fact. Sure, Ohio State got away with it this time, but it’s eventually going to cost them a game, you’ll say. “Mark my words,” you’ll add before realizing that everybody has moved on and is busy being happy instead.

“The defense locked it down in the second half.”

Ohio State has outscored opponents 119-10 in the second halves of games this season. Nobody has adjusted as well as the Buckeyes both offensively and defensively this season. That’s the sign of a veteran coaching staff and a veteran team. The upperclassmen can enact the changes quickly and effectively. Even if things look concerning in the first half, the second half should go better.

“I need to see a game at Autzen Stadium in person.”

There are too many bucket list items in college football to check them all off, but after watching this one on the television, you’ll realize you missed an opportunity for a great one. For those of you fortunate enough to attend this game, your commemorative top hat and cane will always be a favorite. As college football continues to change, feel free to jump on the opportunities that you have now.

“We’re never going to have another duo like Quinshon and TreVeyon.”

Say what you want about the state of recruiting with the Buckeyes, but what you are getting to witness with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins this season may never happen again. There may be more productive pairs both in the past and the future, but to have two guys this talented is not something that happens. You’ll see further proof of that on Saturday.

“I think the light is staying on for Sonny.”

After arguably his best week last week against Iowa, Sonny Styles is on the upward trend that Buckeye fans have been wanting. This will be his toughest assignment yet, but if he stands tall, then the expectations for this defense will take another step. And deservedly so.

“I’m gonna need a bye week after that one.”

We’re all gonna need a break after this one. The first act of the Ohio State football season will be over. There are always three acts to a great story. The second act will be the second half of the regular season. The third act will be what happens in the post season. Whether or not this is going to be a happy story will depend on what happens in that final act, though you’re definitely not going to want a drama-filled second act like most Hollywood factories spit out. You’ve already proven you can’t handle that.

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