Rose Bowl 2025: Odds, Box Score Prediction for Ohio State vs. Oregon
If the first meeting between Ohio State and Oregon was any indication, college football fans are in for a classic.
That was a 32-31 thriller featuring three lead changes in the fourth quarter, punctuated by Oregon's game-winning field goal with under two minutes remaining. It was also a mid-October regular-season clash, so it's only fair to think both sides might be even more motivated this time around when they're meeting in the Rose Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
The teams took different paths to this point, with the Ducks (13-0) having run the table and bulldozed the bulk of their opponents, and the Bucks (11-2) having fallen flat against their rival Michigan in the season finale before righting the ship against Tennessee in their playoff opener. Still, these are clearly two of the top teams in the country, and if oddsmakers are right, this clash could come down to the wire again.
Schedule, Latest Lines
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What: Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential
Who: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon
When: Wednesday Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.
TV: ESPN
Stream: WatchESPN
Spread: Ohio State (-2.5)
Over/Under: 55.5
Money Line: Oregon (+110; bet $100 to win $110); Ohio State (-130; bet $130 to win $100)
Prediction
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It might feel to many as if the wrong team is favored here. That's because it is.
Look, Ohio State is really good. The defense is about as stingy as it gets, and the offense can pop from almost any position. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith is already a superstar, while senior receiver Emeka Egbuka won't wait long to hear his name called at the upcoming NFL draft. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson could both be off the board by the end of Day Two.
But Oregon already beat this team once. Just like it beat everyone on its schedule.
Senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel was comically productive (28 passing touchdowns, seven rushing scores) while taking third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He helped activate all aspects of this offense, which featured a 1,200-yard rusher (Jordan James), three receivers with 600-plus yards (Tez Johnson, Evan Stewart and Traeshon Holden) and a tight end who averaged nearly 14 yards on his 38 catches (Terrance Ferguson).
The defense may have bent on occasion, but it never broke. Sophomore defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei may have broken some opponents, though, while racking up 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
This feels like a coin flip that could and very well may come down to which offense has the ball last. Still, the Ducks should be slight favorites in our eyes, and maybe the fact they aren't will be what gives them that final push to edge past the Buckeyes once again.
Prediction: Oregon 34, Ohio State 31
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