Ohio State is generating significant buzz as a favorite to win the 2024-2025 College Football National Championship, and Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning believes they have what it takes to go all the way. The Buckeyes are currently 9.5-point favorites to defeat Notre Dame in the upcoming National Championship game, but their road to this point has showcased a team with undeniable talent across both offense and defense.
In a recent interview, Lanning, whose Ducks faced Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, emphasized the sheer strength of the Buckeyes. Despite Oregon’s impressive 13-0 regular season, capped off by a Big Ten Championship victory over Penn State, they were overwhelmed by Ohio State in a 41-21 loss at the Rose Bowl. Lanning admitted that his team was not firing on all cylinders during the game, allowing Ohio State to take full advantage of their explosive playmakers.
Lanning specifically pointed to Ohio State’s offensive prowess, noting that when the Buckeyes are “clicking,” they are nearly unbeatable. Quarterback Will Howard, receiver Jeremiah Smith, linebacker Jack Sawyer, and safety Caleb Downs were singled out as key players driving the Buckeyes’ success. Howard, in particular, stood out with his 319 passing yards and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl, showing impressive poise and accuracy under pressure. His ability to connect with dynamic playmakers like Smith has been a hallmark of Ohio State’s offense all season.
Smith, a true freshman receiver, was a standout performer in the Rose Bowl, catching seven passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Lanning praised Smith’s talent, calling him “NFL-ready” and one of the best receivers he’s seen. His ability to attack the ball in the air and make plays after the catch made him a nightmare for Oregon’s defense, which struggled to contain him.
On the defensive side, Ohio State’s defensive end Jack Sawyer and safety Caleb Downs made life difficult for Oregon’s offense. Sawyer was a disruptive force throughout the game, recording two tackles for loss and two sacks while consistently pressuring Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Lanning noted that Sawyer, who has drawn comparisons to NFL legend J.J. Watt, had a standout performance, demonstrating a relentless pass-rush ability. Meanwhile, Downs was a key contributor to Ohio State’s defensive dominance, finishing the Rose Bowl with three pass breakups and a career-high tackling grade of 81.4, according to PFF.
Lanning’s admiration for Ohio State’s well-rounded team is clear. After the loss, he stated, “That’s a great team. When you play a great team like Ohio State, you can’t not be clicking on all cylinders.” With Howard leading the offense and the defense boasting game-changers like Sawyer and Downs, Ohio State has proven to be a formidable opponent in the College Football Playoff.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the National Championship against Notre Dame, their chances of winning it all seem strong, with the combination of offensive explosiveness and defensive stifling making them a complete and dangerous team. Lanning’s acknowledgment of Ohio State’s potential speaks volumes about the strength of this squad, as they enter the championship game with an aura of invincibility.
