The Rose Bowl Game is a tradition like no other. Held in Pasadena, California every year on New Year’s Day, it has become a historic atmosphere with energetic fans filling the seats year after year since 1902. Additionally, the Rose Bowl Parade, a big part of the festivities, brings an added level of anticipation for the game.
This year, however, the game extended to a new level, becoming a semifinal for the new 12-team college football playoff and including what most considered the two best teams in the nation: Oregon and Ohio State. Both teams were playing for something extra this game, as Oregon needed a win to keep their undefeated season alive, while Ohio State had the chance to avenge their loss to Oregon earlier in the season.
With 94,000 fans flocking to their seats, the whistle blew and Ohio State burst onto the field, scoring 34 points in the first half and, as Mr. Shawver said, “played the best football [he’s] ever seen.” Led by Will Howard and true freshman Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes dominated the renowned Ducks defense whilst silencing one of the loudest fan bases in college football.
Coming out of the halftime tunnel, Oregon, led by Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel, seemed to have woken up, as a long drive ended in a touchdown for the Ducks. While it may have brought up spirits at the moment, they were soon crushed as Ohio State accompanied Oregon’s touchdown with one of their own.
Going into the fourth quarter, not even Oregon’s famous “Shout” tradition could wake up the dead crowd. The Buckeyes didn’t let up, with the final score of 41-21 showcasing the dominance they displayed throughout.
Charlie Levenick ‘27, an Oregon superfan, attended the game. “I thought the game had an amazing atmosphere and the tailgating was awesome,” Levenick described, adding later that this was his “first time attending” the Rose Bowl, but he “really enjoyed it and plan[s] on going again in the future.”
While the game might not have lived up to its own lofty expectations set by its predecessors, it left fans like Levenick eager to return again in the future.
