Oregon Hammers Ohio State 41-28 to Stun Buckeyes in Columbus

Oregon Hammers Ohio State 41-28 to Stun Buckeyes in Columbus

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Oregon overcomes early deficit to stun Ohio State in Columbus

“We just kept stacking plays,” Dylan Raiola said following Oregon’s 41-28 victory over No. 11 Ohio State on Saturday. The Ducks utilized a massive second-half surge to erase a 14-0 deficit, handing the Buckeyes a loss that significantly impacts their standing in the College Football Playoff race, ESPN reported.

The win moves Oregon to 6-3 (4-2 Big Ten) and No. 23 in the CFP rankings, marking their second consecutive victory after a period of instability following the season-ending concussion suffered by Dante Moore at Southern California. For Ohio State, the result is part of a broader collapse; the Buckeyes (6-3, 4-2, No. 12 CFP) have now dropped two straight games for the first time since 2011. More strikingly, this marks the first time since October 1992 that the program has lost back-to-back games to unranked opponents.

The atmosphere in Ohio Stadium shifted dramatically as the game progressed. While 103,551 fans packed the stadium, many began to depart midway through the fourth quarter after Oregon scored 38 consecutive points to seize control.

The momentum shift in the second half

Ohio State appeared to have the upper hand early. Bo Jackson scored touchdowns from 16 and 8 yards to provide a 14-0 cushion, but Oregon began to chip away through a combination of tactical risks and explosive plays. A 33-yard field goal by Gage Hurych in the second quarter provided the Ducks’ first points, and the momentum swung decisively during a successful fake punt. On fourth-and-9, linebacker Teitum Tuioti took the snap and found Matayo Uiagalelei for a 30-yard gain, setting up a Dierre Hill Jr. touchdown.

Hill, a sophomore, became a central figure in the Ducks’ comeback. After a 9-yard touchdown run kept Oregon within striking distance in the first half, he broke three tackles on a 48-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to extend the lead to 24-14. Raiola added two more second-half touchdowns to push the lead beyond reach.

The statistical breakdown of the key performers illustrates the widening gap between the two offenses during the decisive stretch:

Player Team Key Statistic
Luke Fahey Oregon 36 of 50 passes, 360 yards, 2 TDs
Dylan Raiola Oregon 257 passing yards
Dierre Hill Jr. Oregon 75 rushing yards, 2 TDs

While Fahey’s numbers were bolstered by 178 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Ducks’ defense tightened during the critical middle periods. A key interception by defensive back Devin Jackson helped stifle an Ohio State drive, and a one-handed 11-yard touchdown catch by Dakorien Moore further demoralized the Buckeyes’ defense.

Quarterback instability and coaching pressure

The struggles for Ohio State can be traced back to a lack of continuity at the most vital position. The Buckeyes’ postseason aspirations were severely compromised on Oct. 17 at Indiana when Julian Sayin suffered an arm injury, forcing the team to rely on Raiola. While Raiola performed well in the passing game, the team struggled to maintain defensive discipline.

Ohio state v oregon

Coach Ryan Day expressed frustration with the team’s inability to respond once the momentum shifted. This loss marks the third time in his eight seasons leading the Buckeyes that he has lost three games in a single season. The frustration was visible on the sidelines, where wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was seen shouting at coaches and teammates at the start of the fourth quarter as the lead evaporated.

Oregon vs Ohio State – FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | November 7, 2026 BIG 10 Football

“We didn’t expect any of this to happen. I thought the way that we came out was how we thought we would play in this game. And then once the momentum swung, we weren’t able to stop that and then swing it,” said Ryan Day.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning, meanwhile, noted the difficulty of managing a roster through mid-season injuries. The Ducks have had to adapt their identity following the loss of Moore, a transition Lanning described as a period of “growing pains.”

The outcome also serves as a form of retribution for Oregon. In their previous meeting in the Rose Bowl, Ohio State defeated the Ducks 41-21, a victory that propelled the Buckeyes to a second CFP title and ended Oregon’s hopes for an undefeated season. Oregon has now won three of their last four matchups against Ohio State.

The immediate stakes differ for both programs. Oregon will look to build on this momentum when they host Michigan next Saturday. Ohio State faces a must-win scenario against Northwestern in an attempt to stabilize their season and avoid falling out of the Top 25.

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