Graphic: Liban Rizvi
Author: Max Mcclean
After a week of stunning upsets, week 7 of the 2024-2025 college football season brings the most important matchup for the College Football Playoff race. Week 7 is headlined by a critical BIG10 showdown that sees the No.3 Oregon Ducks playing host to the No.2 Ohio State Buckeyes in what could be the year's most important game.
Both teams enter this game with their eyes firmly set on gaining separation atop the BIG10 conference. This is an even more coveted title this year as it carries a first-round bye in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. With both teams ranked in the top three, this clash has all the makings of a playoff preview, and the winner will have a significant edge in solidifying their postseason path.
Oregon
For Oregon, their inaugural season in the BIG10 has already been filled with excitement. In week 2, they topped the Ashton Jeanty led No.17 Boise State in a 37-34 victory at home. Transitioning from the PAC-12, where the Ducks dominated in recent years, it is clear they have established themselves in one of college football's toughest conferences. With the new expanded 12-team playoff format, a BIG10 title would not only bring a trophy but a critical first-round bye.
For Oregon to defeat Ohio State, Dillon Gabriel will need to have a Heisman-caliber performance. Gabriel has been everything he was hyped up to be when he transferred from Oklahoma, leading all of college football with a 77.8% completion percentage. His precision in the passing game is the reason the Duck's offence is one of the most efficient in the nation, averaging 35 PPG.
Gabriel has effectively been able to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers all season. Running back Jordan James is averaging 110.4 yards per game on the ground bringing a new component to the Oregon offense they are not used to seeing in Eugene. Receiver Tez Johnson has also been shining this year, racking up 395 yards and 43 receptions through the first five games of the season. Johnson brings excellent speed bursts and elite route running to the table, easily creating separation from defenders.
The Ohio State secondary is likely the best Oregon will play all season. If Gabriel can maintain his high level of play, avoid turnovers, and continue to put the ball in the hands of his playmakers, Oregon will have a real shot at knocking off the Buckeyes and securing a critical win in their push for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State
Since Ryan Day was named head coach five years ago, Ohio State has been sixth in record against ranked opponents across college football. Ohio State has compiled an impressive 16-8 record, boasting a win percentage of 66.7% against these opponents. That being said, Ryan Day is missing a “signature” win, after dropping to Michigan in week 14 of the last three years. The pressure is certainly on for Day and the Buckeyes to secure this crucial victory.
As per usual, Ohio State’s offense has been explosive averaging 46 PPG this season. They are led by Will Howard, a Kansas State transfer who has impressed the Buckeye faithful this season. Howard has completed 71.5% of his passes for 1,248 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions through five games this season. Howard has also impressively rushed for four touchdowns himself in that timeframe.
Scarily for Oregon, this isn’t the strongest part of Ohio State’s game. To complement their impressive quarterback and wide receivers, Ohio State has arguably the best running back tandem in the nation. The Buckeyes great running game features Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins leads the team with 468 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Henderson isn’t far behind him with 337 combined with 8.0 yards per carry. This is critical to note as Oregon gave up 192 yards on the ground to the nation's top running back Ashton Jeanty earlier this year. The Buckeyes will hope to wear the Ducks down through their tough running game, raising their chances of a win.
After three straight years of losses to Michigan in week 14, Ohio State is well aware of what’s at stake here. A victory in Week 7 would not only give them the upper hand in the BIG10 title race but also solidify their position as a top contender for one of the playoff byes. The Buckeyes thrive in big games, and they will arrive in Oregon ready for a fight.
The Stakes
This game is imperative for both teams. Not only is it the No.2 vs No.3 team in the nation, but the winner likely solidifies their position as the best team in the BIG10. A loss doesn’t necessarily eliminate either team from playoff consideration but leaves little room for error with difficult schedules remaining for both.
For Ohio State, a win would solidify their position as the best team in the BIG10, a title they haven't held in quite some time. For Oregon, a victory announces to the nation that they belong in the National Championship conversation and can hang with college football's elite.