People still remember Ohio State football’s victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Dan Lanning: Breakfast at Buckeye
The Rose Bowl, the epitome of college football’s grandest stage, is a game that has delivered countless moments of history, rivalries, and unforgettable performances. For Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning, the 2022 Rose Bowl game between Ohio State and Oregon served as more than just a typical match-up. While the 2022 game may be in the rearview mirror, the victory that Ohio State claimed that day left a lasting imprint on college football. Through the lens of Lanning’s leadership and the Buckeyes’ triumph, it’s possible to look at how this monumental clash became one of the defining games of recent college football history.
In analyzing this game and its aftermath, we’ll take a step back to reflect on both the strategic intricacies and human dynamics at play. What made the Buckeyes’ victory so significant? What challenges did Lanning face, and how did Ohio State prove its dominance under the bright lights of Pasadena? All of these questions guide our understanding of this historic clash. In the process, we’ll highlight how this victory altered the trajectory of both programs—Ohio State’s renewed push for the national championship and Oregon’s quest for a return to greatness.
The Setting
The 2022 Rose Bowl was a culmination of weeks of anticipation and preparation. While Ohio State was riding high on a season that saw them only narrowly fall short of making the College Football Playoff, Oregon had its own momentum after a season of rejuvenation under head coach Dan Lanning. The match-up was anticipated to be a thrilling one, featuring two programs with distinct styles and plenty of star power.
Ohio State, known for its explosive offense and wide receiver talent, entered the game with its reputation as one of the premier football programs in the country. Quarterback CJ Stroud was an emerging Heisman contender, while the Buckeyes’ offense, guided by Ryan Day, was dynamic and potent. Meanwhile, Oregon, under first-year head coach Dan Lanning, was in the early stages of building a new identity. Lanning’s defensive-minded approach, paired with the explosive potential of quarterback Bo Nix and running back Bucky Irving, made Oregon a tough competitor.
While Ohio State had the edge in terms of program pedigree and star power, Oregon wasn’t to be underestimated. Lanning’s Ducks had defied expectations all season, showcasing both resilience and talent. This would be the first time the two teams would meet in a Rose Bowl, making the stakes even higher.
Ohio State’s Offensive Firepower
Ohio State’s offense was undoubtedly the talk of the game. With Stroud at the helm, the Buckeyes’ high-powered passing game quickly set the tone. Stroud’s arm strength, accuracy, and ability to distribute the ball to playmakers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. kept the Ducks’ defense on their heels. The Ohio State offense displayed a balance that allowed for both explosive deep passes and strategic, methodical drives.
The Buckeyes’ offensive line played an essential role in the game’s outcome. They provided Stroud ample time in the pocket, allowing him to orchestrate his game plan without significant pressure. This allowed for an aerial assault that left Oregon’s secondary scrambling, as Stroud connected on multiple long-yardage throws. The offensive line’s play, along with Stroud’s sharp decision-making, proved too much for the Ducks to handle.
Running back Miyan Williams, often overshadowed by the Buckeyes’ passing attack, showed his prowess as well, grinding out crucial yards when needed and keeping Oregon’s defense honest. Williams’ physicality was crucial in shortening the game and controlling the tempo when Ohio State needed to milk the clock. The dynamic nature of Ohio State’s offense, blending both pass and run, made it nearly impossible for Oregon to contain.
Oregon’s Defensive Struggles
On the other side of the ball, Dan Lanning’s defense struggled to contain Ohio State’s multifaceted attack. Lanning, known for his defensive acumen, faced an offense that operated at a level few teams could match. While Oregon’s defense was capable of making big plays, it had a difficult time slowing down the relentless pace set by Ohio State.
The defensive line, which had been a strength for Oregon throughout the season, failed to generate consistent pressure on Stroud. Without the necessary push from the front seven, the Ducks’ secondary was left vulnerable to the deep ball. Cornerbacks and safeties had their hands full trying to cover the Buckeyes’ fast, athletic wide receivers. The Ducks also found themselves playing catch-up, as Ohio State’s quick scores and fast-paced attack kept them off balance.
Lanning’s defense, typically known for its ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers, had a tough time adjusting. Despite attempts to blitz and alter the scheme, Ohio State’s offensive line kept Stroud clean, while the running game provided balance. This allowed the Buckeyes to dictate the game, forcing Oregon into a reactive role.
Oregon’s Offense: Bo Nix’s Showdown with Stroud
If Ohio State had the advantage on offense, Oregon’s offense—led by Bo Nix—did everything it could to keep up. Nix, a transfer from Auburn, had experienced an up-and-down season but had been playing his best football in the latter half of the year. His mobility and ability to create plays with his legs gave Oregon hope, even as they trailed for much of the game.
Nix’s dual-threat ability was showcased in several key moments, as he made several timely runs to keep drives alive. He also connected with star receiver Troy Franklin on some deep passes, creating opportunities to score. However, despite the flashes of brilliance from Nix, Oregon’s offense was unable to sustain drives consistently. The lack of a true running game, aside from Nix’s scrambles, put too much pressure on him to deliver every time.
Oregon’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was another key storyline. At times, Nix and his receivers had open windows for big plays, but a mixture of inaccurate throws and excellent coverage from Ohio State’s secondary limited their success. Despite their best efforts, the Ducks couldn’t mount the kind of offensive explosion necessary to keep pace with Ohio State’s onslaught.
The Turning Points
Several key moments defined Ohio State’s victory over Oregon. The Buckeyes were able to take an early lead thanks to a combination of quick strikes and solid defense. While Oregon fought valiantly, Ohio State’s consistency on both sides of the ball was too much for the Ducks to overcome.
One key moment came in the second quarter, when Ohio State’s defense forced an interception deep in Oregon’s territory. That turnover quickly turned into points for the Buckeyes, putting them in a commanding position. Oregon’s inability to recover from that mistake exemplified their struggles all game—whenever they seemed to close the gap, Ohio State answered with another big play.
Additionally, Stroud’s pinpoint passing on third downs was critical in keeping the chains moving. Time and again, he delivered clutch throws that kept Oregon from gaining momentum. As the game wore on, the Ducks’ defense began to wear down, with Ohio State capitalizing on the fatigue with sustained drives.
Lanning’s Response
For Dan Lanning, the Rose Bowl was a crucial learning experience. While Oregon’s defense struggled to keep up with Ohio State’s high-flying offense, Lanning’s leadership and commitment to building a competitive program was evident. The Ducks were far from outmatched; they simply ran into a team that was firing on all cylinders.
Lanning’s defense, which had been a strength for him at Georgia and was expected to be the foundation of his success at Oregon, would need to adapt. This loss highlighted the importance of creating a defense that can handle explosive offenses like Ohio State’s—something that would guide Lanning’s strategy going forward.
Lanning’s post-game comments reflected his desire to continue evolving as a coach. While disappointed in the result, he acknowledged that Ohio State’s excellence on offense was a tough hurdle to overcome. He emphasized the need for his program to improve in critical areas—especially in pass rush and secondary play.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Game
In the end, Ohio State’s victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl solidified the Buckeyes’ place among college football’s elite. Their offensive firepower, combined with solid defense and strategic coaching, proved too much for Lanning’s Ducks to handle. The victory not only earned Ohio State another prestigious bowl win but also reinforced their status as a top contender for national championships.
For Lanning and Oregon, the loss was a humbling experience, but it also served as a stepping stone for the future. Oregon’s program was poised for growth under Lanning’s leadership, and this game provided invaluable lessons for both the players and the coaching staff.
In the years to come, the 2022 Rose Bowl will be remembered not just for Ohio State’s dominance, but for how both teams demonstrated the strength of their programs. Ohio State solidified their place at the top, while Oregon took the lessons from this game and moved forward with a renewed focus on building a championship-caliber team.
As the calendar moves forward, the legacy of this game endures, serving as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of college football and the fierce competition that makes it such an exciting sport to follow. Whether you’re a Buckeyes fan or a Ducks supporter, the 2022 Rose Bowl will forever be a part of college football history.
