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Nick Saban encourages Oregon fans to be 'on the internet screaming' over facing Ohio State in quarterfinals

Matt Connollyby:Matt Connolly•01/02/25•

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Dan Lanning
(© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Oregon was the only undefeated team in the country as the College Football Playoff got underway. Its reward was to play arguably the most talented team in the country in Ohio State.

Needless to say, that did not work out well for the Ducks, who were pounded 41-21 in the Rose Bowl Wednesday evening. Despite being ranked No. 1 and being undefeated, Oregon had arguably the toughest opponent in the CFP quarterfinals.

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Former Alabama coach Nick Saban said Thursday on The Pat McAfee Show that what the playoff committee did to Oregon was not fair.

“If I was an Oregon fan, I have to say this because it kind of bothers me, and you’re the 13-0 No. 1 seed, and you’ve gotta play Ohio State in the first round, I’m not an internet guy, but if I was an Oregon fan I’d be on the internet screaming about that,” Nick Saban said.

Ohio State limped into the College Football Playoff, falling to Michigan to close out the regular season. But the Buckeyes have been dominant in the CFP thus far. Ohio State opened its playoff run with a 42-17 thumping of Tennessee, before beating Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks fell behind 34-0 in the first half, before finally getting on the board.

It was without a doubt a great season for Dan Lanning and Oregon, but the Ducks were no match for the Buckeyes on Wednesday.

Jeremiah Smith boasts about Ohio State offense following Rose Bowl win over Oregon

A big issue for Oregon during the Rose Bowl was its inability to cover Ohio State star receiver Jeremiah Smith. The freshman caught seven passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns against the Ducks, with most of that coming in the first half.

After the game, Smith spoke with ESPN about Ohio State’s receivers and how tough they are to cover.

“I mean, you talk it, you gotta be about it. I just feel like nobody can guard us out here. We’re one of the best teams in the country and I stand on that,” Smith noted.

“I’m enjoying the moment. It’s my first time at the Rose Bowl. You hear all about the historical moments here. And I’m just happy to be a part of it.”