The Rose Bowl:
Oregon: 17;
Ohio State: 26
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PASADENA, Calif. -- The Oregon offensive burst everyone in the Rose Bowl seemed to be waiting for came at the start of the second half, when the Ducks scored on the half's opening drive and took their first lead, 17-16.
But Ohio State's defense knew such drives would happen and had been determined not to be rattled by them.
"You know it's a good offense, and you know they're going to make yardage, and we felt like they were going to make some plays," Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. "And the key for us was not to get rattled, keep our composure and play like we have all year long."
The Buckeyes didn't allow another score as their defense proved more than worthy of its No. 5 total national ranking.
In the six weeks leading up to the Rose Bowl, Ohio State had answered endless questions about Oregon's supposedly unstoppable offense. The Buckeyes could see that the Ducks' spread attack could chew up yards in bunches, but they got a little tired of hearing about.
View full sizeRoss William Hamilton/The OregonianOhio State held LaMichael James to 79 yards rushing during today's Rose Bowl."It's definitely motivation," senior defensive tackle Doug Worthington said. "When you come in here and the biggest story is their offense, it's huge for us. Because we know we have a great offense, as well. We play against them every day in practice."
The Buckeyes limited Oregon to 260 total yards, the Ducks' lowest output since their season-opening loss at Boise State and 164 below their season average. Ohio State held Oregon, which had been averaging 20.9 first downs per game, to 12.
"To hold them to 12 first downs, that's incredible," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "Our defense got it done."
Ohio State's defense held especially firm in the fourth quarter. After the Buckeyes opened a 26-17 lead, Oregon ran a reverse on the kickoff return, and Cliff Harris ran the ball to Ohio State's 36.
But after LaMichael James ran for five yards on the first play, Worthington tore through the line and stuffed James for a five-yard loss.
"It was a 'Cowboy' call, and it was something where I needed to get in that gap, and I did," Worthington said. "I saw where he got that ball. He was right there, and me a couple of guys made that tackle, and it was a great feeling."
The feeling was even greater at play later when Oregon kicker Morgan Flint missed a 44-yard field goal attempt.
Going out in style: Ohio State's victory was especially sweet for the seniors, who ended a three-year bowl losing streak and possibly shed the reputation that they could not win a big game.
The seniors also became the winningest class, over four seasons, in school history. Worthington figures that should be enough to silence the Buckeyes' critics.
"I'm listening, but I don't hear 'em," he said, laughing. "I think we're good for a while."
Look out next season: Could Friday's victory be just that start for Ohio State? After their first BCS bowl win since 2005, the Buckeyes, with Rose Bowl MVP Terrelle Pryor and a slew of other players returning, could have higher aspirations this fall.
"This team is young," senior offensive tackle Jim Cordle said. "They'll be back next year, ready to win a national championship."
http://blog.oregonlive.com/pac10/2010/01/rose_bowl_ohio_state_not_foole.html