Oregon vs. Ohio State Player Stats: Game highlights and analysis ft. Dillon Gabriel
The Oregon Ducks won the biggest game of the weekend, as they defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 32-31. The win secured the No. 2 spot for coach Dan Lanning's team and forced coach Ryan Day's team two spots down to No. 4. Both teams put in impressive offensive numbers, although the Ducks leapfrogged the Buckeyes with slightly better numbers.
Oregon recorded 498 total yards, while Ohio State brought in a slightly lower 467 yards. The difference between the schools can be down to an early fumble by the Buckeyes, which was followed by a touchdown by the Ducks. At the time Ohio State was up 7-0, although the touchdown didn't tie the game as Oregon failed a two-point conversion at that time.
What Oregon did manage to do was lead in all offensive categories, with Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James and Evan Stewart recording the most yards of all quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers in the game, respectively.
Oregon vs. Ohio State: Oregon's best performers stats
Dillon Gabriel, QB
Passing:
Rushing:
Jordan James, RB
Evan Stweart, WR
Oregon vs. Ohio State: Ohio State's best performers stats
Will Howard, QB
Jeremiah Smith, WR
Analysis of Oregon vs. Ohio State Player Performance: Gabriel wins Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week
It speaks volumes to the level of the game between the then-No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the nation that five players put up numbers worthy of being considered MVPs. However, someone has to take home the title and nobody was worthier of it than Oregon's quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who threw for 341 yards, ran for 32, and scored three touchdowns through two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown.
For his efforts, he earned the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week. This was just the second time in his career that he recorded over 300 passing yards in a game. He was also helped by stellar performances by running back Jordan James and wide receiver Evan Stewart.
Ohio State's quarterback Will Howard didn't disappoint either with 326 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also scored one rushing touchdown and had 13 rushing yards. Special mention also goes to freshman Jeremiah Smith for his performance who, despite his inexperience, was able to record 100 receiving yards and catch a touchdown pass.
The undefeated Oregon Ducks will take on the Purdue Boilermakers next on Friday.