2009-2010
College Football Season
Rose Bowl
Post-Game

Ohio State Smells Like A Rose

by CFP Staff
January 1, 2010

Terrelle Pryor had the best game of his career on the largest stage he's appeared on. The much-hyped, and then much-maligned sophomore, threw for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 26-17 Ohio State win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. He added 72 more yards on the ground.

The defense deserves much credit, too. It held Jeremiah Masoli to just 81 yards passing and LaMichael James to 70 yards rushing. Were it not for Kenjon Barner, the Ducks may have been roasted a lot sooner.

Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor.

Barner set up all 3 of Oregon's scores - the first on a 37-yard run, the second on a 28-yard punt return, and the last on a 39-yard kickoff return. He tried to set up another score with his 36-yard kickoff return, but that drive ended when LeGarrette Blunt fumbled and the ball went through the endzone.

Ohio State ended its 3-bowl losing streak in its first Rose Bowl appearance since the 1996 season. Oregon last played in the most-storied bowl game in the 1994 season and was looking for its first victory in this game in 93 years. The Ducks' only Rose Bowl win came on January 1, 1917 (1916 season) when it defeated the Penn Quakers 14-0.

Oregon got here in Chip Kelly's first season as head coach. His inaugural team finishes 10-3.

Ohio State improved to 8-0 vs. Oregon. The Buckeyes won each of the previous five meetings by at least 10 points.

Ohio State came into the game ranked just 106th in passing and Pryor threw for just 160 yards total in the last two regular season games against Iowa and Michigan.

Oregon entered the contest ranked No. 6 nationally in rushing and 7th in scoring, but 32nd in total defense.