Oregon's 41-28 Win Over Ohio State Ends 14-Year Streak of Consistency

Ohio State allowed 41 points on Saturday at Ohio Stadium, a defensive collapse that likely ends the Buckeyes' season in the College Football Playoff race. No. 13 Oregon defeated the host team 41-28, snapping a 14-season run in which Ohio State finished with two or fewer losses.

The streak, which spanned from 2012 through 2025, was tied with Florida State and Notre Dame for the longest such run in the AP poll era dating to 1936. The loss also broke a 169-game drought without two consecutive regular season defeats. The previous such occurrence happened in 2011, before Urban Meyer took over the program.

This defeat follows a 30-18 road loss to No. 20 USC the previous week. Both games were decided by double digit margins, a first for the team since 2004. In total, Ohio State has lost three straight games by at least 10 points only twice in its history. The team now prepares to host Northwestern next week.

Head coach Ryan Day entered the game with a 5-3 record after a loss. His previous three defeats occurred in bowl games. Since the last back to back loss in 2011, the program has compiled a 171-24 record. This stands as the second most wins for any college football team since 2012, with an 87.7% win percentage that is the best among all programs.

The turning point arrived late in the second quarter. Facing fourth and nine at their own 31-yard line, Oregon executed a fake punt. Linebacker Teitum Tuioti caught the snap and threw a jump pass to Matayo Uiagalelei. Uiagalelei ran the ball 30 yards for a first down, shifting momentum to the Ducks.

After that play, Oregon outgained Ohio State 288 yards to 47 until 12:51 remained in the fourth quarter. At that mark, the Ducks led 38-14. The first quarter had suggested the opposite, as Ohio State held a 14-0 lead. The Buckeyes had won 140 consecutive home games when leading by at least 14 points, a streak dating back to a loss against Wisconsin in 2001.

The team also ended a streak of 137 consecutive home games won when leading by double digits. That previous mark was the longest for any team since 2004. The 41 points allowed represent the second most by a Day coached team at home and the third most overall. It was only the second home game since 2000 in which Ohio State surrendered 40 points.

The defensive struggle extended from the previous week. Oregon's 41 points followed a 30-point showing by USC. This is the first time the Buckeyes have allowed 30 points in back to back games after a streak of 31 games holding opponents to fewer than 30. The Ducks scored 38 unanswered points, which is the fifth most consecutive points allowed at Ohio Stadium since the venue opened in 1922.