A former Oregon player doesn’t think the Ohio State football team was better than the Ducks despite the Buckeyes blowing them out in the Rose Bowl.
The 2025 Rose Bowl was a marquee matchup between two powerhouse programs, Ohio State and Oregon, with the Buckeyes emerging victorious in a decisive 35-17 win. While the scoreboard suggested a clear difference in quality, former Oregon linebacker Mase Funa recently stirred debate by claiming that the Ducks were evenly matched with Ohio State — a statement that has divided fans and analysts alike.
Ohio State’s win capped off an impressive season, with their physical dominance on both sides of the ball making a strong case for the team’s superiority. The Buckeyes racked up nearly 500 yards of total offense, led by quarterback Devin Brown, who threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns. The running game, spearheaded by TreVeyon Henderson, added another 150 yards and two scores, helping Ohio State control possession and wear down Oregon’s defense.
Despite these numbers, Funa argued that the game was closer than it appeared. He highlighted how competitive the first half was, with Oregon trailing only 14-10 at halftime. The Ducks’ defense managed to generate pressure on Brown early, forcing a few third-and-long situations that temporarily stalled the Buckeyes’ offense. Oregon’s offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, showed flashes of promise, particularly with their quick passing game and ability to convert key third downs.
“If you watched the film, you’d see how close that game really was,” Funa said in an interview. “A few plays here and there, and we could have been right there with them.”
Funa’s comments sparked discussion among fans and media alike. The game’s turning point likely came in the third quarter when Oregon missed a golden opportunity to swing momentum. Trailing 21-10, the Ducks drove deep into Ohio State territory but came away with only a field goal after a critical third-down sack. The Buckeyes responded immediately with a methodical touchdown drive that pushed the lead to 28-13, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Ohio State’s ability to execute in crucial moments separated the two teams. The Buckeyes converted 8 of 13 third-down attempts, compared to Oregon’s 5 of 13. They also won the turnover battle, intercepting Gabriel once and recovering a fumble, while playing a clean game themselves.
Still, Funa’s argument isn’t entirely without merit. Oregon’s defense kept the game close for long stretches, and had the Ducks capitalized on a few key moments, the final score might have been much closer. However, football is a game of execution, and Ohio State consistently delivered when it mattered most.
The Buckeyes’ performance in the second half underscored the gap between the two teams. Ohio State outscored Oregon 21-7 in the final 30 minutes, showcasing their depth, conditioning, and coaching adjustments. The Ducks fought hard, but Ohio State’s superior physicality and efficiency ultimately carried the day.
While Funa’s comments may reflect the pride of a competitor unwilling to concede defeat, the scoreboard tells a different story. Evenly matched or not, Ohio State earned the win — and in the world of college football, that’s all that truly matters.
