This week marks one of the most anticipated games of the college football season as No. 2 Ohio State faces No. 3 Oregon—new rivals in the conference.

Considered a potential game of the year, both teams head into this contest with impressive 5-0 records and strong positions for the College Football Playoff. Despite a few concerns from their dedicated fanbases, regarding lack of scoring or tight games, both teams rank among the elite. Ohio State boasts the best defense in the FBS, allowing just 6.8 points per game, and ranks fourth in scoring at 46 points per game, with Oregon closely trailing in both respects.

The two teams have some recent history worth noting. They faced each other in the inaugural College Football National Championship during the 2014 season, which Ohio State won. Then in 2021, Oregon stunned the Buckeyes with an upset victory in Columbus. This matchup also serves as a sort of compensation for a previously scheduled game in 2020 that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an exciting twist, the Buckeyes will visit Eugene for the first time since 1967, marking the first meeting between two top-five teams at Autzen Stadium.

“This is an excellent opportunity for two great teams to go head-to-head,” expressed Oregon’s coach Dan Lanning.

While Saturday’s game won’t be an elimination match due to the expanded College Football Playoff, it still carries significant weight in the race for one of the 12 coveted playoff spots, impacting the Big Ten conference standings and holding importance for both players and coaches.

What Does This Game Mean for Ohio State?

Ohio State has had a somewhat easier journey leading up to this game, as Oregon defeated a strong playoff contender in Boise State. The Buckeyes have taken on several relatively lesser opponents, followed by wins against Michigan State and Iowa.

A victory would provide Ohio State breathing room in the competitive Big Ten race, with challenging matchups still on their horizon. Next week, they’ll face Nebraska and have upcoming games against undefeated teams, Penn State and Indiana. To cap off the season, Michigan will make a crucial visit, as Ryan Day aims to break a streak of three losses to the Wolverines.

If they lose, the dynamics shift. Ohio State would still have a chance at the Big Ten championship, but they would experience significant pressure heading into the game against Penn State in Happy Valley. A second conference loss would mean hoping for Oregon and Penn State to incur multiple league losses, and the Buckeyes would find themselves on the playoff brink with two losses and a lack of quality victories.

This matchup also offers Will Howard a golden opportunity to start carving out his legacy at Ohio State. The Kansas State transfer came to Columbus equipped for moments like this. While he’s performed steady early this season, the stakes ramp up against a formidable opponent. Can he manage this level of pressure, bolstered by a talented supporting cast of receivers and running backs? We will know soon enough.

For Ryan Day, the pressure is considerable as he aims to deliver results following the commitment to Howard and other key transfer recruits. Although he will always be weighed against performances versus Michigan, he must also pursue a serious national title run given the exceptional roster he’s formed. A defeat here could introduce some uncertainty.

What Does This Game Mean for Oregon?

Oregon has the chance to establish itself as a powerhouse within the Big Ten by defeating Ohio State. Such a victory would match favorably with Alabama’s win over Georgia as one of the premier wins nationwide.

A win would significantly boost Oregon’s position in the race for the Big Ten championship and place them as favorites for a potential first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Compared to Ohio State, Oregon’s second-half schedule looks manageable, featuring upcoming home games against Illinois and Washington, as well as challenging away games against Michigan and Washington. They could potentially afford one loss and still secure a top-two finish in the league.

However, a loss alters the scenario. Oregon would find itself vying with Penn State and possibly other teams for a chance at the Big Ten title. Additionally, their playoff aspirations would be at risk with a second defeat. Boise State continuing its winning streak would be advantageous for the Ducks if they aim for a 10-2 finish.

Similar to Howard, Oregon’s quarterback Dillon Gabriel moved in for his final season to chase a national title. After putting impressive numbers at Central Florida and Oklahoma, this game presents his first chance to shine on a national stage. A stellar performance could enhance his NFL draft prospects, especially after a disappointing evaluation last season prompted his return to college football.

Coach Dan Lanning has achieved a remarkable 27-5 record over three seasons. Yet, he’s yet to secure a victory in a game of this significance. Last season, Oregon faced two losses against Washington, including the crucial Pac-12 championship game,

The team has secured a spot in the playoffs. However, the new coach faced a tough challenge in his debut game, suffering a heavy defeat against Georgia. A victory over Ohio State would be a significant first step in overcoming doubts about his ability to win crucial matches.