The Ducks did the damn thing, defeating the Buckeyes 35-28 in an absolute stunner in Columbus. It was the game all college football fans deserved, the one Pac-12 fans didn’t know they could have.
Sideline Sass was there to capture it all – the sights, sounds and vibes in Ohio Stadium. Here are our favorite moments.
Best Pre-Game Moment: When the B-2 Stealth Bomber flew over the stadium during The Ohio State University Marching Band’s National Anthem and the crowd erupted in “USA!” chants.
Most dedicated fan: This unidentified Oregon fan surrounded by a sea of red. Go Ducks.
Most Likely To Win A Heisman With Their Performance: C.J. Verdell. The junior running back propelled himself into early Heisman conversation with his play at Ohio State – he finished with 161 rushing yards off of 20 carries and two touchdowns. He also led the team in receiving with three catches for 34 yards and another touchdown. Verdell averaged 8.1 yards per carry and 11.3 yards per catch. We think Oregon should let him return kicks as well for ALL the yards.
Best Mascot Moment:The Oregon Duck roamed the sidelines at Ohio Stadium with several fun props – Buzz Lightyear and Woody dolls clutched tightly under its wing, a gold inflatable chair to relax in during plays. But the best one was a nutcracker, which the cheeky Duck used to crack what we imagine were supposed to be buckeyes but in reality were probably just walnuts.
Most Likely To Be Hung In The Louvre: The amazing Kim Montuoro caught Sideline Sass founder Emily Van Buskirk snapping a photo for the Oregon inside linebacker group led by Noah Sewell, who finished the game with seven total tackles, four solo. Also pictured: Keith Brown, who finished with two tackles and Nate Headkulani, who finished with one.
Best Hug: This category is dominated by Sewell, who was seen leaping into the Oregon fan section to dole out hugs. Sewell was also spotted arm-in-arm with head coach Mario Cristobal as the two walked off the field together after the game.
Best Handshake: Freshman inside linebacker Keith Brown receives some daps from an unknown Oregon fan for his part in holding Ohio State to just 6-15 on third downs and 2-5 on fourth down. The Ducks defense kept the Buckeyes to just 2-3 in the red zone.
10/10 Lift Rating: Ohio State OT Nicholas Petit-Frere with the heavenly hoist of freshman running back Treveyon Henderson after his two-yard touchdown to bring the Buckeyes within a score with 12:54 left to play in the game.
Best Smile: Noah Sewell is cleaning up this weekend – the freshman LB sported the greatest grin after handing Ohio State its first loss at home since 2017 and collecting the Ducks first ever win against the Buckeyes. Ohio State trailed at home for the first time since 2018.
Sideline Sass 