ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum believes that the Oregon Ducks will defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff. On Jan. 1, the Ducks and the Buckeyes meet in the Rose Bowl game with the chance to advance to the next round of the CFP.
In their last meeting, the Ducks narrowly defeated the Buckeyes by a score of 32-31. The game was a shootout and was critical in the Ducks’ pursuit of the top seed in the nation. On the campaign, the Ducks finished with a 13-0 record and in first place in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes completed the regular season with a 11-2 record and in fourth position in the Big Ten.
What Did Paul Finebaum Predict About the Rose Bowl?
Citing the Buckeyes’ earlier-season struggles and the Ducks’ dominance over college football this year, Finebaum detailed his belief that the Ducks would win the massive game and advance to the next round of the tournament.
“We saw what happened against Michigan, we’re over that. We saw what happened in the Oregon game. They’re inconsistent and I think against Oregon, which has been a flawless team most of the season, I don’t think they’re going to get it done. Peg me in for the Ducks, quack, quack,” he stated.
Who Are Some Potential NFL Draft Picks Playing in This Game?
Both teams feature players who have the chance to be drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft and succeed at the highest level of professional football.
The highest projected draft picks on each side in Pro Football Network’s latest 7-round Mock Draft was Ducks offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. According to Jacob Infante, Conerly is projected to be selected No. 17 overall by the San Francisco 49ers and Williams No. 26 overall by the Green Bay Packers.
As Infante outlines about Conerly, “The 49ers have learned a lot from their injury season from hell that is their 2024 campaign. One of them is likely that their offensive line might need additional reinforcements. Trent Williams, as good as he still is, won’t be in the league forever.
“Josh Conerly Jr. fits the highly athletic mold San Francisco seems to prefer for its offensive line. He’s a coordinated mover with great footwork, and he does a good job of keeping his pads low, too. Building a future offensive line around him and Dominick Puni would provide for sustainably strong play up front for years to come.”
Regarding Williams, “Things are looking up for the Packers, who have maintained a high level of success through the passing of the torch from one talented quarterback to another. The defense has gotten much better compared to previous years, thanks to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. But they’re not a finished product quite yet.
“Tyleik Williams flashed as a rotational defender at Ohio State but has come into his own this season. He rushes with good pad level, knows how to stack moves together to shed blocks, and has the explosiveness and stout frame needed to project as one of the top defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft.”
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