Ohio State's 2024 title hopes rest along "The Oregon Trail"

A popular video game, The Oregon Trail has historically been used to teach people about the hardships pioneering settlers had along the way as they made their trek from the Midwest to Oregon. Come Saturday night, the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes will possibly look at The Oregon Trail as arguably one of the most precarious yet important stops along the way as the Buckeyes will continue their quest for a Big Ten championship and a spot in The College Football Playoff.

Before the season began, many Ohio State fans, including myself, had identified this game at Oregon as being the biggest challenge on Ohio State's 2024 schedule. Despite some less-than-impressive starts to their 2024 season, the Oregon Ducks have certainly emerged as one of the better teams within The Big Ten, and certainly within the national college football landscape.

The hype and expectations for this game is palpable. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day stated, “It’s about the standard we set. Guys have been edgy, which is what you want. Coaches have been edgy. … Need to keep grinding, keep preparing as we head into Saturday...This game means a lot to all of us. We're gonna be competitive. We’re gonna grind in practice. … There’s been a lot of purpose, a lot of competitiveness, guys pushing each other. That’s what you want.”.

Below are Three Things To Watch From Ohio State At Oregon when the game kicks off at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT on NBC. If you happen to be one of the fans who secured tickets to this game, best wishes for a safe and enjoyable visit to Autzen Stadium, as this will mark Ohio State's first visit there since October 7th, 1967, a 30-0 Ohio State victory. Here is to hoping history repeats itself...

1. Defensive Containment Of Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel

Listed at 6'0", 200 pounds, Gabriel is not only a talented passer but capable of extending drives and picking up crucial yards with his feet, averaging better than 7 yards per carry in his last two games versus UCLA and Michigan State.

Ohio State freshman quarterback Prentiss "Air" Noland, a left-handed quarterback, like Gabriel, has been playing the role of the scout team quarterback in the team's preparations for this game. While I am sure Air Noland has done his job well, I am curious as to how or if Ohio State will assign a spy to shadow Gabriel, to prevent any big plays on the ground. Could Sonny Styles have this as his assignment?

2. How Will The Ohio State Offensive Line Fare Against Oregon's Defensive Line?

The Ohio State offensive line has played better as the season has progressed, but this game versus Oregon will give Ohio State fans an idea as to how the Buckeyes will match up against one of the better defensive lines in college football.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was previously Georgia's defensive coordinator and has assembled a talented group of defensive linemen in players such as Derrick Harmon and Matayo Uiagalelei. Ohio State's offensive line, especially left tackle Josh Simmons and right tackle Josh Fryar, will be on notice against this talented group.

3. Ohio State's Special Teams Units

Oregon was able to defeat Boise State 37-34, largely on the play of their special teams units. While not perfect, the 2024 Ohio State special teams units have played much better than in previous seasons. In a game of the magnitude and talent of Oregon, Ohio State has to play exceptionally well against the Ducks, as field position will be a key factor in the final outcome.

Prior to the season, I figured this was a probable loss for Ohio State. After seeing Ohio State play well on the road at Michigan State, and then at home versus Iowa, I believe the Buckeyes are well-prepared for what should be a noisy, rowdy environment at Autzen Stadium. Look for it to be close throughout, but I have it Ohio State 28, Oregon 24.