The Rose Bowl is changing with the 12-team College Football Playoff, even though it’s a historic game.
No. 1 Oregon and No. 6 Ohio State arrived in Southern California just three days before their game on Wednesday for the 111th Rose Bowl. Both teams see this as a business trip, with the game now being a CFP quarterfinal, leading to two more games.
The Ducks (13-0, CFP No. 1 seed) and the Buckeyes (11-2, CFP No. 8 seed) didn’t have time to enjoy traditional Rose Bowl activities like visiting Disneyland, so there won’t be pictures of coaches meeting Mickey Mouse.
They also skipped the Beef Bowl, where linemen traditionally eat massive amounts of prime rib. While pregame traditions were shortened, some things about the Rose Bowl remain unchanged: the Rose Parade still kicks off New Year’s Day, followed by the game set against a beautiful sunset.
“When you’re at the Rose Bowl, you’re on sensory overload,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day on Tuesday.
“The grass is greener. The sky is bluer. The sun is more yellow. It’s just a beautiful setting. But once the foot hits the ball, it’s time to go play. Anybody who knows playoff football, the intensity just gets ratcheted up. The electricity in that stadium will be special.”
In a fortunate twist for Rose Bowl fans, the game matched the Big Ten and Pac-12 champions for many years and continues that tradition with this matchup.
This rematch, one of the best games of 2024, has the Ducks and the Buckeyes excited to begin 2025 with a potential classic in the CFP’s most anticipated quarterfinal.
Many believe Oregon and Ohio State are the two best teams in the country. Despite the challenge of facing each other so early in their bid for a national title, the unbeaten Ducks are energized by the opportunity.
“It’s certainly a different setup this year because of how bowl games are organized, but the Rose Bowl has been first-class in every way,” said Oregon coach Dan Lanning. “Growing up as a kid, you (hope to) be part of games like this. This is one we’re really thrilled to compete in.”
