Merry Christmas to Oregon Ducks fans! This festive season brings an exciting treat—an exclusive interview featuring the Ducks as they gear up to face Ohio State in the Rose Bowl for the quarterfinals of the 2024-25 College Football Playoff. Oregon offensive lineman Marcus Harper II, who hosts The Big Mark Show, conducted the interview with teammates Bryce Boettcher, Jeffrey Bassa, and Devon Jackson. The discussion revolves around the team’s remarkable journey in the Big Ten Conference and their rise to prominence as one of the top contenders in college football.
In the interview, the Ducks players reflected on their transition to the Big Ten and how they’ve managed to silence doubters who questioned their physicality and ability to compete at the highest level. “We came into the Big Ten in our first year and like, took it over type deal,” Harper proudly stated while showing off his Big Ten Champion hat. “We are Big Ten champs!” This statement marks a significant milestone for Oregon, as they not only embraced the challenge of entering a new and competitive conference but also emerged victorious in their first attempt at the Big Ten Championship.
Harper also reflected on the previous year, noting the disappointment of falling short against Washington and how it fueled their determination for the current season. “We didn’t get it done last year vs. Washington,” he said. “Then, when we were talking about coming back, that’s one of the main reasons we came back—to win the championship, despite going into a new conference. And everybody was kind of doubting us.” The team’s resilience and focus on achieving their goals were key motivators for their successful season.
Oregon’s victory over Penn State in the Big Ten title game secured them a first-round bye and the coveted No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. With a perfect 13-0 record, the Ducks are determined to remain undefeated as they face their new conference rival, Ohio State. The Buckeyes will certainly have revenge on their minds, as Oregon handed them a dramatic last-minute loss at Autzen Stadium on October 12, intensifying the anticipation for their upcoming Rose Bowl showdown.
Jeffrey Bassa, one of the team’s undisputed leaders, expressed his pride in the program’s direction. “Seeing that the program’s headed in the right direction, we’re starting to get our respect as, you know, the Georgias, the Alabamas, right?” Bassa said. His words reflect the growing recognition Oregon has earned as one of the elite teams in college football. Over the years, programs like Georgia and Alabama have set the standard for excellence in the sport, and now, Oregon is beginning to be mentioned in the same breath as those powerhouses.
This newfound respect for Oregon’s program has been earned through hard work, strategic moves, and outstanding performances. The Ducks’ ability to excel in the Big Ten in their first season and secure a spot at the top of the College Football Playoff is a testament to their talent and commitment. It also marks a significant moment for the program, as they transition from being an underdog to a national contender.
Looking ahead to the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff, the Ducks are preparing for a tough challenge in Ohio State, a team that will undoubtedly come out strong with a chip on their shoulder after their earlier defeat. However, Oregon is ready to face whatever obstacles come their way, fueled by the motivation to prove themselves and make their mark in college football history.
For Oregon, the journey has just begun, and their sights are set on achieving greatness on the national stage. With a strong, talented roster and a coaching staff that has helped guide them to the top, the Ducks are poised to take on any challenge in the upcoming Playoff games. As the team continues to gain respect and recognition, their future in college football looks incredibly promising.
With the College Football Playoff in full swing, Oregon’s remarkable season has elevated them to the ranks of the sport’s elite teams, and their impressive performance in the Big Ten only adds to the narrative of their rise to prominence. The Ducks are not only playing for a championship but also for the continued respect and recognition that comes with being one of the top programs in the country. As they face Ohio State and beyond, Oregon is ready to show that they belong among the best in college football, earning a place alongside programs like Alabama and Georgia in the conversation for national supremacy.
The Oregon Ducks now find themselves on the brink of history, with a real chance to win their first-ever National Championship and solidify their place among college football’s elite programs. The team is currently on an incredible run, boasting a 14-game winning streak that stretches back to 2023, the longest active streak in the country. This success has been fueled by their stellar performances all season, which earned them a spot in the College Football Playoff for the second time in their history.
“We’re just living in the moment,” said Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher. “We’ve got a Rose Bowl to win.” The Ducks are not getting ahead of themselves, as their focus remains on the upcoming challenge—the Rose Bowl, where they will face off against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Despite the big picture, Boettcher’s words reflect the team’s mentality of staying grounded and taking it one game at a time.
Oregon’s defense is one of the key components of their success, and linebacker Devon Jackson, a consensus four-star recruit from Nebraska, stands out as one of the team’s most dynamic players. His elite speed has caught the eye of many, including former Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer, who was impressed with Jackson’s impressive blocking on a 100-yard touchdown return by running back Noah Whittington against Boise State. Meyer was quoted saying, “Look how fast this cat is!” in reference to Jackson’s performance. Jackson, however, is not seeking personal recognition. Instead, he takes pride in helping his teammates, particularly Whittington, who will soon be preparing for the NFL Draft.
“When (Whittington) goes to the (NFL) Draft, that’s going to be on his draft tape,” Jackson said, referring to his key block on Whittington’s touchdown. “And I helped him get that. That’s a better feeling than any play that I can make this year. Honestly, that’s my favorite play this year. Because it’s like, I don’t necessarily need the recognition.” Jackson’s selflessness and focus on team success over individual accolades reflect the camaraderie that has driven Oregon’s remarkable season.
This year’s College Football Playoff appearance marks Oregon’s second-ever trip to the postseason’s biggest stage. The Ducks were part of the inaugural four-team field in 2014, where they defeated Florida State in the Rose Bowl to advance to the first-ever CFP National Championship Game. Although they fell short in the championship, their historic run laid the foundation for future success. Now, in 2024, the Ducks are back with an even stronger team and a renewed focus on securing a National Championship.
Head coach Dan Lanning has been instrumental in guiding the Ducks to their current success. Under his leadership, the team has posted 14 straight victories, the longest active winning streak in the nation. Lanning’s coaching has been a driving force behind the Ducks’ rise to the top of college football, and his ability to lead a team that has successfully adapted to challenges in a new conference speaks volumes about his prowess as a coach.
On January 1, Oregon will make its ninth all-time appearance in the Rose Bowl, which has become a staple of the Ducks’ postseason success. This marks their fifth trip to the Rose Bowl since 2010. Historically, Oregon is 4-4 in the prestigious game, but they’ve found success in recent years, winning each of their last three Rose Bowl appearances. Their most recent victory came in 2020 when they defeated Wisconsin.
As Oregon prepares for its showdown with Ohio State, the team’s history and recent success are clear indications that they are ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. Their strong defense, explosive offense, and leadership from key players like Jackson and Boettcher have made them one of the most complete teams in college football. With their sights set on a National Championship, the Ducks are poised to prove that they belong among the sport’s elite, alongside traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.
As the College Football Playoff progresses, Oregon’s chance to claim its first National Championship and further cement its legacy as one of college football’s great programs is within reach. However, for the Ducks, the journey remains focused on the next game, and their determination to win the Rose Bowl and continue their historic run is evident in every facet of their game. The 2024 season has been a remarkable one for Oregon, and as they take the field on January 1, the Ducks will be aiming to finish what they started and achieve the ultimate goal: a National Championship.
