The thrill of victory in college football is never just confined to the scoreboard or the final whistle. It’s the culmination of years of grit, passion, and sacrifice by players and coaches, each pushing themselves and their teams beyond the limits. For Ohio State and their fanbase, the 2021 Rose Bowl victory against the Oregon Ducks remains an unforgettable moment etched in history—a battle that not only reaffirmed their resilience but also set the stage for what would prove to be one of the most exhilarating seasons in the sport.
But the story of that memorable day is not just about the final result on the field. It’s a story that’s deeply entwined with the legacy of Ohio State football, the leadership of their coaches, and the fierce rivalry between the two teams that made every moment of the game feel more intense. At the heart of the drama lies a clash of visions, a battle of wills between two passionate football programs. And Dan Lanning, the then-defensive coordinator of Oregon, would find himself in the middle of it, perhaps realizing that breakfast at Buckeye was more than just a figurative meal—it was a reminder of the expectations, realities, and the will to push past them.
Setting the Stage: A Showdown in the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, often referred to as “The Granddaddy of Them All,” is more than just another bowl game. It’s a tradition, a symbol of excellence in college football. Played annually in Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl has seen some of the most iconic moments in college football history. For both Ohio State and Oregon, this matchup was not only a test of strength but a moment to solidify their programs’ legacies.
For Ohio State, the 2021 season was a rollercoaster. With a team that was both explosive and unpredictable, the Buckeyes had weathered their share of setbacks and growing pains. There were high expectations after a dominant 2020 season, but the challenges of building a consistently elite team were evident. The loss to Oregon earlier in the season—at home in Columbus—was a bitter reminder that no team, no matter how talented, could ever afford to underestimate their opponents. The Ducks’ victory over the Buckeyes in that game was one of the most shocking upsets of the season and a hard pill to swallow for a program with a rich football history and championship aspirations.
As Ohio State entered the Rose Bowl, they had one goal: redemption. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes were determined to rewrite the narrative of their season and prove that they were still a force to be reckoned with. On the other side of the field, Oregon, under head coach Mario Cristobal, was hoping to cap off a successful season with a major bowl victory. The Ducks had a talented roster, including their star defensive coordinator, Dan Lanning, who would eventually become the head coach of Oregon in the following years.
Breakfast at Buckeye: The Pre-Game Mindset
As with any significant bowl game, the mental preparation before the game is just as important as the physical readiness. Both teams knew the stakes, and both would come into the game prepared for battle. But for Lanning, the reality of coaching in one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football had to carry a weight of its own.
Lanning, who had been with Oregon for several years, was a defensive mastermind known for his ability to scheme against high-powered offenses. His defensive units were built on aggression, speed, and versatility—qualities that he knew would be needed to stop Ohio State’s dynamic offensive attack, led by quarterback CJ Stroud and wide receivers like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. But Lanning’s defense had faced struggles during the regular season, and the Rose Bowl would be the ultimate test for his unit.
The key to Lanning’s strategy was containment. Ohio State’s offense, particularly the passing game, was explosive and capable of scoring quickly. Lanning’s defensive unit had to be disciplined, force turnovers, and keep the Buckeyes from getting into a rhythm. He knew that any lapse in focus could be costly, as Ohio State could score from anywhere on the field.
But for all of Lanning’s preparation and focus on the task at hand, there was an undeniable sense of familiarity and anticipation in the air. As breakfast was served to the players, coaches, and staff before the game, there was more than just the usual pre-game banter. It was a moment of reflection, of quiet determination, as the Oregon coaching staff and players looked across the field at their opponents in Ohio State, a team that had once been on top of the college football world. The Buckeyes weren’t just a team—they were a benchmark, a program that symbolized excellence and resilience.
Lanning had his own aspirations, dreams of one day leading a program to greatness. But in this moment, his focus had to remain on one thing: shutting down the Ohio State offense and delivering Oregon a victory on one of the biggest stages in college football.
The Battle on the Field: A Clash of Titans
As the game kicked off, it didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin. Ohio State’s offense wasted no time in showing their explosive potential, with CJ Stroud connecting with his talented receiving corps for big gains early in the game. Oregon, however, was determined to make things difficult. Lanning’s defense was aggressive, constantly rotating players and trying to disrupt Stroud’s timing in the pocket.
But Ohio State was too much to handle. Stroud, despite the pressure, continued to connect with Wilson and Olave, moving the ball downfield with precision. The Buckeyes showed the brilliance that had been missing earlier in the season, as their offensive line created ample time for Stroud to make plays and their running backs, led by Miyan Williams, kept Oregon’s defense guessing.
Oregon, to their credit, didn’t go down without a fight. Quarterback Anthony Brown showcased his dual-threat ability, keeping the Buckeye defense on their toes. But the Ducks’ offense couldn’t sustain the momentum necessary to keep up with the explosive Buckeye attack. Every time Oregon seemed to inch closer, Ohio State responded with another well-executed drive.
Dan Lanning’s defensive game plan, while aggressive, simply couldn’t contain the offensive firepower that Ohio State brought to the table. The Ducks’ defensive line, though talented, struggled to apply consistent pressure on Stroud, and their secondary couldn’t keep pace with Ohio State’s speed and precision in the passing game. The Buckeyes’ ability to hit big plays when needed was the defining factor in the game.
The Aftermath: Reflecting on the Loss
When the final whistle blew and Ohio State emerged victorious, the Ducks were left to reflect on what had gone wrong. Oregon had hoped to cap off their season with a Rose Bowl victory, but Ohio State’s performance was simply too much to handle. The Buckeyes had proven their resilience, their depth, and their ability to perform on the big stage.
For Dan Lanning, it was a bittersweet experience. On one hand, the game provided a valuable learning experience. He could take lessons from Ohio State’s offensive dominance and refine his defensive strategies for future challenges. But there was also the reality of the loss—another big game where his defense had come up short against a high-powered offense. It was a feeling that would drive him in the coming years as he eventually moved on to become the head coach at Oregon, where he would look to build his own legacy and mold a team that could challenge the elite programs in college football.
But for Ohio State, the victory over Oregon was more than just a win in a bowl game. It was redemption. It was the validation that they were still among the best, and that they could bounce back from adversity. The Rose Bowl victory served as a stepping stone toward further greatness, as Ohio State would continue to be a powerhouse in college football under the guidance of Ryan Day.
The Legacy of the Rose Bowl
The 2021 Rose Bowl will always be remembered for its significance in the landscape of college football. It was a game that showcased the best of both teams—the resilience of Ohio State and the fight of Oregon. But for Dan Lanning, breakfast at Buckeye was not just a literal meal. It was a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead, the need for constant improvement, and the ever-present pressure to live up to the expectations of a top-tier program.
For Ohio State, the victory was a symbol of their dominance and a glimpse of the future. And for Oregon, it was a reminder that in college football, every game, every moment, and every decision matters. The battle at the Rose Bowl was more than just a game—it was a clash of ideologies, a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the sport.
As the two teams parted ways after the game, they both knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges. But one thing was certain: The Rose Bowl victory against Oregon had left an indelible mark on Ohio State’s program, a victory that would be remembered for years to come as part of their storied history. And for Dan Lanning, it would only serve to fuel his drive to one day achieve similar success at the helm of his own team.