3 Ohio State players that could give Dillon Gabriel a hard time in Rose Bowl ft. Jack Sawyer  

After acing their first postseason test, the Ohio State Buckeyes now prepare to travel cross-country and play in the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks on New Year's Day. The winner of that game will earn a berth in the semifinal held at the Cotton Bowl Classic.

The Ohio State defense started slow in the game at Eugene, allowing 22 first-half points to Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks offense. They controlled the second half better, allowing only 10 more points.

While the Ducks came away with a narrow win in their matchup during the regular season, the Buckeyes are talented enough to sway the semifinal their way.

Here are three players who could take control of the game on defense.

3 Ohio State players that could give Dillon Gabriel a hard time

After dropping a heartbreaker in their first matchup against Oregon, Ohio State will look to rattle Dillon Gabriel and limit the Ducks' attack this time around.

#3. Cody Simon, Linebacker

Simon was the Bockeyes’ leading tackler this season. He finished the year with 86 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

But this could be his most important game of the year. Against an Oregon offense that is equally adept at pounding the rock as passing the football, the Ohio State defense must make plays from sideline to sideline.

Simon tied a regular season high with 10 tackles against the Ducks. His ability to track down the football could make life difficult for Gabriel and the Ducks' offense this time around.

#2. Caleb Downs, Safety

The sophomore safety and Thorpe Award finalist is a commanding presence for the Buckeyes. Downs and Lathan Ransom held the middle of the field in check versus Tennessee.

In the first game against Oregon, the Hoschton, Georgia native had eight tackles and two pass deflections.

Oregon possesses one of the most dynamic attacks in the nation. A sure tackling safety like Downs could prevent the Ducks from game-breaking plays.

#1. Jack Sawyer, Defensive End

Sawyer and JT Tuimoloao must do better than in the first matchup against the Ducks, in which they were limited to five tackles and one tackle for loss. While Tuimoloao is the leading sacker and is coming off a two-sack game versus Tennessee, Sawyer has been making big plays all season long.

Besides his six sacks, the senior has 51 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown. Forcing turnovers would improve the Buckeyes’ chances.

Getting to Dillon Gabriel could be the best way to force the Oregon offense into mistakes. Jack Sawyer might be their best option to create big plays.

Who do you think will come away with the win in the Rose Bowl when the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Oregon Ducks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.