Ohio State vs. Oregon College Football Playoff score prediction: Rose Bowl preview feat. Dillon Gabriel, Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith, and more.

The second half of the college football quarterfinals offers the most competitive and compelling games. The winner of both these games could well end up in the title contest on January 20th. Both games will also be closely watched by NFL decision-makers.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon preview

The Rose Bowl features a good, old-fashioned Big Ten versus Pac-12 matchup, despite the fact that Oregon made the move to the former conference and won the title during their first season of competition.

It’s also a rematch of the Week 7 battle between the two teams, which the Ducks won by a score of 32-31 in Eugene.

The first game played between these teams on October 12 is notable for several reasons; Oregon outscored Ohio State 10-3 in the final quarter to win the game, and Josh Simmons, the Buckeyes’ talented left tackle, went down to a season-ending injury early in the contest.

That forced several lineup changes for the Buckeyes offensive line. The two programs have taken different paths since then, as Oregon dominated opponents while Ohio State played below its potential and ended up losing to Michigan in awful fashion.

The Buckeyes' ability to stop the fast-paced Oregon offense, led by underrated quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist, will be key if the Buckeyes are to win.

Dillon Gabriel - Source: Imagn

The Ducks offense beats opponents on the ground, with Gabriel or explosive ball carrier Jordan James, as well as through the air.

The receiver trio of Evan Stewart, Tez Johnson, and Traeshon Holden can beat opponents on all three levels of the field, and tight end Terrance Ferguson is outstanding as a pass catcher and blocker.

Ohio State did an outstanding job shutting down the Tennessee Volunteers last week, but Oregon is next level.

Pass rushers JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer must contain Gabriel, while defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton must clog the running lanes. Both will be nearly impossible for 60 minutes.

Jack Sawyer - Source: Imagn

The Buckeyes' secondary, specifically corners Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun, who struggled this season yet did play well against Tennessee, must not have lapses and guard against the big play.

When Ohio State is on offense, quarterback Will Howard must take the advantages offered by receivers Emeka Egbuka, sophomore Carnell Tate, and freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith offer.

Will Howard - Source: Imagn

The three Buckeyes receivers have a 5-to-6-inch height advantage over the three starting Oregon corners. Howard must exploit that.

Versatile running back TreVeyon Henderson will also have to be heavily involved as a ball carrier on the inside as well as the outside. Perhaps more importantly, he must make an impact catching the ball out of the backfield or down the field, if the Buckeyes are to win.

All signs point to Oregon winning a close contest, but I believe Ohio State is on a mission. As I said last week, Ryan Day is coaching for his future in Columbus, and a defeat against Oregon would seal his doom.

Despite the Ducks being the best team in the nation this season, one can make the argument Ohio State has more talent on paper.

FINAL: Ohio State 32, Oregon 28