Oregon Wide Receiver Tez Johnson Believes Ducks Are Better Than Ohio State “Skill for Skill” Despite Rose Bowl Loss
In the world of college football, every team’s competitive spirit is shaped by both its success and its failures. When Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson spoke candidly about the Ducks’ showdown against Ohio State in the 2023 Rose Bowl, he didn’t mince words. While many expected a display of competitive grit in what turned out to be a hard-fought game, Johnson made a bold statement that caught the attention of fans, coaches, and analysts alike. Despite the Ducks ultimately losing 38-31 to the Buckeyes, Johnson felt Oregon’s roster was superior “skill for skill” when compared to the famed program from Columbus, Ohio.
This declaration raises questions about the nature of college football competition, the development of skill sets among elite athletes, and how individual perception of team dynamics can differ from the reality of a loss on the scoreboard. While the Rose Bowl was an impressive spectacle for all involved, with both teams showcasing significant talent, Johnson’s comments reflect a deeper sentiment about the Ducks’ performance, their future aspirations, and the culture of Oregon football.
A Tale of Two Teams
The 2023 Rose Bowl pitted two of the nation’s best teams against each other in what had been an anticipated matchup since the beginning of the season. For Oregon, the game was meant to be a statement. Coming off a solid season, the Ducks wanted to prove they belonged among the elite teams of the college football world. But facing Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse, was a steep challenge. Despite a valiant effort, the Ducks fell short, with the Buckeyes holding on for a 38-31 victory.
In the post-game interviews, Tez Johnson’s words resonated with many fans who had seen his explosive potential during the season. Johnson, who transferred to Oregon from Troy University, had quickly become one of the Ducks’ most prominent playmakers. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to make plays down the field, Johnson was an invaluable asset to the Oregon offense. His words, however, were not meant to downplay the effort of Ohio State, but rather to highlight his belief in the raw talent that Oregon possessed.
“What we’ve got here at Oregon, skill for skill, I honestly think we were better than Ohio State,” Johnson said, reflecting on his team’s performance in the game. “I know we didn’t win, and that’s what matters at the end of the day. But we have a lot of athletes on this team who can do a lot of special things. We just didn’t execute in some key moments, but we are definitely one of the top teams in the country.”
Breaking Down the Bold Statement
To understand Johnson’s comment, it’s important to look at the individual talents of both teams. Oregon and Ohio State are programs that have long been considered among the nation’s elite, but their styles of play, strengths, and areas of expertise differ in key ways.
Oregon’s Offense: Speed and Skill at Every Position
The Ducks have long been known for their high-speed, high-tempo offense, with an emphasis on skill players who can stretch the field and make plays in open space. Johnson, who had a standout season at Oregon, is an ideal example of this offensive philosophy. His speed, quickness, and hands make him a dangerous weapon both in the short passing game and as a deep threat.
Joining Johnson in the receiving corps are athletes like Troy Franklin, who showed his own ability to make big plays throughout the season, and a stable of running backs who were more than capable of contributing in both the rushing and receiving game. The Ducks’ offensive line also deserves credit for opening up lanes for their running backs and providing quarterback Bo Nix with time to survey the field and make accurate throws.
On the defensive side of the ball, Oregon has consistently produced talent at almost every position. The defensive line is built to generate pressure, and the secondary features players who can lock down some of the best wide receivers in the country. While the defense had its ups and downs throughout the season, it was capable of making big plays when necessary.
Ohio State’s Blueprint: Power, Precision, and Tradition
In comparison, Ohio State’s roster was stacked with some of the most highly ranked recruits in the country, especially in the trenches. Ohio State’s offensive line is often regarded as one of the best in college football, providing quarterback C.J. Stroud with ample protection and time to pick apart opposing defenses. Stroud, one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft, is an elite talent capable of delivering pinpoint throws to his wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most dangerous and skilled pass catchers in the nation.
Ohio State’s running back room, led by Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson, was similarly formidable, able to generate explosive plays both between the tackles and on the outside. On the defensive side, the Buckeyes are known for their linebacker play and pass-rushing specialists, all of whom can make an impact on the game.
While Oregon might have felt they had a skill advantage in certain areas, particularly in terms of speed and athleticism, Ohio State’s overall depth and ability to execute in key moments was what ultimately tipped the scales in the Buckeyes’ favor during the Rose Bowl. Ohio State may have been more consistent in those crucial moments, which gave them the edge despite Oregon’s skill players making plays of their own.
Johnson’s Perspective: Confidence and Future Outlook
For Tez Johnson, his comments about Oregon’s superior skill are a reflection of his belief in the potential of his team. It’s clear that the Ducks, despite their Rose Bowl defeat, were poised for future success. The 2023 season was filled with signs of Oregon’s growth, and Johnson’s statement speaks to the hunger for greatness within the team.
The Ducks’ offense was explosive at times, showing that they could compete with the best of the best. But there were moments in the Rose Bowl where a lack of execution, combined with Ohio State’s ability to capitalize on mistakes, proved to be the difference. Still, Johnson’s view of his team’s talent is rooted in his confidence in their ability to perform at the highest level.
“We have the pieces,” Johnson added. “We have the talent. We’ve just got to clean up the little things and keep improving. That’s how you get to the top. I believe we’re already there in terms of talent, now we just need to bring it all together.”
This mindset, shared by other players and coaches, is a powerful motivator. Johnson’s leadership and the belief he has in his teammates are qualities that could propel the Ducks to greater success in the future.
The Significance of Tez Johnson’s Remarks
Johnson’s comments about Oregon’s skill relative to Ohio State’s also have wider implications for the state of college football recruiting, coaching, and player development. In an era where recruiting rankings, player development, and schemes are more critical than ever, Johnson’s words point to a growing trend: athletes are beginning to realize that talent is not necessarily confined to a handful of elite programs.
While Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia continue to dominate the recruiting landscape, there is a rising tide of programs like Oregon, Michigan, and others that are closing the gap. Players are no longer content to just play for a top program based on tradition or reputation. They are looking at the opportunities for growth, development, and personal success. Tez Johnson’s journey from Troy to Oregon is evidence of this new wave of thinking among athletes, and his confidence in his team’s skill underscores the changing dynamics in college football.
Looking Ahead: Oregon’s Future
Tez Johnson’s comments after the Rose Bowl might be viewed by some as brash, but they are also indicative of a larger trend in college football: the shift towards a more competitive, balanced landscape where teams like Oregon can be just as dangerous as the bluebloods. With Oregon’s continued recruitment of top-tier talent and a growing commitment to player development, the Ducks will likely continue to challenge the established powers.
The team’s progress, both on the field and in terms of player development, will be the true test of whether they can live up to Johnson’s bold statement. If they can clean up the execution and continue to improve in key areas, the Ducks could soon be in a position to take down the traditional powers of college football, not just in one-off games but as a consistent contender.
As for Tez Johnson, his journey at Oregon is far from over. With his explosive skill set, confidence, and determination, he could be one of the key pieces in Oregon’s march toward becoming a true national powerhouse in college football.
For now, though, Johnson’s bold proclamation about Oregon’s skill, despite the Rose Bowl loss, is just the beginning. His belief in his team’s potential serves as both a rallying cry for the Ducks and a reminder to college football fans that talent is not always about tradition—sometimes, it’s about the players on the field, their drive, and the desire to prove themselves against the best.
