slides: UO Campus Reacts to NCAA National Championship

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Taya Alami, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Oregon students Patrick McFarland and Michael Khouri after the Ducks' Jan. 12 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship.

After a record-breaking season, the Oregon Ducks lost the College Football Playoff Championship 42-20 to Ohio State.

Despite the score being close midway through the game (21-20) the Buckeyes pulled away from the Ducks behind the hard running of Sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliot, who had four touchdowns on the day.

Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota completed 24 of 37 passes for 333 yards, two touchdowns and one interception - but it wasn't enough to stage a comeback.

On the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, the postgame atmosphere was somber.

Students were upset about the loss, although most said they were still proud of their team. Some students expressed dismay that some of the Ducks players - like wide receiver Darren Carrington - weren't able to play in the game.

Even though they were disappointed by the loss, Oregon students said they still love their Ducks.

Related Slideshow: Slideshow:UO Campus Reacts to NCAA National Championship

Here are some U of O students reactions to the Ducks' loss in the national championship game:

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Ryan Hsu

"It was a really good game overall. The Buckeyes honestly just beat us. Our defensive line was just tired the whole time; and they Buckeyes defense was really good.

"We missed a bunch of opportunities, like all of those third-down drops. The Bucks just beat us."

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Andrea Harvey

"I really, really thought we were going to win and we just didn't. It's depressing. I don't even know what to say about it. All I can do is eat, and hopefully forget."

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Howard Pickering

"Watching the game, I felt very anxious. It was definitely very nerve-racking. There were some moments I was on cloud nine, then there were some moments, I was like, 'What's going on?!'

"After the game was over I couldn't help but sit back and smile, look at the great season we had, and take away all of the positives. Looking back, I'm proud of what we did and I can't help bit look forward to next season."

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Max Borman

"When we were down 21-20, I honestly thought Marcus (Mariota) had it in him to lead the comback. We've been a second half team; we've had some good third quarters this season. It just wasn't enough.

"I felt like like we kept waiting for plays to happen, but it never happened. It's not a fault to Marcus. We were missing some key players."

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Ryan Donlan

"It's sad. We're obviously devastated. But at the same time we're very proud of our team. No matter what, we love our Ducks and we want to be there for them.

"Bottom line, we're proud of the boys who played for us. Especially the ones from the Portland-area, like Matt Pierson and Keanon Lowe."

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Patrick McFarland

"No question, it's kind of disappointing. I was really hoping for the win. But we're proud of them and their near comeback, and sticking it out to the end."

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Michael Khouri

"It was a tough loss, of course. We pulled through as much as could. We fought back as much as we could. We didn't give up. We played until the clock hit zero - that's what a real championship team does.

"We have phenomenal players, a great coaching staff, fans and school. It's just that Ohio State came out stronger and played stronger than we did today. But it's okay, we always have the years ahead."

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Joel Jacobs

"It's tough. It was great to watch the game surrounded by friends, but I was really hoping for the potential comeback. We had a great team."

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Gabe Ovets

"I'm very disappointed, but I love my Ducks. We had a great season. The Rose Bowl was huge - I'm happy we were able to win the Rose Bowl. We had a great season and there's always next year."