NFL talent evaluators make their pick on who is going to win between Ohio State and Oregon in the Rose Bowl

Lights, camera, action. The table is set for the Rose Bowl, involving the highly-anticipated rematch between the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Who has the biggest advantages? Where can Ohio State learn from the past? Who will win the rematch?

Scouts pick the Rose Bowl

ESPN polled ten NFL scouts for their predicted victor of the upcoming rematch between the Ducks and Buckeyes. Six picked Oregon, while four picked OSU.

ESPN polled 10 NFL scouts on their winner, and six of them picked Oregon, with reasons ranging from Lanning’s big-game guts to the Ducks’ unflinching consistency to a mismatch up front when the Ducks defensive line plays against Ohio State’s offensive line. (Remember, star Ducks defensive end Jordan Burch didn’t play in the first game and Ohio State was much healthier up front heading into the game.) — ESPN+

The reasons varied on both sides. As for Oregon, scouts pointed out the trench warfare that the Ducks won last time the two teams played. They see it playing out in a similar way.

Credit Oregon’s defensive line — a generally underrated group — for adding to the havoc. Per ESPN Research, Oregon got pressure on 34% of dropbacks in the first game. Only Michigan and Indiana had higher rates against the Buckeyes. — ESPN+

Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel also got some love. They called him “unflappable” and expect the moment to not be too much for him on one of the biggest stages in college football.

On the flip-side, the Buckeyes have some advantages, too. Scouts feel like their overall talent level exceeds Oregon, as the Buckeyes have tons of NFL talent around their roster.

Just on their defensive line, the Buckeyes have three potential top 50 picks in the upcoming draft class.

Talent evaluators also noted that Jeremiah Smith is one of the top receivers in college football, and he should be able to find ways to succeed against  Oregon, given Will Howard continues his strong play.

“His play strength and his ability to play big at that age is really, really rare. Even Marv [Harrison Jr.], he was so good, but he played small and crafty,” the scout said. “This dude is physical, bullying corners at 18 and going up and getting 50-50 balls. He’s really physical for a guy that’s so young.”

— NFL scout

No matter what – there is clearly a contingency that think the Buckeyes can grab some revenge against the Ducks this week in front of the entire country.