An Ohio State season that started with legitimate national title aspirations has gone up in smoke.

No. 23 Oregon (6-3) demolished No. 12 Ohio State (6-3), 41-28, in a result that may have extinguished the Buckeyes' hopes of making the College Football Playoff. It is the first time Ohio State has had three or more losses by Nov. 7 since 2011, when interim coach Luke Fickell had to step in for Jim Tressel.

What started as a 14-0 Ohio State lead completely flipped after a successful Oregon fake punt while backed up deep in its own territory. It was the most unanswered points Ohio State had given up in a game since 1999, when Wisconsin scored 39 straight on the Buckeyes.

With the offense sputtering after taking that early lead, the Ohio State defense failed to hold up against Dylan Raiola and the Ducks' passing attack. Raiola -- who has endured some low moments during his first season in Eugene -- completed 25 of his 40 passing attempts for 257 yards and two touchdowns.

Conversely, Ohio State quarterback Luke Fahey looked like the freshman he is. After that hot start, Fahey struggled to get in a rhythm. He missed several throws, and his lack of connection with star wideout Jeremiah Smith was apparent.

Smith did pad his stats and his Heisman Trophy resume with a garbage-time touchdown reception, but it was far too little, too late.