Top-seeded Oregon sees title hopes dashed with early knockout by Ohio State

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Oregon withstood many challenges en route to being the only unbeaten team and the top seed in the College Football Playoff.

However, Ohio State’s opening flurry on offense and defense in the first half was too much to overcome as the Big Ten champions saw their hopes of a first national championship dashed with a 41-21 loss in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday night.

“It was definitely shocking. They came out and punched us in the mouth. We tried to make adjustments...