On Saturday night, the Ohio State Buckeyes asserted their dominance by defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 42-17, marking their first home playoff game victory at Ohio Stadium. With electric energy and high expectations, Ohio State capitalized on their strengths, bouncing back decisively from their recent loss to Michigan.
From the get-go, Ohio State showcased its offensive prowess, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions. Quarterback Will Howard led the charge, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, along with rushing for 37 yards. His quick completion passes helped rejuvenate the team's confidence, setting the tone for this dominating performance. “We showed them pretty quick we weren’t going to let [Tennessee fans] take over this place,” Howard said, recalling the electric atmosphere filled with orange-clad Tennessee supporters.
Among Howard's key targets were wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. Smith had six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns, providing the Buckeyes with explosive plays at pivotal moments. Egbuka complemented this effort with five catches for 81 yards. Their rapid-fire contributions allowed Ohio State to surge to a commanding 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
On the ground game, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins each scored two touchdowns. Henderson was particularly effective, rushing for 80 yards on just ten carries, including a 29-yard touchdown run, making it clear early on Ohio State was not taking their opponent lightly.
The Buckeyes' defensive unit was equally impressive, limiting Tennessee to 256 total yards and forcing four sacks. Defensive end JT Tuimoloau was instrumental, recording two sacks and eight tackles, effectively dismantling Tennessee's offensive line. Only weeks after facing criticism for their performance against Michigan, the Buckeyes’ defense showed up electrifyingly, showcasing why they are regarded among the best nationally.
Head coach Ryan Day reflected on the team’s mental preparation, observing, “You could tell from the jump they had a look in their eyes they were going to win this game.” His ability to rally the players after their earlier setback was evident as the Buckeyes executed their game plan flawlessly, much to the satisfaction of their fans.
The Volunteers faced significant challenges of their own. Star running back Dylan Sampson, who had been pivotal throughout the season with 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns, struggled due to injury, managing only two carries for six yards. Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava battled relentlessly against Ohio State’s pass rush, resulting in 14 completions out of 31 attempts for just 104 yards. With key offensive players hampered and ineffective against the Buckeye defense, the Volunteers failed to find their rhythm.
Pregame, Tennessee supporters filled Ohio Stadium, with estimates claiming they composed nearly 40% of the crowd, belting out their unofficial anthem, “Rocky Top.” The initial nervousness of Ohio State fans quickly dissipated following the explosive start to the game. “They thought they were going to take over this place,” Howard recalled, highlighting how the home crowd turned the tide to support their team.
Even though Ohio State faced the pressure of their fans' high expectations, Jackson echoed the sentiments of the entire locker room after the match: “For three weeks, everyone was telling us we sucked. Half the fan base was telling us we sucked... And so we took it personally.” This fire fueled the Buckeyes throughout the challenging moments, all but erasing the pain from their previous defeat.
Following this decisive win, Ohio State now looks forward to seeking revenge against Oregon at the Rose Bowl on January 1st. Having lost to Oregon earlier this season by just one point, they see this next matchup as not just another opportunity but as redemption. With odds improving for Ohio State's National Championship run—the team sits at +360 with betting agencies—there’s palpable excitement for the upcoming Rose Bowl, where they enter as 1.5-point favorites.
The Buckeyes’ victory over the Volunteers not only solidified their place among the playoff contenders but also served as a reminder of the explosive potential they possess when they play to their strengths. With continued focus and determination, Ohio State aspires to carry this momentum through the postseason and beyond.
