The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a resounding performance on Saturday night, defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 42-17 in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes, seeded eighth, set the stage for their rematch against top-seeded Oregon at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
Quarterback Will Howard showcased his skills, throwing two touchdown passes to freshman standout Jeremiah Smith. Howard completed 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards, marking his second 300-yard game of the season. Smith, with his impressive six receptions for 103 yards, became one of only six freshmen to surpass 100 receiving yards in a College Football Playoff game.
The Buckeyes stormed out of the gates, scoring on their first three drives and forcing Tennessee to punt three consecutive times. This early onslaught significantly stymied the Volunteers' momentum. Tennessee, ranked ninth and finishing the season with a record of 10-3, finally found its rhythm with a field goal and touchdown in the second quarter. Despite this, they were unable to mount any substantial offense in the second half until scoring a late, meaningless touchdown once the outcome was all but decided.
On the other side of the field, Tennessee's quarterback Nico Iamaleava struggled against Ohio State's defense, completing just 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards. He managed to rush for 47 yards and scored one touchdown but faced relentless pressure throughout the game. One bright spot for Tennessee was freshman running back Lewis, who rushed for 77 yards on 10 carries, but it proved too little to counter Ohio State's offensive firepower.
The Buckeyes' rushing attack was equally potent, with running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson both finding the end zone twice. Henderson finished the game with 80 rushing yards, including a 29-yard touchdown run, solidifying Ohio State's dominance on the ground.
Notably, the game took place under brisk conditions, with the temperature dipping to 25 degrees, marking the first college football game played in December at the historic 102-year-old Ohio Stadium. The cold did not deter Buckeyes fans, who were treated to a performance filled with explosive plays and disciplined execution by their team.
Tennessee's struggles were compounded by injuries sustained by key players. All-SEC running back Dylan Sampson was limited due to a hamstring injury, registering just two carries for six yards. Receivers Squirrel White and Dont'e Thorton Jr. also played with injuries, significantly affecting the Volunteers' offensive strategy.
The final stats underscored the lopsided nature of the game, with Ohio State amassing 473 total yards—the most ever allowed by the Volunteers' defense this season. Tennessee managed only 256 yards overall, reflecting their difficulties against the Buckeyes' staunch defense.
Attendance figures for the game were not disclosed, but the atmosphere was palpable as the Buckeyes celebrated their victory, providing fans with early holiday cheer. Ohio State's triumph was particularly satisfying, coming on the heels of their disappointing loss to rival Michigan just weeks ago—a defeat which had marred their season.
With this win, the Buckeyes have generated renewed optimism among fans and players alike as they shift their focus to the Rose Bowl matchup against Oregon. The team will look to capitalize on Saturday's momentum and take one step closer to potentially claiming the national championship.
Ohio State's coaching staff lauded the team's effort and execution during the game. "We prepared well and executed our game plan flawlessly," said one coach, emphasizing how the players stepped up when it mattered most. This confidence will be key as they advance to face the nation's top-seeded team.
Overall, the Buckeyes' victory over the Volunteers not only showcases their determination but also reinforces their status as legitimate contenders in this year's College Football Playoff. Fans are eager to see if Ohio State can maintain this high level of play as they chase their elusive goal of returning to glory on the national stage.
