The Ohio State Buckeyes proved to be true national title contenders on December 22, 2024, with their emphatic 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, propelling them to the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. This significant win not only displayed Ohio State's dominating performance on the field but also came with financial rewards for their head coach, Ryan Day.
Following the match at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Day received a $150,000 bonus for guiding the Buckeyes to the quarterfinals, according to Steve Berkowitz of USA Today. This victory marked the end of Ohio State's four-game losing streak against Michigan and helped quiet the critics who had previously called for Day's dismissal. "We got a lot of football ahead of us," Day commented, emphasizing the need to maintain focus as the team prepares for their next opponent, the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks. "It's a great group. And so, we're gonna enjoy it for about 24 hours, and then it's gonna be on to Oregon," he added, reflecting his optimism for the upcoming match.
Ohio State's performance against Tennessee showcased their offensive prowess and aggressive defense. Will Howard, the Buckeyes' quarterback, contributed significantly with six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns, connecting primarily with freshman standout Jeremiah Smith, whose performance is garnering Heisman attention for the next season. On the running front, TreyVeon Henderson rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns, alongside Quinshon Judkins, who added another two touchdowns, emphasizing the team’s balanced offensive strategy.
The aggressive tactics deployed by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly also played to Ohio State’s advantage against Tennessee's defense, which struggled significantly throughout the game. By employing creative play-calling strategies reminiscent of his tenure at Oregon, Kelly effectively utilized the screen game to counteract Tennessee's aggressive pass rush, allowing the Buckeyes to control the tempo.
On the other side of the field, Ohio State's defense stifled Tennessee's attacking efforts, restricting their quarterback Nico Iamaleava and rendering the Volunteers ineffective. Coach Jim Knowles' defense made sure Tennessee could not establish any rhythm, severely hampering their offensive capabilities. The performance was especially notable considering the weather conditions, underscoring the determination of the Ohio State players and coaches.
This triumphant outing has also placed Ryan Day and his coaching staff on the radar for even more bonuses. They collectively stood to earn nearly $5 million throughout the CFP if Ohio State continues to progress. Should the Buckeyes defeat Oregon, Day stands to receive another $100,000, with potential total bonuses reaching up to $1 million if Ohio State clinches the national title
.While coaches celebrated, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is not walking away empty-handed either. His team will also be receiving bonuses for making the playoff and finishing among the top ten in the final CFP poll, demonstrating the overall competitiveness at this level of college football.
Ohio State entering this playoff after suffering from the Michigan defeat was pivotal for not just their season but for establishing confidence moving forward. There was considerable buzz around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center leading up to this game, with reports of focused preparations and even players-only meetings aimed at regaining their focus on the National Championship goal. The coaching staff and players demonstrated resilience which is reflected strongly through the dominant scoreline.
The upcoming game against Oregon on January 1, 2025, at the Rose Bowl adds another layer of excitement. The two teams had faced each other earlier this season where Oregon triumphed by just one point, emphasizing the stakes involved for Ohio State. The Buckeyes, riding high off this victory, are determined to make adjustments and deliver anew against their Big Ten rivals.
The decisive win against Tennessee sets the tone for Ohio State's aspirations this playoff season—fueling their desire for redemption and national recognition. With focused practices and mental preparation, the Buckeyes hope to continue what they started, seeking to finally secure the national title they covet and solidifying Ryan Day’s position at the helm.
