The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a monumental rematch against the Oregon Ducks after decisively defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 42-17 in their first playoff matchup.
Looking to avenge their earlier loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes quickly paved the way for their playoff run with stellar performances across the team. After ending the regular season with disappointment, particularly the fourth consecutive loss to Michigan, Buckeyes fans were eager for the team to showcase the caliber of football they were promised at the season's start. And last Saturday, they didn’t disappoint.
At home, the Buckeyes amassed 473 total yards of offense, proving their capacity to perform under playoff pressure. Quarterback Will Howard, who had faced scrutiny earlier, rose to the occasion by completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception. He provided the spark the Buckeyes needed to dominate Tennessee, demonstrating both accuracy and leadership on the field.
“It’s going to be a heck of an opportunity for all of us,” said Howard. “I think we’ve all been looking forward to this one, another crack at these guys. The way the last one ended didn’t sit right with me.”
Adding to the celebration of offensive success was true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who caught both touchdown passes thrown by Howard. Running back TreVeyon Henderson also played a significant role, averaging 9.8 yards per touch, propelling the team with his powerful running.
Ohio State's coach Ryan Day attributed the game’s success to a more aggressive play calling strategy, stating, “We called this game more aggressively; there’s no question about it. I think we did some things ... minimize our deficiencies.” Day's strategy seemed to work, as the Buckeyes averaged 7.4 yards per play, underlining their offensive efficiency.
Defensively, Ohio State maintained its reputation as one of the best defensive teams, with four sacks and six tackles for loss. The Buckeyes effectively limited Tennessee to just 17 points, showcasing their capability to perform on both sides of the ball. “We’re going to look at what we need to do, and trust the game plan the coaches have, and we’ll go and tackle them,” linebacker Cody Simon remarked, emphasizing the team's focus going forward.
The real challenge now looms large: facing the undefeated Oregon Ducks at the iconic Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024. This highly anticipated rematch follows their first meeting earlier this season, where Oregon narrowly edged out with a 32-31 victory. The previous game was characterized by Ohio State's missed opportunities, including Howard's fateful slide as time expired, which marked a mental error many have not forgotten.
That past defeat has become fuel for motivation as the Buckeyes prepare for the rematch. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is aware of the potential the Ducks possess. “They play with confidence,” he said, underscoring the insights gained from their earlier encounter and his team’s determination to improve since then.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning acknowledged Ohio State's explosive nature following their clash earlier this year. “That’s an elite football team we just played. They’re really, really talented. They don’t have weaknesses,” he noted, setting the stage for what could be another extraordinary matchup between two powerhouse teams.
Ohio State’s remarkable performance against Tennessee has renewed hopes for the Buckeyes' fans and players alike. Although they need to replicate their success, both their offense and defense must operate at full throttle against the Ducks to make progress toward their national championship goals. “We have to do whatever we can to win,” Day reiterated, emphasizing their single-minded focus on the upcoming tasks.
With emotions high and stakes raised, fans will be eagerly watching their Buckeyes as they head for the Rose Bowl, hoping for redemption and the continuation of their College Football Playoff run. The January 1 showdown will be more than just another game; it's Ohio State’s chance to reclaim their season and build upon the momentum generated from their victory over Tennessee.
