COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio State bounced back emphatically from its crushing loss to Michigan, dominating Tennessee 42-17 in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday. The decisive victory earned the Buckeyes a spot in the Rose Bowl, where they will face a familiar rival, the Oregon Ducks, on January 1.
Despite a strong turnout from Tennessee fans at Ohio Stadium, Ohio State asserted its dominance early and never looked back. The Buckeyes marched 75 yards in just five plays on their opening drive, capped off by a 37-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for a commanding performance.
Early Control, Dominant Start
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard led the charge with a stellar performance, completing 24 of 31 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Howard’s precision was evident from the outset, as he averaged an impressive 10.7 yards per attempt against a Tennessee defense that had been a force all season.
The Buckeyes’ offense surged to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on Tennessee’s inability to gain any momentum. Ohio State scored on its first three drives, including two explosive plays of more than 25 yards, leaving the Volunteers stunned.
Tennessee mounted a brief comeback in the second quarter, scoring 10 points while holding Ohio State scoreless. At halftime, the scoreboard read 21-10, offering a glimmer of hope for the Volunteers. However, the Buckeyes extinguished that hope with a relentless second-half performance, scoring 21 unanswered points and shutting down Tennessee’s offense entirely until a garbage-time touchdown in the game’s waning moments.
A Statement Win for Ryan Day
For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, the victory provided a much-needed reprieve after intense scrutiny following the Michigan loss. Day, now 2-3 in College Football Playoff games, described the win as a “turning point” for his team.
“This group showed resilience tonight,” Day said postgame. “We knew we had to make a statement, and that’s exactly what we did.”
The win not only restored confidence in Day’s leadership but also reignited Ohio State’s championship hopes. With the Big Ten title out of reach, the Buckeyes are now focused solely on the national championship.
Jeremiah Smith Shines Bright
Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a breakout performance that showcased his star potential. Smith recorded six catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 37-yard diving grab on the opening drive.
“Jeremiah’s a special player,” said Howard. “When he’s on, we’re tough to beat.”
Smith’s second touchdown, a 22-yard strike in the third quarter, came against Tennessee’s star cornerback Jermod McCoy and underscored his ability to rise in big moments. His performance etched his name in playoff history as only the fourth freshman to tally at least 100 yards and two touchdowns in a College Football Playoff game.
Tennessee’s Defense Falters
The Volunteers entered the game boasting one of the nation’s top defenses, having allowed just 23 total points in their final two regular-season contests. However, that unit struggled mightily against Ohio State’s potent offense.
Ohio State exposed weaknesses in Tennessee’s secondary and overwhelmed its defensive line, even with a shorthanded offensive front. The Buckeyes averaged 4.7 yards per carry, with running back TreVeyon Henderson leading the way with 80 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.
Tennessee’s offense also struggled to find the rhythm. A series of three-and-outs in the first half left the defense on the field for extended stretches, compounding the team’s woes.
“This wasn’t the Tennessee defense we’ve seen all year,” head coach Josh Heupel admitted. “Ohio State was the better team today.”
Looking Ahead to Oregon
The Buckeyes now turn their attention to a rematch with Oregon, a team that handed them a 32-31 loss in the regular season. The stakes will be higher this time as the two programs clash in the Rose Bowl, one of the most anticipated matchups in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
“We remember what happened the last time,” Day said. “This is about redemption.”
The Rose Bowl represents an opportunity for Ohio State to solidify its place among college football’s elite and keep its national championship dreams alive.
Tennessee’s Historic Loss
Saturday’s game marked a historic low point for Tennessee, whose 42 points allowed were the most it had given up all season. It was also the second-largest loss by an SEC team in College Football Playoff history.
The Volunteers will look to regroup as they close the book on an otherwise successful 10-win season. Despite the loss, Heupel remained optimistic about the program’s future.
“This group accomplished a lot this year,” he said. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Final Thoughts
Ohio State’s decisive victory over Tennessee was a resounding statement to the college football world. With momentum and a talented roster led by Howard and Smith, the Buckeyes are poised for an exciting showdown against Oregon.
Final Score: Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17.