Ohio State Dominates Tennessee in College Football Playoff Opener
On a chilly December night in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a performance that warmed the hearts of their fans, routing the Tennessee Volunteers 42-17 in a first-round College Football Playoff game. This victory not only advanced the Buckeyes to a New Year’s Day showdown with No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl but also served as a much-needed balm for the wounds inflicted by their recent loss to Michigan.
Quarterback Will Howard was the star of the night, throwing two touchdown passes to freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith. Howard’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards, marking his second 300-yard game of the season. Smith, on the other hand, continued to impress as he became the sixth freshman to record over 100 receiving yards in a CFP game, finishing with six catches for 103 yards.
The Buckeyes, now 11-2, were relentless from the start, scoring on their first three drives while forcing Tennessee into three consecutive punts. The Volunteers, seeded ninth with a 10-3 record, managed to put points on the board with a second-quarter field goal and a touchdown but struggled to find any rhythm in the second half. Their only other score came late in the game, long after the outcome had been decided.
Ohio State’s ground game was equally dominant, with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson each rushing for two touchdowns. This potent combination of aerial and ground attacks was precisely what the Buckeyes needed to silence critics following their fourth consecutive loss to Michigan just three weeks prior.
Ohio State’s strategy was clear: exploit the boundaries and unleash their most explosive players. This approach paid off handsomely, setting the stage for a rematch with Oregon, the top seed that narrowly defeated Ohio State 32-31 on October 12.
On the other side of the field, Tennessee’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava had a challenging night. He completed 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards and rushed a career-high 20 times for 47 yards. The Volunteers’ defense, which had been a strong point throughout the season, was overwhelmed, surrendering 473 yards to the Buckeyes, the most they had allowed all year.
The game was played under frigid conditions, with the temperature dropping to 25 degrees, marking the first college football game played in December at the 102-year-old Ohio Stadium. Despite the cold, the Buckeyes’ performance was red-hot, providing their fans with an early Christmas gift and a reason to look forward to the New Year.
- Ohio State’s Will Howard: 24 for 29, 311 yards, 2 TDs
- Jeremiah Smith: 6 catches, 103 yards, 2 TDs
- Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson: 2 rushing TDs each
- Ohio State’s total yards: 473
- Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava: 14 for 31, 104 yards, 47 rushing yards
As the Buckeyes prepare for their rematch with Oregon, fans are hopeful that this victory is a sign of things to come. With their sights set on the Rose Bowl, Ohio State is poised to make a statement on the national stage.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
