Howard and Smith Light Up the Field as Ohio State Dominates CFP Showdown
The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a commanding performance in their first-round College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup, routing Tennessee 42-17 on a frigid Saturday night at Ohio Stadium. Led by quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes (11-2) secured a New Year’s Day showdown with No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl. […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a commanding performance in their first-round College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup, routing Tennessee 42-17 on a frigid Saturday night at Ohio Stadium. Led by quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes (11-2) secured a New Year’s Day showdown with No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl.
Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith Shine
Quarterback Will Howard was nearly flawless, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Both of those scoring throws went to standout freshman Jeremiah Smith, who recorded six catches for 103 yards. Smith became only the sixth freshman in CFP history to surpass 100 receiving yards in a game.
Howard emphasized the importance of their team effort: “We really put together a full, all-out performance, and I think that’s what we needed to do and what we needed to show.”
Dominant Ground Game
Ohio State’s rushing attack was equally impressive. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for four touchdowns on the ground, with Henderson tallying 80 yards on just 10 carries. Their relentless rushing opened up opportunities for the Buckeyes’ dynamic passing game, keeping Tennessee’s defense off balance.
Head coach Ryan Day praised his team’s determination: “You could tell from the jump that they had a look in their eyes that they were going to win this game.”
Tennessee Struggles to Keep Pace
The Volunteers (10-3), who entered the game as the No. 9 seed, were outmatched on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava struggled under relentless pressure from Ohio State’s top-ranked defense, completing just 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards, his lowest total of the season. He also rushed for 47 yards but was sacked four times, twice by Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau.
Head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged his team’s shortcomings:
“We didn’t play the way we needed to, we didn’t play well enough, and we didn’t coach well enough.”
Key Moments of the Game
– Fast Start for Ohio State: The Buckeyes scored on their first three drives, forcing three consecutive punts from Tennessee.
– Jeremiah Smith’s Breakout: Smith’s two touchdowns, including a 25-yard catch-and-run, showcased his ability to shine in high-pressure situations.
– Defensive Dominance: Ohio State’s defense held Tennessee to just 256 total yards, including a mere 3.7 yards per play. The Volunteers only managed a late-game touchdown after the outcome was already decided.
Takeaways from the Matchup
Ohio State: A Return to Form
The Buckeyes bounced back emphatically after their fourth straight loss to Michigan three weeks ago. Their aggressive play-calling and balanced attack highlighted their versatility on offense. On defense, they reminded everyone why they’re statistically the best in the nation.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles expressed pride in his unit: “I got after them at halftime and challenged them. I knew as long as we did our job, everything was going to turn out all right.”
Tennessee: Injury Woes and Missed Opportunities
The Volunteers were hampered by injuries to key players, including star running back Dylan Sampson, who managed only six rushing yards on two carries due to a hamstring issue. Receivers Squirrel White and Dont’e Thornton Jr. were also limited, severely impacting Tennessee’s ability to move the ball effectively.
Fan Turnout and Atmosphere
Despite the 25-degree game-time temperature, over 104,000 fans packed Ohio Stadium, including a noticeable contingent of Tennessee supporters. The Volunteers’ fans secured significantly more than the 3,500 tickets allocated to their school, creating a spirited and competitive atmosphere.
What’s Next?
Ohio State’s victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl on January 1. The Ducks previously defeated the Buckeyes earlier this season, adding extra intensity to this playoff quarterfinal matchup.
For Tennessee, the loss marks the end of a promising season. Despite falling short in the CFP, the Volunteers showed resilience and growth, setting the foundation for future success under Coach Heupel.
