REACTION: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tennessee Volunteers in the College Football Postseason
REACTION: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tennessee Volunteers in the College Football Postseason
In the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), the Tennessee Volunteers faced the Ohio State Buckeyes in a first-round matchup that concluded with a decisive 42-17 victory for Ohio State. This game, held on December 21, 2024, at Ohio Stadium, marked Tennessee’s debut in the CFP and Ohio State’s sixth appearance.
Game Overview
Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, set an aggressive tone early. On their opening drive, Howard connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 37-yard touchdown pass. The Buckeyes continued to dominate the first quarter, with running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson each contributing rushing touchdowns, establishing a 21-0 lead.
Tennessee’s defense managed to halt the Buckeyes’ momentum temporarily in the second quarter. An interception by defensive back Will Brooks led to a 36-yard field goal by kicker Max Gilbert, putting the Volunteers on the scoreboard. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava then orchestrated a 16-play drive, culminating in his own 2-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 21-10 by halftime.
The second half saw Ohio State reassert control. Howard and Smith connected again for a 22-yard touchdown, followed by additional rushing touchdowns from Judkins and Henderson. Tennessee’s offense struggled to respond, managing only a late 2-yard rushing touchdown by Iamaleava. The Buckeyes’ balanced attack and defensive prowess secured their advancement to the quarterfinals, where they are set to face the top-seeded Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl.
Key Performances
- Will Howard (Ohio State): The quarterback demonstrated exceptional poise, passing for 311 yards and two touchdowns, both to Jeremiah Smith.
- Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): Smith’s performance was pivotal, with multiple receptions totaling significant yardage and two touchdowns.
- Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): The running back duo combined for multiple rushing touchdowns, showcasing the Buckeyes’ depth in the backfield.
- Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee): Despite the loss, Iamaleava led the Volunteers with two rushing touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.
Post-Game Reactions
The outcome prompted varied reactions from analysts and fans. Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent ESPN commentator and Ohio State alumnus, defended Buckeyes’ head coach Ryan Day against prior criticisms, emphasizing the team’s preparedness and execution. He stated, “This was a statement game for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, silencing the doubters with a comprehensive performance.”
Conversely, discussions emerged regarding the competitiveness of the expanded CFP format. The Wall Street Journal noted that the first-round games, including Ohio State’s victory, were largely lopsided, raising questions about the efficacy of the new playoff structure.
Implications for Tennessee
For the Volunteers, the loss underscores areas requiring attention, particularly in competing against top-tier programs on significant stages. Head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We have to learn from this experience, understand the level of play required, and commit to elevating our performance in future opportunities.”
Looking Ahead
Ohio State’s convincing win positions them as formidable contenders moving forward. Their upcoming matchup against Oregon in the Rose Bowl is highly anticipated, especially given the Buckeyes’ status as slight favorites despite Oregon’s top seeding.
As the CFP progresses, the dynamics observed in this game may influence strategic adjustments for remaining teams, particularly concerning the balance between offensive aggression and defensive resilience.
