Ohio State’s offense, featuring quarterback Will Howard and top wide receiver prospect Jeremiah Smith, faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers in a high-stakes matchup that garnered national attention. The game provided a platform for Ohio State’s offensive stars to showcase their talent and further develop their chemistry. In this analysis, we will break down Ohio State’s offensive performance in the game, focusing on the contributions of Howard, Smith, and the supporting cast, as well as the overall execution of the offensive game plan.
Ohio State’s Offensive Game Plan Against Tennessee
Heading into the matchup against Tennessee, Ohio State’s offense had been performing at a high level throughout the season. The Buckeyes were known for their explosive passing game, bolstered by Howard’s ability to manage the offense and make accurate throws, and Smith’s exceptional route running and playmaking ability.
Tennessee, on the other hand, was coming off a season where their defense was often questioned, despite their overall success. Their defensive scheme was designed to disrupt passing attacks, but they had been inconsistent in their ability to contain elite quarterbacks and wide receivers. Ohio State’s offense was poised to test Tennessee’s defense early and often, taking advantage of mismatches across the field.
The Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator, in collaboration with head coach Ryan Day, designed a game plan that would allow Howard to utilize both his arm and his legs, while also integrating Smith into the offense in a way that maximized his explosive play potential. The passing game was expected to be the focal point, given Tennessee’s struggles against top-tier passing offenses.
Quarterback Will Howard’s Performance
Will Howard entered the game as Ohio State’s starting quarterback with a reputation for his precision passing and poise under pressure. The junior quarterback had shown his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions throughout the season. Against Tennessee, Howard’s performance was crucial to Ohio State’s success, as he was tasked with exploiting the Volunteers’ secondary and ensuring the offense moved efficiently.
Early in the game, Howard showcased his arm strength, hitting deep passes to stretch Tennessee’s defense and keep them on their heels. On several occasions, Howard was able to connect with Smith on deep routes, demonstrating an excellent rapport with the star receiver. His accuracy on short and intermediate throws was also notable, as he consistently put the ball in positions where his receivers could make plays after the catch.
However, Howard’s performance was not without challenges. Tennessee’s defense, while susceptible to big plays, had moments where they pressured Howard in the pocket. The Volunteers’ defensive line, led by their talented pass rushers, was able to generate some heat on Howard, forcing him to scramble and make throws on the move. Despite this, Howard remained composed and was able to deliver several key throws under pressure, maintaining his ability to read the field and adjust on the fly.
A critical aspect of Howard’s game was his ability to manage the tempo of the offense. Ohio State used a no-huddle approach at times, which allowed them to catch Tennessee off guard and create favorable matchups. Howard’s command of the offense was evident, as he directed the team with confidence and made quick, decisive plays. In the second half, as the game grew tighter, Howard showed his maturity by taking what the defense gave him, moving the chains and sustaining drives.
Howard finished the game with impressive numbers, throwing for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, all while limiting mistakes and ensuring the offense stayed on track. His ability to deliver pinpoint throws in key moments allowed Ohio State to capitalize on their opportunities and keep Tennessee’s defense guessing.
Jeremiah Smith’s Impact
Jeremiah Smith, one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects in the nation, was a focal point of Ohio State’s offensive strategy against Tennessee. Known for his elite speed, route running, and ball-tracking skills, Smith presented a matchup nightmare for the Volunteers’ secondary. The question was how Tennessee would attempt to contain Smith, given his ability to dominate on deep routes and make plays after the catch.
From the opening whistle, Smith’s presence was felt. He was often lined up on the outside, where he could use his speed to blow past Tennessee’s cornerbacks. Howard made a concerted effort to get Smith involved early, targeting him on several deep passes. On one key play in the first quarter, Smith ran a perfect post route, splitting the coverage and catching a perfectly thrown ball from Howard for a 45-yard touchdown. The play highlighted Smith’s elite ability to track the ball in the air and his burst after the catch.
Tennessee’s defensive backs, while skilled, struggled to contain Smith’s agility and speed, especially when he got a clean release off the line of scrimmage. The Volunteers attempted to bracket him with double coverage at times, but Smith’s ability to separate and find soft spots in the zone made it difficult for Tennessee to keep him in check.
Beyond the deep ball, Smith also contributed in the intermediate passing game. He displayed his high football IQ by running precise routes that allowed him to create separation, even against tight coverage. Smith’s ability to make plays after the catch also stood out. On several occasions, he turned short passes into long gains, evading tacklers and showing off his athleticism in the open field.
While Smith was a constant threat, the Tennessee defense did manage to limit his impact at times by providing safety help over the top. However, Smith’s versatility and Howard’s accuracy allowed Ohio State to continue finding ways to involve him in the offense. Smith finished the game with over 100 yards receiving and multiple touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top-tier receiver.
Ohio State’s Supporting Cast
While Howard and Smith were the primary catalysts for Ohio State’s offensive success, the Buckeyes’ supporting cast played a crucial role in keeping the offense balanced and preventing Tennessee from focusing too heavily on one player. The running game, though not the focal point of the offense, provided necessary balance and helped keep Tennessee’s defense honest.
Ohio State’s running back room, led by TreVeyon Henderson, was effective in short-yardage situations and contributed to the overall tempo of the offense. Henderson was able to gain tough yards between the tackles and provide the offense with an added dimension of versatility. While the Buckeyes didn’t rely heavily on the run, it served as a useful tool in setting up play-action passes and keeping Tennessee’s defensive line from pinning its ears back and rushing exclusively after Howard.
Additionally, the offensive line did a solid job of providing Howard with time in the pocket, despite some pressure from Tennessee’s pass rush. The line was especially effective in the running game, creating holes for Henderson and giving Howard clean pockets to survey the field.
Ohio State’s tight ends also made key contributions in the passing game. Cade Stover, in particular, was a reliable target on intermediate routes and was used in key situations to convert third downs and open up space for the wide receivers. The tight ends’ ability to block effectively in the running game also helped Ohio State’s offensive line maintain balance and consistency.
The Game’s Flow and Offensive Adjustments
As the game progressed, Ohio State’s offense continued to evolve, adjusting to Tennessee’s defensive shifts and keeping them off balance. After a fast start, the Buckeyes’ offense faced stiffer resistance from the Volunteers as they made defensive adjustments, particularly in coverage against Smith.
In the second half, Ohio State leaned on Howard’s ability to make quick decisions and his chemistry with Smith, especially on crucial third downs. Tennessee was able to generate some pressure in the second half, but Howard showed poise under duress, consistently making plays to sustain drives. Smith remained a primary target, but Ohio State found ways to involve other receivers in the game, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, who both contributed with important receptions.
The offensive line made some adjustments to handle Tennessee’s blitz packages, and Howard took advantage of the extra time to go through his progressions and find open receivers. The Buckeyes’ offensive line also helped wear down Tennessee’s defense, opening up some key running lanes late in the game for Henderson.
