How Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and the Rest of Ohio State’s Defense Graded Against Tennessee

Ohio State’s defense has long been a hallmark of the program’s success, and in the thrilling showdown against Tennessee, the Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, delivered a performance that showcased both individual brilliance and cohesive teamwork. In what turned out to be a hard-fought contest, the defense played a crucial role in Ohio State’s victory, limiting Tennessee’s potent offense and forcing key turnovers. Here’s a breakdown of how key defenders graded in the game, with a focus on Sawyer, Tuimoloau, and other pivotal contributors.

Defensive Line: A Force to Be Reckoned With

The most notable area of improvement for Ohio State’s defense this season has been its defensive line, which has developed into one of the most feared units in college football. Against Tennessee, the line’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback was on full display, particularly through the efforts of Sawyer and Tuimoloau.

Jack Sawyer

Jack Sawyer, a former five-star recruit who had faced significant expectations since his arrival in Columbus, played a pivotal role in containing Tennessee’s fast-paced offense. Sawyer, known for his versatility and high motor, was consistently disruptive in the backfield. He finished the game with several tackles for loss and was a major contributor in pressuring Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton. His ability to shed blockers and maintain relentless pursuit was evident throughout the game.

Sawyer’s biggest highlight came when he broke free on a key third-down play, forcing Milton to rush a throw that resulted in an incomplete pass. While Sawyer didn’t record a sack, his impact was felt through his consistent pressure, pushing Tennessee’s offensive line to its limits. His high motor and smart play allowed Ohio State to neutralize Tennessee’s rhythm, especially during critical moments.

J.T. Tuimoloau

J.T. Tuimoloau’s performance against Tennessee further solidified his reputation as one of the top pass rushers in the country. After a standout season, Tuimoloau was one of the biggest reasons Tennessee’s offense couldn’t get into a groove. His relentless playstyle and impressive athleticism were on full display as he consistently forced Milton into uncomfortable situations.

Tuimoloau recorded two sacks in the game, each coming at crucial moments when Tennessee was trying to mount a comeback. One of his sacks was especially noteworthy, as it came on a critical 3rd-and-long, taking the Volunteers out of field goal range and giving Ohio State the momentum. His presence was also felt in the run game, where he showed strong hand placement and leverage to control blockers, allowing linebackers to make plays.

Tuimoloau’s versatility in both rushing the passer and playing the run makes him one of the most well-rounded defensive ends in college football. He graded out as one of Ohio State’s top defenders in the contest, and his performance will be remembered as one of the key factors in shutting down Tennessee’s high-octane offense.

Linebackers: Solid in Coverage and Run Support

Ohio State’s linebackers also had a major role to play in neutralizing Tennessee’s offensive attack. With the Volunteers relying on their high-tempo offense and physical running game, the Buckeyes’ linebacker corps needed to make plays both in coverage and as run defenders.

C.J. Hicks and Steele Chambers

C.J. Hicks and Steele Chambers, two of Ohio State’s starting linebackers, were integral in limiting Tennessee’s ability to exploit the middle of the field. Hicks, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, was active in pass coverage, shutting down Tennessee’s tight ends and running backs on crossing routes. Chambers, meanwhile, was more of a physical presence, stepping up as a run stopper and making key tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Both linebackers were solid in their assignments, but their most impressive moments came when they showcased their ability to adapt to Tennessee’s shifting offensive strategies. Whether it was dealing with the up-tempo pace or helping to corral Tennessee’s running backs after short gains, Hicks and Chambers made sure the Volunteers had little room to operate. Neither player registered a sack, but their ability to make key tackles in space allowed Ohio State to win the battle for field position.

Secondary: Limiting Big Plays

The biggest challenge for Ohio State’s secondary was Tennessee’s explosive passing attack, led by Joe Milton’s powerful arm and wide receiver Bru McCoy’s ability to stretch the field. However, Ohio State’s secondary held strong, limiting the Volunteers to a mere handful of explosive plays.

Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock

Cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock played exceptional games in coverage, both earning high marks for their ability to stay with Tennessee’s receivers. Burke, in particular, showed his growth this season, displaying confidence in coverage and being able to lock down Milton’s deep ball attempts. Hancock, often matched up with McCoy, demonstrated great physicality at the line of scrimmage and kept his receiver from gaining separation on deep routes. Both corners were excellent in limiting Tennessee’s explosive plays downfield.

Safety Play: Latham Ransom and Ronnie Hickman

The safety tandem of Latham Ransom and Ronnie Hickman was another strength for Ohio State. Ransom, known for his ball-hawking ability, was in the right place at the right time, with multiple near-interceptions and solid tackling. Hickman provided valuable support in the back end, often covering the deep zones to prevent any big passing plays from developing. Together, the two safeties ensured that Milton couldn’t exploit the Buckeyes’ defense deep down the field, and their consistent coverage helped Ohio State limit the passing yards.

Final Grading: Defensive Success

When evaluating the overall performance of Ohio State’s defense against Tennessee, it is clear that the unit came together to shut down one of the most potent offenses in the country. Led by Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, the Buckeyes’ defensive line was consistently disruptive, while the linebackers and secondary worked together to keep the Volunteers’ passing game from gaining momentum.

While the game was far from perfect, Ohio State’s defense delivered when it mattered most. The pass rush generated consistent pressure, the secondary kept Tennessee’s receivers in check, and the linebackers were in the right places to make tackles. The result was a game in which the Volunteers’ offense, which had been lighting up opposing defenses all season, was kept to just 17 points.

In sum, the defense graded out highly, with Sawyer and Tuimoloau emerging as game-changers. As Ohio State heads further into the postseason, this defensive performance serves as a reminder of how dominant this unit can be when they execute with precision and intensity.