Ohio State Starts Strong: Dominates First Quarter with a 21-0 Lead
No. 8 Ohio State 21, No. 9 Tennessee 0
Ohio State showcased an explosive start against Tennessee, quickly establishing their dominance with a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Tennessee won the coin toss and opted to defer, giving Ohio State the initial possession. The Buckeyes wasted no time, with quarterback Will Howard connecting with Emeka Egbuka for an eight-yard gain. A facemask penalty on Tennessee added 15 yards, setting the stage for Howard to hit TreVeyon Henderson on a 21-yard pass. Moments later, Howard found Jeremiah Smith for a 37-yard touchdown, with Jayden Fielding’s extra point making it 7-0.
Tennessee’s offense struggled to gain traction. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running back Dylan Sampson managed just six combined yards before Ohio State’s defense forced a quick three-and-out.
Ohio State kept the pressure on, with Howard completing an 18-yard pass to Smith and a 40-yard pass to Egbuka that brought the ball to Tennessee’s six-yard line. Running back Quinshon Judkins powered ahead with a five-yard gain before punching it into the endzone on a one-yard run. Another Fielding extra point extended the lead to 14-0.
Tennessee’s second drive was similarly thwarted by Ohio State’s stout defense. JT Tuimoloau tackled DeSean Bishop for a one-yard loss and sacked Iamaleava for a 12-yard setback. Jack Sawyer capped the defensive stand by breaking up a pass, forcing another punt.
The Buckeyes kept their foot on the gas, with Howard completing a 10-yard pass to Henderson and a 16-yarder to Egbuka. Henderson followed up with a spectacular 29-yard rushing touchdown, capping the drive and giving Ohio State a commanding 21-0 lead.
Tennessee attempted to respond, with Iamaleava picking up a 14-yard gain and a 12-yard scramble. However, Ohio State’s defense, led by Ty Hamilton and Sawyer, continued to dominate, forcing a third consecutive punt. The first quarter ended with Ohio State firmly in control, up 21-0.
Tennessee Finds Its Footing: Cuts Deficit to 21-10
No. 8 Ohio State 21, No. 9 Tennessee 10
The second quarter began with Ohio State looking to build on their momentum. Judkins opened with a three-yard gain, and Howard completed a 10-yard pass to Egbuka. However, the drive faltered when Howard’s pass in the red zone was intercepted by Tennessee’s Will Brooks in the back of the endzone.
Tennessee capitalized on the turnover. Iamaleava connected with Bru McCoy for 21 yards and Squirrel White for 17. A roughing-the-passer penalty on Ohio State nullified a potential interception, allowing Tennessee to reach field-goal range. Max Gilbert converted a 36-yard kick, putting the Volunteers on the board at 21-3.
Ohio State’s next possession ended in their first three-and-out of the game, highlighted by a one-yard loss on an Egbuka rush. Tennessee’s offense then orchestrated a 16-play, 79-yard drive. Peyton Lewis and Iamaleava combined for a series of short gains, while McCoy’s 11-yard catch moved the Volunteers into Buckeye territory. Iamaleava capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, narrowing the deficit to 21-10.
The Buckeyes looked poised to respond as Howard led the offense into Tennessee’s territory with completions to Gee Scott Jr. and Henderson. However, a missed 56-yard field goal by Fielding kept the halftime score at 21-10.
Third Quarter: Buckeyes Extend Their Lead
No. 8 Ohio State 35, No. 9 Tennessee 10
Tennessee opened the second half with the ball but struggled to sustain a drive. After short runs by Bishop and Iamaleava, Ohio State’s defense forced another punt.
Ohio State wasted no time regaining momentum. Howard completed passes to Scott Jr. and Egbuka, advancing into Tennessee territory. A 22-yard touchdown pass to Smith capped the drive, with Fielding’s extra point making it 28-10.
Tennessee’s next possession saw Iamaleava mix short passes with scrambles, but Ohio State’s defense held firm. After another punt, the Buckeyes orchestrated a 10-play, 81-yard drive. Key plays included a 10-yard scramble by Howard and an 18-yard pass to Carnell Tate. Defensive pass interference set Ohio State up at the four-yard line, where Judkins scored his second touchdown of the game on a one-yard run, extending the lead to 35-10.
Fourth Quarter: Ohio State Seals the Victory
No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17
The final quarter saw Tennessee attempting to mount a comeback. Iamaleava picked up eight yards on a scramble but turned the ball over on downs after an incomplete pass. Ohio State capitalized with Henderson breaking free for a 24-yard rushing touchdown, his second of the night, pushing the score to 42-10. This touchdown moved Henderson into fourth place on Ohio State’s all-time career touchdowns list, surpassing Ezekiel Elliott.
Tennessee’s offensive struggles continued, with Ohio State’s defense forcing another three-and-out. Backup quarterback Devin Brown entered for Ohio State, but the offense stalled, resulting in a punt.
Tennessee’s final scoring drive was led by Lewis, who picked up significant yardage on a 26-yard run and a 23-yard burst. Iamaleava finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 42-17.
Ohio State controlled the clock on the final drive, with James Peoples grinding out short gains to secure the victory. The Buckeyes improved to 42-17, reaffirming their dominance and showcasing their potential as a playoff contender.
