Ohio State made a statement in their 42–17 victory over Tennessee on December 21, 2024, in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ dominant performance not only secured their spot in the Playoff quarterfinals but also set the stage for a much-anticipated showdown against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025.
Buckeyes Take Control Early
From the opening whistle, Ohio State played with a sense of urgency and control. In a first quarter that could be described as nothing short of explosive, the Buckeyes scored three quick touchdowns, leaving little doubt as to who was in charge. Quarterback Will Howard was on point, connecting with freshman standout Jeremiah Smith for two of those touchdowns. Smith, who has become a favorite target for Howard, finished the game with 103 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions.
The Buckeyes’ defense also took care of business, completely stifling Tennessee’s offense. Volunteers’ quarterback Nico Iamaleava struggled under pressure, finishing with just 104 yards passing and no touchdowns. The defense harassed Iamaleava throughout the game, holding Tennessee to only 77 yards rushing and limiting their offense to minimal gains.
Balanced Offensive Attack
Will Howard continued his strong play throughout the game, finishing with 311 yards on 24 completions from 29 attempts. His ability to spread the ball around and avoid mistakes made it clear that he’s becoming a key player in Ohio State’s postseason push.
TreVeyon Henderson provided a solid ground game, adding a rushing touchdown to the mix. His ability to keep defenses honest opened up more opportunities in the passing game, allowing Howard and Smith to exploit mismatches downfield.
Defense Shines Under the Spotlight
While the offense put up big numbers, it was Ohio State’s defense that really set the tone. The Volunteers were never able to establish any consistency, and with each failed drive, the Buckeyes’ confidence grew. The defensive front was relentless, preventing Tennessee from making any serious pushes into scoring territory. Ohio State’s defense is quickly becoming one of the most feared units in the country.
A Night and Day Difference from the Michigan Game
This dominant performance stands in stark contrast to Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Michigan just a few weeks ago. The Buckeyes got caught up in proving they were the tougher team in that game, but in the process, they forgot the simple truth of football: score more points. Michigan set the tone, and Ohio State played right into it, letting emotions and pride get the best of them.
The questions surrounding Ryan Day’s future as head coach are still there, fueled by the frustration of Buckeye fans who have endured years of losses to Michigan. However, a national championship win could go a long way in dispelling any doubts and quieting the critics who wonder if the program could do better with someone else at the helm.
Next Up: Oregon
With this resounding win, Ohio State moves on to face Oregon for a rematch in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes have now proven they can dominate both offensively and defensively, and they’ll look to carry that momentum forward as they chase a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. If they continue to play like this, there’s no telling how far this team can go.
Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming preview of the Ohio State vs. Oregon Rose Bowl matchup, as well as all the latest Buckeye news. We’ll continue to cover the team’s journey to the National Championship and bring you up-to-date analysis and insights.
About the Author
Jordan Black is the Head Sportswriter for Freewire, a northwest Ohio-based digital media company. A lifelong sports enthusiast and passionate about local journalism, Jordan covers all things Ohio State and regional sports with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to providing insightful, fact-based reporting. When he’s not covering games or analyzing matchups, Jordan can be found enjoying the camaraderie of game days and engaging with the community.
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