The Ohio State Buckeyes emphatically rebounded from their stinging loss to Michigan with a dominant 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the first-ever December game played at Ohio Stadium. This decisive win propelled the Buckeyes into the Rose Bowl, marking their first College Football Playoff victory since 2020, and setting up a highly anticipated rematch with the undefeated Oregon Ducks. The frigid 25-degree temperature at kickoff didn’t chill the Buckeyes’ offensive fire, as they ignited the scoreboard on their first three possessions, building an insurmountable early lead.
Ohio State’s rapid offensive surge established a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, leaving Tennessee struggling to catch up. While the Volunteers managed a respectable 79-yard drive for a touchdown and a field goal in the second quarter, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Ohio State’s offensive prowess. The Buckeyes’ defense, though momentarily yielding ground, successfully contained Tennessee’s attempts to gain momentum. This early dominance set the stage for a one-sided affair, demonstrating the disparity in offensive firepower between the two teams.
A pivotal moment in the third quarter solidified Ohio State’s control over the game. Just as Tennessee seemed poised for a potential comeback, the Buckeyes delivered a crushing blow. Quarterback Will Howard connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 22-yard touchdown pass, capping off a six-play, 65-yard drive. This crucial score highlighted Smith’s dominance in single coverage, exploiting a mismatch against Tennessee defensive back Jermond McCoy. The touchdown underscored the Buckeyes’ offensive potency, a force that Tennessee ultimately couldn’t contain.
This connection between Howard and Smith had already been established early in the game. On the opening drive, Smith showcased his skill by beating cornerback Rickey Gibson for a touchdown on a similar route. This consistent ability to exploit single coverage proved to be a key factor in Ohio State’s offensive success. Smith’s performance, coupled with Howard’s command of the offense, showcased a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Volunteers’ defense.
Will Howard’s performance was pivotal in the Buckeyes’ victory, accumulating 311 passing yards and two touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith’s contribution was equally impressive, with six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. This offensive efficiency, combined with a stifling defensive performance, ensured Ohio State’s control throughout the game, leaving little doubt about the final outcome. Tennessee’s attempts to keep pace proved futile against the Buckeyes’ superior execution on both sides of the ball.
Now, the Buckeyes shift their focus to the Rose Bowl and a chance for redemption against the Oregon Ducks. Their earlier encounter in mid-October resulted in a 32-21 loss to Oregon, marking one of Ohio State’s two defeats this season. With slightly over a week to prepare, the Buckeyes will be looking to avenge this loss and maintain their championship aspirations. The Rose Bowl matchup, scheduled for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN, provides a high-stakes platform for Ohio State to demonstrate their resilience and prove their mettle against a formidable opponent on college football’s grandest stage. This rematch offers an opportunity for the Buckeyes to showcase their improvements and make a statement in their pursuit of a national championship.
