Ohio State Dominates Tennessee in CFP Opener: A 42-17 Statement Win

After a humbling loss to Michigan that cast doubt on Ohio State’s championship hopes, the Buckeyes made a statement in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday, throttling No. 9 Tennessee 42-17. The win addressed many of the concerns that had plagued Ohio State’s play in recent weeks, as they displayed an offensive explosion and a defense that smothered the Volunteers.

Next up for the Buckeyes: a rematch with No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, where they’ll look to prove that this dominant performance was just the beginning. Let’s break down how Ohio State graded in their resounding victory over Tennessee:

Ohio State Offense

What a difference a week makes. The Buckeyes came into this game with a clear game plan: lean into their strengths and trust their talent on the outside. Unlike the baffling strategy they employed against Michigan, Ohio State opened up the playbook and put the ball in the hands of their playmakers. The result was an offensive explosion.

Quarterback Will Howard was efficient and dynamic, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception. While the pick was an error—he threw into tight coverage, and there was a missed pass interference call—it didn’t take away from an otherwise stellar performance. Howard also ran for 37 yards, adding a dual-threat dimension to the offense that kept Tennessee on its heels.

The real star of the game, however, was Jeremiah Smith. The freshman wide receiver turned in a spectacular performance, hauling in six catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch was a game-changer.

In the backfield, TreVeyon Henderson continued his strong play, rushing for 80 yards on 10 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The Buckeyes found balance and made sure to involve all of their key offensive players, putting together a well-rounded, explosive attack.

Ohio State Defense

The Buckeyes’ defense was the real story of the night. Tennessee entered the game with a high-powered offense, but they were stifled from the outset by an Ohio State defense that played with intensity and focus. The Volunteers were held to just 104 passing yards, and their running game was non-existent.

Tennessee’s top running back, Dylan Sampson, was hobbled by a hamstring injury, which left him ineffective. He carried just twice for 6 yards. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava did what he could with his legs, rushing for 47 yards, but his passing game was suffocated by a relentless Ohio State pass rush and secondary coverage. The Volunteers managed just 16 yards of total offense at one point in the first half, while Ohio State had already put up 21 points.

Ohio State’s secondary, led by Jermaine Matthews, was especially impressive, shutting down Iamaleava’s deep balls and forcing him into several inaccurate throws. The defense was in complete control, and the few times Tennessee managed to threaten were quickly snuffed out.

Ohio State Special Teams

While the Buckeyes’ offense and defense were nearly flawless, special teams was a bit more mixed. Caleb Downs had a bobbled punt, and Jayden Fielding missed a 56-yard field goal attempt that was well outside his range. There were no major mistakes, but Ohio State didn’t generate any special teams fireworks, either. With the game largely in hand, it didn’t affect the outcome, but it’s something the Buckeyes will look to tighten up moving forward.

Ohio State Coaching

After the disappointing showing against Michigan, Ohio State’s coaching staff responded with a near-perfect game plan. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline opened up the playbook, allowing his players to thrive in space and utilize their athleticism. Quarterback Will Howard was put in positions to succeed, and the play-calling showed a clear commitment to exploiting Tennessee’s defensive weaknesses.

On the defensive side, Jim Knowles and his staff were masterful. The game plan to stop the Tennessee running game and get pressure on Iamaleava was executed flawlessly. Ohio State’s defense played fast and physical, and the adjustments made on the fly kept Tennessee off balance all night long.

Fun Quotient

Ohio State fans were treated to a much-needed offensive explosion, one that had been missing for much of the season. The Buckeyes opened things up, connecting on big plays and creating excitement that had been lacking in their earlier games. Tennessee fans also made their presence felt, with one of the largest road-team contingents ever to visit Ohio Stadium. While the cold didn’t seem to faze them, the result was all Ohio State.

Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee entered the game with a lot of bravado, especially after their high-energy buildup in the lead-up to the game. Their fans were vocal, even bragging about their toughness in the cold weather. However, the Vols were overmatched from the start. Dylan Sampson’s injury hurt their chances, but even with him at full strength, it’s unlikely they would have been able to overcome Ohio State’s defense. Their passing game was non-existent, and their defense could not slow down the Buckeyes’ balanced attack.

Tennessee had lacked everything that we have seen from them prior to facing Ohio State. In the end they got Molly-whopped and sent back to the Rocky Top state. It was a very poorly played game, from fundamentals, to skill, to coaching, everything they missed on all facets of the game and couldn’t keep up with a determined Buckeyes team.

I thought the Volunteers would put up a better fight, but when the lights were brightest, Tennessee was no where to be seen.

Looking Ahead: Rose Bowl Rematch with Oregon

With the win, Ohio State advances to face No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1. The Ducks, who defeated the Buckeyes earlier in the season, will be a formidable opponent, but this Ohio State team looks poised to avenge that loss. The defense is playing at a high level, and if the offense can stay balanced and continue to get playmakers like Jeremiah Smith and TreVeyon Henderson involved, Ohio State will have a strong chance to knock off the top-ranked team in the country.

Final Thoughts:
The Buckeyes needed this performance—both to validate their spot in the playoff and to silence critics after their loss to Michigan. They answered the call with a dominant 42-17 win over Tennessee, and now their attention turns to Oregon. If Ohio State continues to play like they did on Saturday, a national championship could very well be within reach.

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer