In a thrilling first-round matchup of the College Football Playoff, Ohio State unleashed its formidable offense and defense to secure a decisive 42-17 victory over Tennessee at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes' balanced attack, led by quarterback Will Howard and standout performances from Jeremiah Smith, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins, overwhelmed the Volunteers. Meanwhile, Tennessee's offense faced significant challenges due to key injuries, limiting their ability to mount a comeback. This win propels Ohio State into a highly anticipated New Year’s Day showdown with top-ranked Oregon.

Ohio State's Dominant First Half Sets the Tone

The Buckeyes wasted no time asserting their dominance in the frigid conditions of Ohio Stadium. With three first-quarter touchdowns, Ohio State quickly established control over the game. Quarterback Will Howard's precise passing combined with freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith's spectacular receptions set the stage for an impressive offensive display. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins further bolstered the team's momentum with multiple rushing scores. By halftime, Ohio State had already built an insurmountable lead, leaving Tennessee scrambling for answers.

Howard's efficient playmaking and Smith's acrobatic catches were instrumental in opening up the game early on. The duo connected for two crucial touchdowns, while Henderson and Judkins capitalized on running opportunities, scoring four rushing touchdowns between them. The Buckeyes' offensive strategy was well-executed, showcasing a perfect blend of passing and running plays that kept the Volunteers' defense off balance. Ohio State's defensive line also played a pivotal role, stifling Tennessee's attempts to gain traction and forcing turnovers. This comprehensive performance laid the foundation for a dominant first half that set the tone for the rest of the match.

Tennessee Struggles Amid Key Injuries

The Volunteers faced an uphill battle throughout the night, hampered by critical injuries to key players. Despite Nico Iamaleava's valiant efforts, including two rushing touchdowns, Tennessee struggled to keep pace with Ohio State's relentless assault. The absence of several starters due to injury significantly weakened the Volunteers' offensive capabilities, making it difficult to mount a coherent counterattack. Ultimately, these setbacks proved too much to overcome, leading to a lopsided scoreline.

Iamaleava's determination shone through as he fought tirelessly against a superior opponent. However, without adequate support from injured teammates, his efforts fell short. The loss of running back Dylan Sampson and multiple receivers left Tennessee's offense vulnerable, unable to generate consistent drives. While Iamaleava managed to find moments of brilliance, such as his second-half touchdown run, the overall impact was limited. The Volunteers' defense showed resilience but could not contain Ohio State's dynamic offense. As the game progressed, Tennessee's hopes of a comeback dwindled, setting the stage for Ohio State's triumphant advance to face Oregon in Pasadena.