Ohio State Routs Tennessee 42-17 in College Football Playoff
Game Recap
Will Howard threw two touchdown passes to freshman Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State routed Tennessee 42-17 on Saturday night in a first-round College Football Playoff game. The win sets up a New Year’s Day rematch with No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl.
Buckeyes Dominate
Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson rushed for two touchdowns apiece as the Buckeyes (11-2) gave their fans an early Christmas present. Ohio State’s offense was led by Howard, who finished 24 for 29 for 311 yards, his second 300-yard game of the season. Smith had six catches for 103 yards, the sixth freshman to have over 100 receiving yards in a CFP game.
Defense Cranks it Up
The Buckeyes’ defense was statistically the best in the nation and certainly looked like it against Tennessee. The front dogged quarterback Nico Iamaleava and sacked him four times, twice by JT Tuimoloau. The Vols finished with 256 yards, but a big chunk of that came late when the game was already out of reach.
Tennessee Struggles
Tennessee (10-3) struggled without star running back Dylan Sampson, who was hampered by a hamstring injury. Receivers Squirrel White and Dont’e Thorton Jr. also were banged up, limiting the Vols’ offense.
Takeaways
- Tennessee: Star running back Dylan Sampson was hampered by a hamstring injury and had just two carries for 6 yards. Receivers Squirrel White and Dont’e Thorton Jr. also were banged up, limiting the Vols’ offense.
- Ohio State: The Buckeyes did what they didn’t do against Michigan: get the ball on the boundary, throw deep to their most explosive players while establishing a run game.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s dominant performance sets up a rematch with Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1. The Buckeyes will look to avenge their earlier loss to the Ducks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Ohio State’s offense perform?
A: Ohio State’s offense was led by Will Howard, who finished 24 for 29 for 311 yards, his second 300-yard game of the season.
Q: How did Tennessee’s offense perform?
A: Tennessee’s offense struggled without star running back Dylan Sampson, who was hampered by a hamstring injury. Receivers Squirrel White and Dont’e Thorton Jr. also were banged up, limiting the Vols’ offense.
Q: What was the final score?
A: Ohio State won 42-17.
Q: What is the next game for Ohio State?
A: Ohio State will play Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1.
