By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Tennessee Vols
Columbus, Ohio – It’s playoff time, and the Horseshoe is buzzing as Ohio State and Tennessee get ready to square off. Tennessee fans have shown up in full force, making the five-hour trip to pack the stands for just the second-ever meeting between these two teams. Emotions are running high, especially for the Buckeyes, who are still reeling from their fourth straight loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale. All eyes are on Ryan Day to see if he can get this team back on track. On the other side, Tennessee comes in as the 9th seed after a solid season under Josh Heupel, despite tough losses to Arkansas and Georgia on the road. With cold weather in the forecast and both teams fired up, this game had all the makings of a classic. Let’s get into what happened Saturday night in Columbus.
First Quarter Recap:
Tennessee won the toss and deferred, putting Ohio State on offense to start. The Vols’ crowd noise quickly became a factor, forcing the Buckeyes to burn an early timeout on their third play. Despite the setback, Ohio State capitalized on a Vols facemask penalty after a third-down sack, resetting the drive. A 21-yard pass soon pushed them into Tennessee territory, setting up a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes took a 7-0 lead with the extra point.
Tennessee’s first drive stalled, going three-and-out. Ohio State’s offense remained electric, opening with an 18-yard screen pass followed by a 40-yard strike to Emeka Egbuka. Two plays later, the Buckeyes punched it in to extend their lead to 14-0.
The Vols’ offensive struggles continued. Their next possession opened with a tackle for loss and a sack, leading to another three-and-out. Ohio State muffed the ensuing punt but recovered, maintaining possession at their 42-yard line. The Buckeyes methodically advanced, highlighted by a 16-yard pass to Egbuka and a 29-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson, making it 21-0.
Desperation mounted for Tennessee, needing to respond before the game slipped further away. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava managed two first downs, including a scramble, but a drive-stalling sack forced another punt. Ohio State capped the quarter by crossing midfield as time expired. The Buckeyes dominated the first quarter, showing precision on offense and suffocating defense.
Second Quarter Recap:
Ohio State opened the second quarter at the Tennessee 34-yard line. The Vols defense briefly tightened, forcing a fourth down, but the Buckeyes converted on a screen pass to sustain the drive. Momentum shifted when Tennessee’s Will Brooks intercepted a deep throw, giving the Vols a much-needed opportunity.
Tennessee’s offense came alive with Bru McCoy’s 21-yard catch and Squirrel White’s 17-yard gain, moving them into Buckeyes territory. A roughing-the-passer penalty pushed them into the red zone, but Ohio State’s defense held firm, limiting Tennessee to a 36-yard field goal to make it 21-3.
After forcing Ohio State’s first three-and-out of the game, Tennessee’s offense showed life again. A string of first downs, highlighted by a pass to Bru McCoy and a key fourth-down conversion, brought them into the red zone as the clock ticked down. Nico Iamaleava capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run on an option play, narrowing the deficit to 21-10 with just 24 seconds left in the half.
Ohio State attempted to stretch their lead before the break, with TreVeyon Henderson showcasing his versatility on a hurdle-filled 15-yard run and a 15-yard reception. However, a 56-yard field goal attempt fell short, leaving the score 21-10 at halftime.
Ohio State’s commanding start gave way to a spirited Tennessee response, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.
Third Quarter:
Tennessee opened the second half with possession, needing a strong start to climb back into the game. The Volunteers showed resilience early, picking up a first down in three plays. However, Ohio State’s defense stiffened, forcing a punt on the next set of downs.
The Buckeyes wasted little time in response. After a few methodical plays to secure a first down, they unleashed their passing game. A 26-yard strike to Gee Scott set the stage, followed by a spectacular 22-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith, extending their lead to 27-10.
Tennessee’s offense tried to respond, with quarterback Nico scrambling for a critical first down to avoid a three-and-out. Yet, the drive stalled, resulting in another punt back to Ohio State. The Buckeyes, showing precision and control, moved methodically down the field. An 18-yard completion brought them to the 24-yard line, with penalties further aiding their cause—an illegal substitution and defensive pass interference placed them at Tennessee’s 4-yard line. Two plays later, Ohio State punched it in, stretching their lead to 35-10 and solidifying their dominance heading into the final quarter.
Tennessee aimed to salvage some momentum before the third quarter ended. A quick first down offered a glimmer of hope, but Nico was sacked on the ensuing play, stalling their drive as the clock ran out. Ohio State firmly controlled the game, leading 35-10.
Fourth Quarter:
Tennessee resumed their drive in the fourth quarter facing a daunting 2nd-and-18 from their 27-yard line. A short completion and an 8-yard scramble by Nico set up a precarious 4th-and-6. With little to lose, the Vols went for it, but a deep pass fell incomplete, handing Ohio State an excellent field position.
The Buckeyes capitalized swiftly, marching down the field in five plays. TreVeyon Henderson capped the drive with an explosive 24-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 42-10 and leaving little doubt about the game’s outcome.
Tennessee’s offensive struggles continued on their next possession, as Nico fumbled. Though he recovered the ball, the mishap led to a three-and-out. Ohio State, content to run down the clock, also went three-and-out, returning the ball to the Vols. The teams traded punts on subsequent drives until Tennessee regained possession with just over five minutes remaining.
The Vols found a spark through Peyton Lewis, who broke off consecutive runs of 26 and 23 yards, moving the offense into the red zone. After a few short gains, Nico capped the drive with a rushing touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 42-17.
With the game effectively decided, Ohio State ran out the clock on their final possession, sealing a commanding victory over Tennessee.
Final Thoughts:
Ohio State came out firing and dominated from start to finish, showcasing their explosive offense and a defense that gave Tennessee trouble all night. The Buckeyes rebounded from their tough loss to Michigan with a statement win, proving they’re still a team to be reckoned with in the postseason. Big plays from TreVeyon Henderson and Jeremiah Smith kept the crowd roaring, while Ryan Day’s squad looked every bit like a contender on the big stage.
For Tennessee, the loss stings, but there are plenty of positives to take away from this season. Under Josh Heupel, the Vols showed resilience and flashes of promise, even against one of the nation’s best teams. While this game didn’t go their way, Tennessee has the foundation to keep building toward bigger opportunities in the future. As for the Buckeyes, they’re moving on and sending a clear message: they’re not done yet.
