By Patrick Weider
Ryan Day and Ohio State got a big win against Tennessee in the 1st home playoff game in Ohio Stadium history 42-17. This win propels Ohio State to a re-match against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. After losing to Michigan, Ryan Day’s squad took care of business to get the big win and redeem himself.
Day might be a modern-day John Cooper, but now he has a 12-team playoff to rescue himself. For those who do not know John Cooper, he went 2-10-1 against Michigan and his team regularly went into the Michigan game as the more talented team only to fall flat in the rivalry. Day is in a similar situation, having gone 1-4 against Michigan, but now has the 12-team playoff to redeem himself, which he did this year by beating Tennessee. So, how did Ohio State blow out Tennessee below? We break down the key moments from the win.
Ohio State Got Playmakers the Ball
One of the most frustrating things about Ohio State’s loss against Michigan was that Ohio State did not get the ball to their playmakers in wide receivers Emeka Egbuka, and Jeremiah Smith. It was an emphasis early and often as Ohio State opened to a 21-0 lead. On the 1st drive alone, Egbuka was targeted twice and Smith was targeted once and made a big impact with a 37-yard touchdown reception. Overall, Smith caught 6 passes for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. Egbuka caught 5 passes for 81 yards. Both were a big part of the offensive game plan.
The TreVeyon Henderson Show
In the off-season, Ohio State got Quinshon Judkins in the transfer portal to create a great 1-2 punch at the running back position with TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins was largely held in check, but Henderson was the difference-maker in this game. He had 10 rushes for 80 yards and two rushing touchdowns, also catching four passes for 54 yards. Henderson is a dynamic athlete in the open field, and he showcased that ability on the night.
TreVeyon Henderson has some serious burst💨
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 22, 2024
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Ohio State’s Defense Came to Play
The Ohio State defense has been one of the best in the country this season and they showed up in this game. They held Tennessee to 256 yards in the night, sacked quarterback Nico Iamaleava four times, harassed the Tennesse offense all night, and were dominant. This is what you expect from one of the best defenses in the country and they took care of business.
Will Howard Played His Best Game
Will Howard played the best game of his Buckeye career. He came out slinging it early as they built a 21-0 lead. Howard was efficient, throwing 24-29 for 311 yards and two touchdowns, although with a fumble, also chipping in 37 yards rushing. Howard especially threw the ball well deep, hitting Smith for a 37-yard touchdown reception, and Egbuka for a 40-yard reception. The veteran QB was excellent all night for the Buckeyes.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State finally put it all together and played their best game of the season. Next up for the Buckeyes is a rematch with Oregon in the Rose Bowl. It should be a fun game between two teams who already played a great game when Oregon beat Ohio State by one point at home earlier this year. We will see if Ohio State can avenge that loss, but tonight game proved they are capable of doing it.
