By Dorrington Myers
The College Football Playoff is underway, bringing the thrilling matchups fans have anticipated all season. With the inaugural 12-team playoff format in full swing, the stakes have never been higher. Let’s break down the best game, the standout QB performance, and the top team display from the first round!
Best Game/Team:
Ohio State vs. Tennessee
The Buckeyes delivered a dominant performance from start to finish, showcasing their strength on both sides of the ball. However, the Volunteers didn’t back down, putting up a hard-fought effort led by Nico Iamaleava, who accounted for Tennessee’s only scores with two rushing touchdowns.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith was a game-changer, hauling in two touchdowns that sealed the victory. Smith’s production came against top-tier cornerbacks, further underscoring his elite skill set. He finished with 6 receptions for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Will Howard was clinical, repeatedly proving his value with pinpoint accuracy and smart decision-making.
The Buckeyes’ ground attack, led by TreVeyon Henderson, was equally unstoppable against Tennessee’s talented defensive front. Henderson racked up 80 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 10 carries.
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For Tennessee, their inability to generate a consistent passing attack proved to be their downfall, ultimately becoming their Achilles’ heel. The final score: Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17. Ohio State is my team of the week.
Best QB:
Will Howard, Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tennessee
Stat Line: 24/29, 311 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Will Howard played like a man on a mission, showcasing pinpoint accuracy and unwavering confidence. Still fueled by the sting of their earlier loss to Oregon, Howard looked determined to earn another shot at redemption. Every throw had purpose, and his precision was on full display as he delivered in clutch moments.
Howard’s ability to place the ball where only his receivers could make a play was key to Ohio State’s success. His connection with Jeremiah Smith was particularly impressive, with both touchdown passes to the standout receiver being absolute dimes.
While his mobility remains a dangerous weapon, Howard didn’t need to rely on it much in this game, thanks to his dominance from the pocket. This performance was a masterclass in how to lead as a quarterback when the stakes are high.
Team analysis:
Analysis: Ohio State vs. Tennessee
Ohio State’s commanding win over Tennessee came down to excelling in the game’s most critical areas. The Buckeyes were far more efficient on third and fourth downs, consistently converting to keep drives alive and put pressure on the Volunteers’ defense. They also did a great job spreading the field on passing downs, with quarterback Will Howard and his receivers taking full advantage of openings in Tennessee’s secondary.
Discipline played a major role as well. Ohio State minimized penalties, staying sharp and avoiding mistakes that could have shifted momentum. This focus helped them maintain control, which showed in their time of possession advantage, keeping the ball for over three minutes longer than Tennessee.
For the Volunteers, losing running back Dylan Sampson was a significant blow. Without him, Tennessee’s ground game struggled to find its footing, forcing the offense to lean heavily on quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The lack of balance made it harder for the Volunteers to sustain drives and keep up with Ohio State’s relentless attack.
In the end, Ohio State’s ability to execute under pressure, avoid costly errors, and control the tempo was the difference in their dominant victory.
What’s next?
A rematch between two powerhouse offenses and elite quarterbacks, Will Howard and Dillon Gabriel, is on the horizon as Ohio State and Oregon prepare to face off in a highly anticipated showdown. For Howard, this game is an opportunity to avenge the Buckeyes’ earlier loss and move one step closer to a championship. For Gabriel and the Ducks, it’s a chance to silence doubters and prove why they deserve the top spot. With a championship berth on the line, both teams are locked in and ready to go.
