Ohio State Silences Critics with Dominant Victory Over Tennessee in College Football Playoff
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Ohio State silenced their critics with a dominant 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game took place on December 21, 2024, and Ohio State's performance was a significant turnaround from their previous loss to Michigan.Ohio State's quarterback, Will Howard, had an outstanding game, completing 24-of-29 passes for 311 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 37 yards. True freshman Jeremiah Smith was a standout, recording six catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns.The Buckeyes got off to a fast start, scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter. A Tennessee muffed punt set up one of these scores, giving Ohio State a 21-0 lead early on. Tennessee struggled offensively, with quarterback Nico Iamaleava completing 14-of-31 passes for 104 yards and no touchdowns, while also rushing for 47 yards and two scores. The Volunteers' leading rusher, Dylan Sampson, was hampered by a hamstring injury and managed just six yards on two carries.Ohio State maintained their lead throughout the game, with the defense holding Tennessee to just 10 points in the second quarter and preventing any second-half points until the final minutes. The Buckeyes' offense continued to perform well in the second half, with TreVeyon Henderson scoring two touchdowns and Quinshon Judkins adding another.This victory not only advanced Ohio State to the next round of the playoffs, where they will face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks, but also addressed the criticism surrounding head coach Ryan Day. The win was seen as a significant response to the doubts about Day's coaching and the team's performance earlier in the season.