The Ohio State Buckeyes rebounded in a big way on Saturday, shaking off the sting of their recent home loss to Michigan with a commanding victory over the Tennessee Volunteers.
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Playing in the first-ever December game at Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes delivered a dominant performance, securing their first College Football Playoff win since 2020. With the 42-17 victory, Ohio State earned a spot in the Rose Bowl, where they'll face the undefeated Oregon Ducks in a highly anticipated showdown.
It was a freezing 25 degrees at kickoff, but Ohio State came out red-hot, scoring on their first three possessions to take control of the game early.
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By the end of the first quarter, the Buckeyes led 21-0, and Tennessee found itself in a hole it couldn't climb out of. While the Volunteers managed a solid 16-play, 79-yard drive to put up 10 points in the second quarter, their defense held Ohio State scoreless during that stretch but couldn't sustain the momentum.
The Buckeyes delivered a crushing blow in the third quarter, just as it seemed Tennessee might make a push. Quarterback Will Howard targeted wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who dominated in single coverage. Howard connected with Smith on a perfectly placed fade for a 22-yard touchdown to finish off a six-play, 65-yard drive, torching defensive back Jermond McCoy.
Smith had already set the tone on the opening drive with a similar route, beating Rickey Gibson for a score. The duo's connection underscored Ohio State's offensive firepower, which was simply too much for Tennessee to handle.
Howard finished the game with 311 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Smith hauled in six catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State's balanced attack and suffocating defense left little doubt about the outcome, as the Volunteers struggled to keep pace.
The Buckeyes now shift their focus to the Rose Bowl and a rematch with Oregon. One of Ohio State's two losses this season came at the hands of the Ducks in a mid-October clash, where Oregon prevailed 32-21.
With a little over a week to rest and prepare, Ohio State will aim to even the score and keep its championship aspirations alive. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET on ESPN, and the Buckeyes will be eager to make the most of their shot at redemption on college football's grandest stage.
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