On Saturday December 21st the 8th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the 9th ranked Tennessee Volunteers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus Ohio. This is the first round for the College Football Playoffs. The Buckeyes last game was the 13-10 loss to Michigan on November 30th ,2024, in Columbus. Tennessee’s last game was 36-23 win at Vanderbilt on November 30th as well. Ohio State was a 7-point favorite in this game. And they were believed to have an advantage playing at home. Another advantage for the Buckeyes was the gametime temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Ohio State will be looking to bounce back from their most disappointing loss of 2024. And they could be playing for head coach Ryan Day’s job.

Ohio State showed up to play, the Buckeyes jumped out to a 21-point first quarter lead before Tennessee could gain a first down. It was an absolute mauling by the Buckeyes to start the game. Tennessee fought back in the second quarter by soring ten points and gaining some momentum going into halftime. But the Buckeyes led the Volunteers at halftime 21-10. The Buckeyes regained the advantage in the third quarter with two touchdowns and they led after 3 quarters of play 35-10. The Buckeyes did not let up in the fourth quarter as they continued to score on the Tennessee defense. They went on to beat Tennessee in a 42-17 blowout.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard had himself a game with freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Howard’s two touchdown passes were to Jeremih Smith. Howard’s final stats were 24/29 for 311 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 questionable interception. Smith had 6 receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. This win earns the Buckeyes a much-anticipated rematch on New Years Day.

Up next for the Ohio State Buckeyes is a rematch against the number one ranked Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl on New Years Day 2025. Can Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day be redeemed from the October loss to Oregon? A win on New Years Day would be a good start. And a National Championship is an even better finish.