Ohio State vs. Tennessee
🤘 Texas defeats Clemson
🦁 Penn State handles SMU
☘️ Notre Dame beats Indiana
Ohio State pushes its lead to 42-10 on TreVeyon Henderson’s second rushing touchdown, seemingly sealing a New Year’s showdown with top-seeded Oregon. The Volunteers can’t find answers, while the Buckeyes keep rolling in Columbus.
TREYZONE. 24 yard TD run for @TreVeyonH4
That’s two for the young man. #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/sH8yJ2kVkv
Ohio State jumps ahead 28-10 on another Will Howard-to-Jeremiah Smith touchdown. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s offense is battered with key injuries at running back and wide receiver, making any comeback an uphill battle.
Tennessee’s opening drive of the half stalls after a failed option play on third-and-7. Ohio State regains possession at its own 35-yard line, still leading 21-10.
The Buckeyes opened strong, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives to build a 21-0 lead, with Will Howard showcasing pinpoint accuracy and Jeremiah Smith making big plays. Tennessee struggled early, with Nico Iamaleava facing heavy pressure and limited support from a banged-up offense.
Momentum shifted late in the second quarter. Tennessee’s defense forced Ohio State’s first punt, and Iamaleava led a gritty 16-play, 79-yard drive, capping it with a two-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 11. The Vols get the ball after halftime.
Vols QB Nico Iamaleava caps a 16-play, 79-yard drive with a touchdown run. He has 13 carries on the night as we approach halftime. Tennessee cuts the deficit to 21-10.
GIVE HIM SIX.
Nico punches it in 👊 pic.twitter.com/JFdTUE4Ixu
Tennessee converts a 36-yard field goal after a 62-yard drive. It’s 21-3, Ohio State, but the Vols show their first signs of life.
3 points on the board. pic.twitter.com/uVZ3J4YNRX
After official review, Tennessee’s defense comes up with an end-zone interception to stop Ohio State’s drive. The Vols are showing life.
BIG PLAY WILL. pic.twitter.com/fHM5bVintb
TreVeyon Henderson’s 29-yard touchdown run makes it 21-0 Ohio State in the first quarter. The Buckeyes are firing on all cylinders against Tennessee.
Lock Boyz have joined the chat. @TreVeyonH4 gets in the endzone for a Buckeye Touchdown. 😤#CFBPlayoff | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/r4eOLZjpAI
Ohio State’s defense forces another Tennessee three-and-out, keeping the Vols scoreless. The Buckeyes are capitalizing on Tennessee’s weaknesses and lead, 14-0.
Ohio State extends its lead to 14-0 after a 40-yard pass from Will Howard set up Quinshon Judkins’ short touchdown run. The Buckeyes are rolling early in Columbus.
Freshman Jeremiah Smith puts Ohio State on the board with a 37-yard touchdown catch. Buckeyes lead, 7-0 in the first quarter.
THE BUCKEYES TAKE THE LEAD THANKS TO NO OTHER THAN JJ @Jermiah_Smith1 | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/HGPPJhxg0j
More than 30,000 Tennessee fans are expected to fill Ohio Stadium
“29th year of doing @CollegeGameDay and this is by far the most fans from the visiting team I’ve ever seen”@KirkHerbstreit #GBO | @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/EtsdAgGA1N
