The 2024 college football season has been a rollercoaster for Ohio State, with Ryan Day and his team navigating setbacks, including a loss to Michigan and missing the Big Ten championship. Despite these challenges, the Buckeyes have a shot at redemption as they face Tennessee in the College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round game.
Game Overview
Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Broadcast: ABC and ESPN (Livestream on ESPN app and Fubo)
The winner will move on to the Rose Bowl to face No. 1 Oregon in the CFP quarterfinals. Both teams enter with identical 10-2 records, making this a clash of equals.
Game Highlights and Updates
First Quarter
Ohio State Strikes First: Will Howard connects with Jeremiah Smith for a stunning 37-yard touchdown, giving the Buckeyes an early 7-0 lead.
Dominant Defence: Ohio State forces Tennessee into consecutive three-and-outs, taking control of field position.
Henderson’s Big Run: TreVeyon Henderson caps a 58-yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0.
Second Quarter
Tennessee Gets on the Board: The Vols settle for a 36-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 21-3.
Turnovers and Momentum Shifts: Tennessee intercepts a Howard pass in the end zone, keeping their hopes alive.
Halftime Update: Ohio State leads 21-10, with Tennessee scoring a late touchdown before the break.
Second Half
Ohio State Extends Lead: Henderson and Judkins each add rushing touchdowns, pushing the score to 35-10 by the third quarter.
Key Plays: Howard throws a 22-yard touchdown to Smith, showcasing the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower.
Final Stretch: Ohio State secures a 42-17 victory, with backup quarterback Devin Brown finishing the game.
Key Stats
Will Howard (Ohio State): 311 yards, 24/28 passing, 2 touchdowns.
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): 102 yards, 6 receptions, 2 touchdowns.
Tennessee’s Offence: Struggled against Ohio State’s defensive line, gaining just 16 yards in the first quarter.
Historical Context
Previous Meeting: Tennessee defeated Ohio State 20-14 in the 1996 Citrus Bowl.
Series Record: Tennessee leads 1-0.
How to Watch
TV: ABC/ESPN
Radio: 97.1 FM
Livestream: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial available).
Betting Odds
Spread: Ohio State -7.5
Over/Under: 46.5
Moneyline: Ohio State (-300), Tennessee (+240) (Source: BetMGM).
Weather Updates
Kickoff Conditions: 24°F, partly cloudy with minimal rain chances.
Injury Reports
Squirrel White (Tennessee): Left in the first half with a noticeable limp; status uncertain for the second half.
Season Recap
Ohio State (10-2)
Notable Wins: No. 3 Penn State, Purdue.
Losses: Michigan, No. 1 Oregon.
Tennessee (10-2)
Notable Wins: No. 7 Alabama, No. 15 Oklahoma.
Losses: Georgia, Arkansas.
Key Takeaways
Ohio State’s high-powered offence and dominant defence proved too much for Tennessee. The Buckeyes now set their sights on a rematch with Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
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