In a stunning College Football Playoff opener, Ohio State delivered a commanding performance, dominating Tennessee in a decisive 38-14 victory. The Buckeyes’ offense was firing on all cylinders, while their defense stifled the Vols’ high-powered attack, leaving Tennessee fans and analysts alike shocked by the one-sided affair.
From the opening whistle, Ohio State set the tone, showcasing their offensive depth and precision. Quarterback Kyle McCord had a standout performance, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with star wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka proved unstoppable, as they consistently torched Tennessee’s secondary. Harrison, in particular, was a nightmare for the Vols’ defense, hauling in two touchdowns and accumulating over 120 receiving yards.
Tennessee, which entered the game with one of the nation’s most potent offenses, found themselves repeatedly stifled by the Buckeyes’ defense. Ohio State’s defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, pressuring Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton and forcing him into erratic throws. Milton, who had been the catalyst for the Vols’ success throughout the season, struggled to find rhythm, finishing with only 215 passing yards and no touchdowns.
The Vols’ running game also failed to gain traction, with Ohio State’s defensive front containing Tennessee’s rush attack. The Buckeyes’ linebackers and defensive backs were quick to close gaps, preventing any significant yardage on the ground. As a result, Tennessee’s offense, which relied heavily on big plays and fast-paced drives, was forced to settle for short gains and struggled to sustain drives.
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s offensive line created massive holes for running back TreVeyon Henderson, who finished the game with over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ balanced attack kept Tennessee’s defense on its heels, unable to adjust to the variety of threats McCord and his offense posed.
By halftime, the game was effectively out of reach, with Ohio State leading 24-7. The second half was more of the same, as the Buckeyes controlled the clock and kept Tennessee at arm’s length. While the Vols showed occasional flashes of their explosive offense, they could never close the gap, and Ohio State’s defense continued to thwart any attempt at a comeback.
The victory solidified Ohio State’s status as a legitimate title contender, proving that their offense is as potent as any in the country and their defense capable of neutralizing even the most dynamic teams. As for Tennessee, it was a humbling defeat that exposed the glaring weaknesses in their defense and demonstrated just how much work remains if they hope to compete at the highest level.