It took less than seven minutes for Ohio State to score more points than it did vs. Michigan against Tennessee.
The Buckeyes came out slinging the rock and playing smothering defense, racking up 21 points in the opening frame to take a 21-0 lead into the second quarter. They outgained the Volunteers 201 yards to 16.
It's the first time Ohio State has scored 21 in the opening quarter since the Western Michigan game in Week 2.
Ohio State received the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards to the house, capped by a 37-yard touchdown strike to Jeremiah Smith on an incredible throw by Will Howard.
JEREMIAH SMITH OPENS THE SCORING IN COLUMBUS WITH AN UNREAL GRAB
— ESPN (@espn) December 22, 2024
THE FRESHMAN SENSATION CONTINUES TO BALL OUT THIS SEASON pic.twitter.com/uoi6Jp1pxw
Howard dotted up another gorgeous ball deep over the middle to Emeka Egbuka for 40 yards on Ohio State's next drive, setting the Buckeyes up with a goal-to-go situation that Quinshon Judkins converted with a 1-yard scoring plunge.
Ohio State's defense forced its second three-and-out in as many possessions and the Buckeyes marched 58 yards in seven plays to collect their third touchdown on a 29-yard dash by TreVeyon Henderson. That made it a 21-0 ballgame with 3:27 to play in the first quarter.
TREVEYON HENDERSON MAKES IT 21-0 OHIO STATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER
— ESPN (@espn) December 22, 2024
THE BUCKEYES' OFFENSE IS ROLLING IN COLUMBUS pic.twitter.com/7Jbpov9dL1
It's the 59th time since 1900 that the Buckeyes have scored 21 points in the first quarter of a game. They are 58-0 in the previous 58 contests.
Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for more coverage of Ohio State's first-round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee.
