Ohio State picked a good time to put together its most complete performance of the 2024 season.
The Buckeyes dominated Tennessee on both sides of the ball in a 42-17 reckoning in the Shoe. Ohio State's offense took lessons learned from a 13-10 loss to Michigan on Nov. 30 and applied them by coming out with an aerial assault while its patchwork offensive line held stout.
Quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had incredible performances, but the Buckeyes still won the rushing battle, too, despite their aggressive pass-centric approach to open the game. Howard finished arguably his best game as a Buckeye 25 of 31 for 311 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau cumulatively had perhaps their most productive games as Buckeyes, combining for 13 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble.
It was a catharsis for a group of Ohio State seniors that gets to go out at home with a massive CFP win rather than a rivalry loss, flag plant and fight on the field. A shot at revenge against Oregon in the Rose Bowl awaits that same group of seniors.
Eleven Warriors' Andy Anders and Dan Hope break down the Buckeyes' blowout of the Volunteers on the latest episode of After Carmen, which you can view at the top of the page.
