Tennessee vs. Ohio State highlights: Biggest moments from Buckeyes' romp
What trouble in Columbus?
Ohio State shook off the issues that appeared during the loss to Michigan in the regular season finale and showed up when it mattered most, beating Tennessee 42-17 in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
After putting up only 10 points against the Wolverines, fans of the scarlet and gray were calling for head coach Ryan Day to be let go, with many believing the future of his job hinges on how the College Football Playoff goes. So far, he seems safe after a fast start shook Tennessee and the Volunteers couldn’t recover, unable to play the stout defense they had all season.
The connection between Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and receiver Jeremiah Smith ruled the night with the signal-caller throwing for 311 yards and two touchdowns, both of which went to Smith. The freshman receiver had 103 yards.
The win sends Ohio State to the Rose Bowl Game, where it will meet the top-seeded Oregon Ducks in a rematch of a thriller from earlier this season. It just might be the most highly-anticipated quarterfinal matchup.
Check out live updates and highlights from the College Football Playoff game between Tennessee and Ohio State:
Ohio State vs. Tennessee highlights
Final: Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17
Tennessee scores late
The Volunteers haven’t stop playing and got into the end zone with less than two minutes to go to make it a 42-17 game. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava ran it in for a 2-yard score for his second rushing touchdown of the night.
Ohio State adds to big lead
Book those tickets to Pasadena, Buckeyes. Ohio State is now up 42-10 and on schedule to head to the Rose Bowl.
The Buckeyes scored on their third-straight possession out of halftime with TreVeyon Henderson breaking free on a 24-yard run for his second score of the night.
Tennessee can't convert on fourth down
Time may have officially run out on Tennessee after it was unable to convert a fourth-down play on its own side of the field. Nico Iamaleava tried to find Chris Brazzell but the throw was short and the Buckeyes will take over on the Volunteer 39-yard line.
End of third quarter: Ohio State 35, Tennessee 10
Ohio State is back to dominating and is 15 minutes away from returning to the Rose Bowl.
The third quarter looked much like the first with Tennessee unable to do anything against the Buckeyes. Ohio State had 126 yards in the frame – Will Howard was 7-for-7 on throws – while Tennessee had only 28 yards. The Volunteers have the ball and a slim chance remains for a remarkable comeback, but it needs to happen quickly.
Ohio State pulling away: Buckeyes take 35-10 lead with another touchdown
The Buckeyes are closing in on a victory, taking their largest lead of the night at 35-10 with the third quarter dwindling down.
Ohio State’s defense has toughened up and the offense woke up in the second half with another great drive that went 80 yards down the field and into the end zone. Quinshon Judkins powered through from the 1-yard line to get the score, his second touchdown run of the night.
Ohio State gets back into end zone
After not scoring in the second quarter, Ohio State went down the field on its first possession of the third quarter to strengthen its lead to 28-10.
Ohio State forced Tennessee to punt to start the second half, and the Buckeyes looked like the team that started the night on fire. Quarterback Will Howard was throwing dots and he found Jeremiah Smith on a go route into the end zone for a 22-yard score. It's the second time tonight the duo has connected for a score, and the freshman Smith has 103 yards on six catches.
Halftime: Ohio State 21, Tennessee 10
We’ve got a ballgame in Columbus. Tennessee added 10 points in the second quarter to make it a 21-10 game at the break.
It was all Ohio State in the first quarter but a Tennessee interception prevented another Buckeyes score and the Volunteers were able to force a punt later on. Meanwhile, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava used both his legs and arm to get his team down the field and he scored in the final minute of the half. After picking up just 16 yards in the first quarter, Tennessee got 131 in the second frame.
While the offense didn't score in the second quarter, it’s still been a big day for Ohio State so far with 296 yards against a team that gives up only 278.3 per game. The Buckeyes tried to add a long field goal before the half but it was unsuccessful.
Tennessee will start the second half with the ball with a chance to make it a one-score game.
Tennessee gets huge touchdown before halftime
The Volunteers are right back in this one with a touchdown before halftime to make it a 21-10 deficit.
It was the best drive of the night for Tennessee, when it needed, methodically going 81 yards down the field in 15 plays. A fourth-down conversion and plenty of small gains in the red zone paid off with quarterback Nico Iamaleava rushing 2 yards for a touchdown. Iamaleava ran the ball six times on the drive.
Controversial call helps Tennessee finally get on the board
Ohio State appeared to intercept the ball right back from Tennessee, but a flag aided the Volunteers and the away team took advantage by scoring its first points with a field goal.
On a third down inside Ohio State territory, Nico Iamaleava threw into traffic and Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun came up with an interception. However, a flag was thrown with Kenyatta Jackson Jr. cited for roughing the passer. The Ohio State sideline didn’t like the call and the ESPN broadcast team didn’t seem to agree with the call.
The Volunteers weren’t able to get another first down off the flag, but kicker Max Gilbert had no problems with a 36-yard field goal to get Tennessee on the scoreboard.
Tennessee gets much-needed stop with end zone interception
The Volunteers got their first big break of the game with a wild interception in the end zone as Ohio State was driving toward another score.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard tried to find Jeremiah Smith and even against tough coverage, Smith almost hauled in the catch. However, the ball slipped out of his hands and Tennessee’s Will Brooks was able to get his hands on it with one foot in bounds for the turnover. The play was reviewed and the call stood.
End of first quarter: Ohio State 21, Tennessee 0
It’s been all Buckeyes inside “The Horseshoe,” with Ohio State having a three-touchdown lead after the first 15 minutes.
A facemask penalty helped keep the first Ohio State drive alive, and the Buckeyes haven’t looked back since. The Tennessee defense has had no answer for the running or passing game of the scarlet and gray. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s offense has struggled to do anything. The Volunteers didn’t pick up a first down until they were already down 21-0.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has been surgical in the air with 160 yards on 10-for-12 passing and a touchdown, with running back Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson each adding a score on the ground. Tennessee has only 16 yards of offense and quarterback Nico Iamaleava has yet to complete a pass.
Ohio State 21, Tennessee 0: On-fire Buckeyes 3-for-3
A different Ohio State team has shown up at home, taking a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Buckeyes went right down the field again with a seven play, 58-yard scoring drive capped off by TreVeyon Henderson finding a gap at the line of scrimmage and bursting past Tennessee defenders for a 29-yard touchdown run.
It’s been only 12 minutes and Ohio State has 191 yards compared to Tennessee’s -6.
Ohio State off to perfect start with another touchdown
There may be a lot of orange inside Ohio Stadium, but the home team is doing a perfect job keeping the visitors quiet after jumping to a 14-0 lead just seven minutes into the game.
Ohio State went 68 yards in five plays on its second drive of the night and scored another touchdown. The drive was aided by Will Howard perfectly placing the ball in Emeka Egbuka’s hands for a 40-yard gain deep inside the red zone. Two plays later, Quinshon Judkins ran right in for a 1-yard touchdown run.
Nico Iamaleava helmet crack
The hard hits in the cold weather are starting to show.
After Tennessee went three-and-out on its opening drive, the ESPN broadcast showed that quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s helmet had a crack in it, likely from the hit he took on a 3-yard run.
ESPN's Marty Smith reported that Iamaleava was sporting a new helmet when he entered the game on Tennessee's next series.
Ohio State strikes first after facemask penalty extends drive
Tennessee was about to force a three-and-out. Instead, Ohio State goes down the field and scores a touchdown to open the night.
On the third play of the game, Tennessee’s Bryson Eason had a sack of Will Howard, but his hand got into Howard’s face mask as he was going down. The referee threw the flag and Ohio State’s offense remained on the field.
The Buckeyes made the Volunteers pay, going right down the field after that, the drive capped by Howard throwing a beautiful 37-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith in the end zone for the first score of the night.
When is the College Football Playoff game between Tennessee and Ohio State?
The College Football Playoff first-round game between the No. 9-seed Tennessee Volunteers and the No. 8-seed Ohio State Buckeyes kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
How to watch College Football Playoff game between Tennessee and Ohio State
The College Football Playoff first-round game between the No. 9-seed Tennessee Volunteers and the No. 8-seed Ohio State Buckeyes will be televised nationally on ABC and ESPN.
Live streaming is also available on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Catch Tennessee vs. Ohio State with a Fubo subscription which has a free trial
Current College Football Playoff bracket:
CFP quarterfinals schedule
With No. 7 Notre Dame defeating No. 10 Indiana, 27-17, the No. 6 Penn State taking down No. 11 SMU, 38-10, and No. 5 Texas beating No. 12 Clemson, 38-24, here is a snapshot view of the current bracket and quarterfinal matchups.
All times Eastern
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
- Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
- Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee winner, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Tennessee vs. Ohio State odds, line
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorites to defeat the Tennessee Volunteers in this first-round College Football Playoff game, according to the BetMGM college football odds on Saturday.
- Spread: Ohio State (-7)
- Moneyline: Ohio State (-275); Tennessee (+220)
- Over/under: 46.5
CFP first-round predictions: Ohio State vs. Tennessee
Paste BN Sports: No. 8 Ohio State over No. 9 Tennessee
Paul Myerberg writes: "This is the premier pairing of the opening round and a nice barometer of how playoff games could unfold between the best of the best in the Big Ten and SEC. Given two evenly matched teams with similar traits, two factors will make the difference in Ohio State’s favor: homefield advantage and a more credible offense. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard has more experience and better skill options. But another big game from Volunteers signal caller Nico Iamaleava could easily shift this game in the opposite direction."
ESPN: Ohio State has 65% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a 65.5% chance to beat the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
College Football Network: Ohio State 27, Tennessee 23
Will Helms writes: "To be clear, I think Ohio State’s offense is capable of moving the ball down the field through the air, but Tennessee’s defensive line could feast against a reshuffled Buckeyes O-line. But I also trust (offensive coordinator Chip) Kelly to find ways to scheme open elite playmakers like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. If this becomes a close game, Ohio State’s experience can make a difference. However, I like the Volunteers as one of the best bets of the opening round. The Buckeyes’ experience and depth should help them close this out, but take the Volunteers to cover in a close one that ticks over."
Sports Illustrated: Tennessee Volunteers
James Parks writes: "Tennessee +7.5 … We’re taking the Vols to win straight-up on the road given their outright advantage on a very dominant defensive front, which should overpower a Buckeyes offensive line down two key starters to injury, while Dylan Sampson and Tennessee’s gifted ground game do the rest."
Bowl game picks
Here are Paste BN Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.
College GameDay kicks off for College Football Playoffs
"College GameDay" is not taking any time off in the postseason. In fact, they gave fans double the entertainment. The show broadcasted on Friday, Dec. 20 ahead of the Indiana vs. Notre Dame game at 3:30 p.m. ET.Comedian Shane Gillis dropped by as guest picker.
Not to rest on their laurels, they picked up and covered CFP games of the day at 9 a.m. ET from Columbus, Ohio, Saturday morning.
Tennessee vs. Ohio State State all-time record
The Tennessee Volunteers have played the Ohio State Buckeyes just one time in their history. The Volunteers beat the Buckeyes, 20-14, in a Citrus Bowl game on New Year's Day 1996.
College Football Playoff bracket: CFP schedule
The first round of the College Football Playoff began Friday, Dec. 19 and conclude with three games scheduled for Dec. 20.
All times Eastern
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
- Game 2: No. 6 Penn State def No. 11 SMU, 38-10, noon (TNT)
- Game 3: No. 5 Texas def. No. 12 Clemson, 38-24
- Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)
CFP quarterfinals schedule
The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1. All games will be televised by ESPN.
All times Eastern
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
- Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
- Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee winner, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)
CFP semifinals schedule
The semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. Both games will be televised by ESPN.
All times Eastern
THURSDAY, JAN. 9
- Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
FRIDAY, JAN. 10
- Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
CFP national championship game schedule
MONDAY, JAN. 20
- Game: Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
CFP rankings
- Oregon (Big Ten champion, No. 1 seed)*
- Georgia (SEC champion, No. 2 seed)*
- Texas (No. 5 seed)
- Penn State (No. 6 seed)
- Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)
- Ohio State (No. 8 seed)
- Tennessee (No. 9 seed)
- Indiana (No. 10 seed)
- Boise State (MWC champion, No. 3 seed)*
- SMU (No. 11 seed)
- Alabama
- Arizona State (Big 12 champion, No. 4 seed)*
- Miami
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Clemson (ACC champion, No. 12 seed)**
*first-round bye; **automatic bid
College Football Fix podcast
The first 12-team College Football Playoff is at hand. Four first-round matchups will take place on campus with one set for Friday night and three set for Saturday.
While history will be made on the field, two of the games on Saturday will go directly against NFL broadcasts, which could create ratings that disappoint and create discussion about the future college football calendar. The games are also being amid massive player movement in the transfer portal that is impacting some teams in the playoff field.
Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg of Paste BN Sports discuss these topics and more in this week's version of the College Football Fix.
College football 2024 season predictions
The experts at Paste BN Sports offered predictions for the 2024 season before it started, including which 12 teams would make the College Football Playoff.
- Scooby Axson: Ohio State
- Jordan Mendoza: Oregon
- Paul Myerberg: Georgia
- Erick Smith: Georgia
- Eddie Timanus: Ohio State
- Dan Wolken: Ohio State
How many teams are in the College Football Playoff 2024?
In the 2024-25 season, 12 teams will qualify for the College Football Playoff. The top five conference champions will earn automatic bids, with the top four earning a first-round bye. The remaining seven highest-ranked teams will complete the 12-team field.
How does College Football Playoff format work?
The 12 participating teams in the College Football Playoff bracket are the five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP selection committee, and the next seven highest-ranked teams.
The four highest-ranked conference champions are seeded one through four and receive a first-round bye. The fifth conference champion is seeded where it was ranked or, as was the case with Clemson this season, at No. 12 since it is outside the top 12 in the CFP rankings. Non-conference champions ranked in the top four are seeded beginning at No. 5.
"Because of this," the CFP warns on its website, "the seeding, 1 through 12, could look different than the final rankings."
Bowl Game schedule: Full college football postseason dates and times
This college football postseason will be unlike any other in the sport's history. With the first year of the expanded playoff format, the season will run through the third week of January. Along the way, there will be 11 games that decide the national champion with contests being played on campus for the first time and including the six major bowls. — Erick Smith
Bowl seasons change: What to do about college football's postseason?
The timing is good to think about changes. In 2026, when all the current agreements expire, the College Football Playoff is likely to expand to 14 teams. That will undoubtedly have a downstream impact on the bowls, of which there are currently 35 outside of those tied to the playoff.
The reality check here is bowl season, for all its problems, is inexorably linked to ESPN’s December programming schedule. In fact, ESPN owns and operates 17 of those games itself and has broadcast agreements with nearly all of the others. Good luck convincing college football's most important business partner that bowl games are no longer worthwhile when they’re filling television windows over the holidays that generate more viewers than the NBA, college basketball or NHL regular-season games that would likely take their place. — Dan Wolken
Bowl game rankings: What are the best of the bowl bunch?
The bowl season is upon us, college football fans. Now that we know who is playing whom and where, it’s time for our annual attempt to rank the entire slate of postseason pairings by watchability. — Eddie Timanus
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