Ohio State's Dominant Win Over Tennessee Sets Stage for Epic Oregon Quarterfinal Rematch

Ohio State Crushes Tennessee, Sets Stage for Epic Rose Bowl Rematch with Oregon

In a historic weekend for college football’s expanded playoff, Ohio State dominated Tennessee with a resounding 42-17 victory in Columbus, securing a quarterfinal rematch against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

 

Ohio State's Dominant Win Over Tennessee

Buckeyes Dominate on Both Sides of the Ball

Ohio State showcased its immense talent, with quarterback Will Howard completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. The dynamic duo of receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka combined for 11 catches and nearly 200 yards, while the defensive line overwhelmed Tennessee’s first-year quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

The Buckeyes raced to a 21-0 lead before Tennessee managed its first pass completion, leaving the 25,000 traveling Vols fans frustrated in freezing temperatures. Ohio State’s offense fired on all cylinders, and the defense stifled any attempts at a Tennessee comeback.

Redemption for Ryan Day

After an embarrassing loss to Michigan weeks earlier, head coach Ryan Day said the team approached this game with renewed aggression. “You’re defined by how you handle adversity,” Day stated, praising his players for their determination.

The win cools the pressure on Day and sets Ohio State up for a high-stakes rematch with Oregon on New Year’s Day. Their last meeting in October ended with Oregon edging out a 32-31 thriller.

Questions Around the Playoff Format

The Buckeyes' eighth-seed ranking, despite their No. 6 CFP committee placement, raised concerns about the current playoff structure, which prioritizes conference champions. This seeding system has drawn criticism for creating uneven matchups and pitting top-tier teams like Ohio State and Oregon against each other in the quarterfinals rather than later rounds.

A Weekend of Blowouts

Ohio State’s dominant performance was one of several lopsided first-round games, highlighting a clear gap between elite teams and their challengers. Winners across all venues outscored their opponents 145-68, with Texas, Notre Dame, and Penn State also advancing.

Rose Bowl Rematch: Ohio State vs. Oregon

Fans can look forward to a marquee clash in Pasadena, as Oregon’s strong resume meets Ohio State’s loaded roster in what feels like a national championship-caliber game. The sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains will provide a fitting backdrop to this much-anticipated rematch.

Ohio State’s commanding victory, highlighted by superior talent and execution, has positioned the Buckeyes as a team to watch in the race for the title. Whether they can avenge their earlier loss to Oregon remains the question as the college football playoffs heat up.