Ohio State enters the playoff on a mission while coming off a painful loss to hated rival Michigan. Can coach Ryan Day get his team back on track? As the over/under indicates, this will not likely be the offensive shootout that many would have predicted before the season began. These two teams have offenses that can hit for a big play at any moment, but both teams have relied on excellent defenses.
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End of 1st half: OSU 21, Tennessee 10
Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding had a shot at extending the lead, but his 56-yard try wasn’t close as time expired.
Touchdown Tennessee!
The Vols have finally found the end zone with just 20 seconds left in the first half after a short run by Nico Iamaleava.
OSU 21, Tennessee 10
Vols on the march
Tennessee is past midfield now with just under 2 minutes left in the opening half.
Vols force punt
Tennessee is going to have a shot at eating into the Buckeyes’ lead before halftime after holding strong and forcing a punt.
Vols are on the board
Tennessee’s drive fizzled out after the penalty and the Vols had to settle for a short field goal by Max Gilbert.
OSU 21, Tennessee 3
OSU interception negated by penalty
The Buckeyes had an interception but a Tennessee defender was given a roughing-the-passer penalty after landing on Nico Iamaleava.
The Vols are inside the red zone after the controversial penalty.
Vols on the march
Now it’s Tennessee’s turn to deliver some chunk plays. Nico Iamaleava just found 2 different receivers for long gains and the Vols are past midfield.
Interception Tennessee!
Will Howard was trying to find Jeremiah Smith for another touchdown but the freshman wasn’t able to hold onto the ball and Tennessee’s Will Brooks made a spectacular play to get a foot down in the end zone for the pick.
After a short review, the call on the field of an interception stands. What a play by Brooks!
OSU driving for another score
The Buckeyes were facing a fourth-and-3 at midfield when Jeremiah Smith caught a crossing route and made a nice move to extend the drive.
End of Q1: OSU 21, Tennessee 0
It’s been all Buckeyes early in this one.
Total yards so far… Ohio State: 205 Tennessee: -3
Tennessee drive stalls at midfield
Nico Iamaleava made consecutive first downs with his legs, but Ohio State’s defense firmed up when it needed to and the Vols punt it back to the Buckeyes.
Touchdown Ohio State!
The Buckeyes are off to a flying start in Columbus. The latest score comes via the legs of TreVeyon Henderson, who bolted around the edge for a 29-yard touchdown run.
OSU 21, Tennessee 0
OSU on the move again
The Buckeyes are driving for another score. They’re inside the UT 30 after a long pass from Will Howard to Emeka Egbuka.
Touchdown Ohio State!
The Buckeyes are cooking with gas early in Columbus! Will Howard hit Emeka Egbuka on a deep pass to get inside the UT 5-yard line and then Quinshon Judkins finished things off from there with a short run.
OSU 14, Tennessee 0
Tennessee goes three and out
The Vols can’t get anything going with their opening possession and punt it right back to the Buckeyes.
Touchdown Ohio State!
Who else but Jeremiah Smith to get things started for the Buckeyes! Will Howard dropped in a perfect deep ball and the freshman phenom comes down with it for a 37-yard touchdown!
OSU 7, Tennessee 0
OSU on the march
The Buckeyes are nearing the red zone now after a long pass from Will Howard to TreVeyon Henderson.
OSU starts with ball
We are underway in Columbus. The Buckeyes will have the ball first. You would think it’s a Tennessee home game with how loud the Vols fans are as this thing gets going.
Texas’ dominant win over Clemson confirms what first 2 CFP games showed: Trench play is king in the expanded playoff
Click the photo above to read the story. (David Buono/Getty Images)
