When the Tennessee Volunteers met the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal on December 21, 2024, college football fans knew they were in for a classic. With two powerhouse programs battling it out for a shot at the national championship, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
By the final whistle, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious with a commanding 42-17 win, fueled by explosive plays, lockdown defense, and dominant individual performances.
In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this epic clash—from player stats to game-changing moments, coaching strategies, and the bigger picture moving forward.
Table of Contents
- Match Summary
- Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- Ohio State Player Stats and Highlights
- Tennessee Player Stats and Key Moments
- Team Stats: Offense, Defense, and Efficiency
- Coaching Decisions and Tactical Adjustments
- Series History and Rivalry Dynamics
- What the Fans Are Saying
- Post-Game Reactions and Quotes
- Recruiting Impact and Future Outlook
- Fantasy Football and Draft Stock
- Final Takeaways and Predictions
Match Summary
Ohio State came into this game with confidence, ranked among the top 4 nationally and with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Tennessee, a physical SEC team known for its tough defense and young talent, aimed to make a statement.
From the first quarter, it was clear Ohio State meant business. The Buckeyes jumped to a 21-0 lead, and while the Volunteers clawed back to make it 21-10 by halftime, the second half belonged entirely to Ohio State.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Buckeye Blitz
Ohio State dominated the opening frame. Quarterback Will Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith on a 37-yard TD, followed by rushing touchdowns from Judkins and Henderson. Tennessee had no answers defensively.
Second Quarter: Tennessee Fights Back
Tennessee settled in, with Max Gilbert nailing a 36-yard field goal and Nico Iamaleava punching in a 2-yard rushing TD. Ohio State slowed down offensively, and momentum briefly shifted.
Third Quarter: Ohio State Regains Control
Howard and Smith hooked up again for a 22-yard touchdown, and Judkins added another score. Tennessee’s offense stalled as Ohio State’s defense adjusted to contain Iamaleava.
Fourth Quarter: Game Sealed
TreVeyon Henderson delivered a 24-yard touchdown run, dashing any hopes of a Tennessee comeback. Ohio State’s depth and experience were on full display.
Ohio State Player Stats and Highlights
Will Howard (QB)
- 24/29 completions
- 311 yards
- 2 TDs, 1 INT
Howard’s efficiency, quick reads, and calm under pressure set the tone. His ability to exploit Tennessee’s secondary was masterful.
Jeremiah Smith (WR)
- 6 receptions
- 103 yards
- 2 TDs
Smith’s breakout performance confirmed his status as one of the most dynamic receivers in the country. His route running and yards after catch made him nearly unguardable.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB)
- 10 carries
- 80 yards
- 2 TDs
Henderson was explosive and decisive. His touchdown runs were clinic-worthy examples of vision and acceleration.
Quinshon Judkins (RB)
- 8 carries
- 42 yards
- 2 TDs
Judkins brought power in short-yardage situations and was instrumental in red zone success.
Tennessee Player Stats and Key Moments
Nico Iamaleava (QB)
- 14/31 completions
- 104 passing yards
- 20 rushes, 47 rushing yards
- 2 rushing TDs
Iamaleava showed toughness and athleticism, but struggled with accuracy and protection. His legs were Tennessee’s best weapon, especially near the goal line.
Peyton Lewis (RB)
- 10 carries
- 77 yards
Lewis provided burst and agility. His 7.7 yards per carry highlight untapped potential.
Bru McCoy (WR)
- 4 receptions
- 40 yards
McCoy was a steady target but was limited by Tennessee’s offensive inconsistencies.
Team Stats: Offense, Defense, and Efficiency
| Category | Ohio State | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 473 | 256 |
| Passing Yards | 317 | 104 |
| Rushing Yards | 156 | 152 |
| First Downs | 24 | 17 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 7/10 (70%) | 3/12 (25%) |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 31:24 | 28:36 |
Takeaway: Ohio State was more efficient on third downs, explosive through the air, and balanced in their play-calling.
Coaching Decisions and Tactical Adjustments
Ryan Day (Ohio State)
- Opened aggressively with downfield throws
- Mixed in power runs to control clock
- Adjusted coverages to contain Iamaleava
Josh Heupel (Tennessee)
- Relied heavily on QB runs
- Attempted quick outs to avoid Ohio State’s pass rush
- Struggled to adapt offensively after halftime
Series History and Rivalry Dynamics
Although Tennessee and Ohio State don’t meet often, this game rekindled interest in a potential SEC vs Big Ten rivalry. It was their first CFP meeting, and the buzz around it may lead to future matchups or early-season non-conference games.
What the Fans Are Saying
Social media erupted during and after the game:
- “Jeremiah Smith is HIM. Freshman and already cooking SEC DBs!” – @CFBNation
- “Iamaleava has heart. Vols future is bright even in a loss.” – @VolsFan247
- “Ohio State is a complete team. Defense stepped up BIG in second half.” – @BigTenTalk
Post-Game Reactions and Quotes
Will Howard:
“We knew Tennessee would bring pressure, but our O-line gave me time, and our guys made plays. This team is special.”
Nico Iamaleava:
“Not the result we wanted, but we’ll learn from it. I’m proud of how we fought.”
Ryan Day:
“This was a team win. We’re focused on the next game, but I couldn’t be prouder of our guys.”
Recruiting Impact and Future Outlook
Ohio State
This performance only boosts Ohio State’s recruiting stock. Players like Smith and Henderson are examples of development and opportunity. Their 2025 class is already top 3 nationally.
Tennessee
Despite the loss, Tennessee showcased young talent. Recruits saw Iamaleava’s leadership and Lewis’ explosiveness. This can attract more offensive weapons for the Vols.
Fantasy Football and Draft Stock
- Jeremiah Smith → Rising WR draft stock
- Will Howard → Mid-round sleeper pick
- Henderson & Judkins → One-two punch fantasy RBs
- Nico Iamaleava → Dynasty league QB to watch
Final Takeaways and Predictions
- Ohio State is a true championship contender—balanced, experienced, and deep. Expect them to make serious noise in the CFP semifinals.
- Tennessee is on the rise. With another year of development, they could crack the top 6 and return to the playoff conversation in 2025.
- Jeremiah Smith is the real deal. Expect him to be on every Heisman watch list next season.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The Tennessee Volunteers vs Ohio State Buckeyes football game was more than just a playoff clash — it was a glimpse into the future of college football. Ohio State’s dominant performance showcased the maturity of a program that knows how to win when it matters most. From Will Howard’s precision passing to Jeremiah Smith’s breakout performance, the Buckeyes looked every bit like national title contenders.
On the other side, Tennessee’s grit and heart shone through, especially in the way Nico Iamaleava battled under pressure. While they didn’t come out on top, the Volunteers proved they belong on the biggest stage — and they’ll be back stronger.
This game also reminded us why we love college football: the pageantry, the passion, and the players rising to the occasion. As the Buckeyes move forward in the College Football Playoff, and the Volunteers reload for next season, fans of both programs have plenty to be excited about.
Whether you’re analyzing player stats, tracking draft stock, or just soaking in the drama — this matchup delivered from start to finish.
