That was the Ohio State team everyone expected to see at the beginning of the season. The one that was supposed to beat Michigan, win the Big Ten and go undefeated. Sadly, none of those things happened. But after tonight, I would argue having to go the harder route is better for this team, rather than coasting or cruising like many fans probably expected. Champions are forged in the fires of adversity.
Woody Hayes once said, "There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
While I'm sure the ol' ball coach was referring to bad losses, the Buckeyes have gone through more than their fair share of "cleansing" lately. They've dealt with adversity.
They lost badly to Michigan. They missed out on a chance to win the Big Ten Championship. The lunatic fringe of this fanbase has constantly been calling for Ryan Day's head ever since November 30th. Idiots and haters all over social media have scoffed or downright laughed at the Buckeyes' chances to win the National Championship.
But tonight, like a wounded prize fighter who's been beaten, bloodied and pummeled for most of a lopsided contest, the Buckeyes stood up out of their corner and said, "Screw it. This is enough. I've gotta end this. I'm coming out swinging."
Ohio State not only made the Vols see stars, they landed body shots, threw Tennessee up against the ropes, and mercilessly unloaded on them. If we're sticking with the boxing comparison, before long, Tennessee was out on their feet. They weren't able to take any more punishment and dropped like a rock to the canvas. KO!
How did the Buckeyes absolutely embarrass the Volunteers tonight and earn a trip to the next round of the College Football Playoff? Let's take a look at tonight's Key's to Victory!
Winning in the trenches
I heard all week how Tennessee's defensive line was going to be too much for Ohio State's offensive line to handle. The Vols supposedly had a defensive front that was very similar to Michigan's.
But not only did the Buckeyes give Will Howard plenty of time to find his wideouts, set his feet and throw the football, Ohio State's defensive line turned the tables on the Vols and became the aggressor. They racked up four sacks, found creative ways to collapse the pocket, and stoked the energy that the Silver Bullets fed on for the entire game.
Ohio State's defense was grizzled, aggressive and downright NASTY. They were good and peeved off. It looked like they took every bad thing ever said about them since the Michigan game, and used it as fuel. People poked the sleeping bear one too many times. They "Bucked around and found out."
Another unit played with that same bad attitude, and they're a big reason Ohio State lives to fight another week.
Thunder and Lightning: The Henderson and Judkins show
There were several times where it just looked like TreVeyon and Quinshon ran with extra explosiveness and physicality. They had an extra spring in their step, and led a Buckeye ground game that churned out 156 yards on 33 carries, and scored four of Ohio State's six touchdowns.
This is the kind of rushing attack the Buckeyes are going to need if they're going to win the rematch with Oregon, and go even further. It's fun seeing sharp offenses with a ton of gadget plays. But every now and then, the Buckeyes need to go back to their roots. Ohio State is inherently physical. Every great Buckeye team runs the football and runs it well. When they can run the ball and throw it, and effectively mix the two to keep opposing defenses off balance, they become even more deadly than they usually are.
But of course, it also helps to have the best freshman wide receiver in America on your side too!
Jeremiah Smith: Every Buckeye fan's dream. Every defense's worst nightmare!
I know how great Jeremiah Smith is. I'm just grateful I get a chance to watch him play. I'm happy he's enjoying himself and sharing his gift with the rest of us. This kid is so special. He might end up being the greatest Buckeye wideout I've ever seen play. I don't even know the words to do him any justice. And I'm supposed to be the writer.
But it's amazing to see him make plays. One-handed OBJ-style grabs. Acrobatic catches. Catching opposing defensive backs completely out of position. It doesn't matter. If you need a big play, just throw the ball up to number 4, and he'll come down with it.
On the night, Smith absolutely torched Tennessee for 103 yards on just six catches, and a pair of touchdowns. And on both of his touchdown catches, he caught it after Will Howard put it where only he could get it. These two are on the same page. They have amazing quarterback-receiver chemistry!
And if the Buckeyes are going to win the whole thing, they need to keep gelling like they did tonight. What's coming up next may smell like roses. But it'll be anything but a cakewalk.
Up Next: 2025 Rose Bowl
There's just something special about the Granddaddy of Them All. It was the ONLY bowl game back in the day. If you made it there, you were one of the best teams in the country, and it usually was the final stop for a team if they were chasing after a National Championship.
Ohio State's all-time record in the Rose Bowl is 9-7. January 1, 2025, against Oregon will be their 17th appearance.
While this bowl game no longer holds the incredible luster it used to back in the old days, it's still incredibly special to see Ohio State play in it. I've watched Ohio State play in three Rose Bowls in my lifetime, and was lucky to see the Buckeyes win them all. And I remember hearing about the legendary 1997 Rose Bowl victory over Arizona State, even though I was just a five-year old kid at the time.
One of my bucket list items is to see Ohio State play in the Rose Bowl in person. But until then, I'll be just fine watching them here at home. And hopefully I'm celebrating just as much on New Year's Day as I am right now!
The Buckeyes survived and are moving on. But the so called "easy games" end now. Oregon is right around the corner. If the Buckeyes have any desire to win the National Championship, they'll have to knock off the top-ranked Oregon Ducks to do it. But if they played like they did against Tennessee, they have a fighting chance!
Allow yourself to start California Dreamin' folks! Ohio State is heading to the Rose Bowl!
GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
Will Howard: 24-29, 311 yards, 2 TDs, INT
TreVeyon Henderson: 10 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs
Jeremiah Smith: 6 catches, 103 yards, 2 TDs.
Sources
ESPN
Buckeyes Wire
Picture Credit
ESPN
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