With a touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State takes the lead over Tennessee in the College Football…

With a Touchdown Pass to Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Takes the Lead Over Tennessee in the College Football Playoff

In a thrilling College Football Playoff matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, Ohio State found itself battling the Tennessee Volunteers in what would turn out to be a pivotal game in the race for a national championship. With the stakes higher than ever, every play, every decision, and every player’s performance was under intense scrutiny. The momentum shifted back and forth, but it was a timely, well-executed touchdown pass from Ohio State’s quarterback to their star wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, that gave the Buckeyes the lead over Tennessee.

This moment was a culmination of not just individual brilliance but also a strategic battle between two of college football’s most iconic programs, each vying for a spot in the national title game. Ohio State, with its rich history of success and powerhouse offense, was determined to prove it could overcome any obstacle. Tennessee, with its high-powered offense led by standout quarterback Joe Milton, wasn’t about to back down. The game, filled with emotion and anticipation, exemplified the drama of College Football Playoff contention.

Setting the Stage: The Road to the Playoff

Both teams entered the game with significant expectations, having earned their spots in the College Football Playoff after impressive seasons. Ohio State, with a 12-1 record, had narrowly missed out on a perfect season after a tough loss to Michigan. Still, their potent offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and supported by a dynamic receiving corps, made them one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Defensively, the Buckeyes were rock-solid, with a defense that had been among the best in the nation all season. The battle between Ohio State’s defense and Tennessee’s offense was set to be one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the game.

Tennessee, on the other hand, was riding high after an impressive campaign, finishing 11-2 and securing a playoff berth after an exhilarating season. The Volunteers were led by the powerful arm of Joe Milton, whose deep-ball accuracy had been a critical part of Tennessee’s offensive success. The Volunteers’ offense, coordinated by Alex Golesh, was fast-paced and explosive, capable of putting up big numbers against any defense. Tennessee also boasted a strong defense, though it would face a stern test going up against Ohio State’s high-powered attack.

Both teams had a lot to prove in this game. For Ohio State, the goal was clear: avenge their previous loss to Michigan and make a strong push toward the national championship. For Tennessee, this was an opportunity to prove they were among the elite in college football and that their offense could thrive against one of the most formidable defenses in the nation. With so much on the line, the game lived up to every bit of its hype.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

The first half of the game was a fast-paced, high-energy affair, with both teams trading punches and counter-punches. Ohio State, on its opening possession, made it clear that they were not going to be intimidated. Quarterback Kyle McCord, who had taken over the starting role for the Buckeyes this season, showed poise and confidence, moving the ball with precision down the field. He connected with his favorite targets, including Marvin Harrison Jr., who was a key weapon for Ohio State all season, and Emeka Egbuka, another standout receiver.

However, Tennessee’s defense, led by standout linebacker Juwan Mitchell, was up to the task. They applied pressure on McCord, forcing him to make quick decisions in the pocket. Despite some early success from the Buckeyes, Tennessee’s defense bent but didn’t break, keeping the game tied at 7-7 after the first quarter.

On the other side of the ball, Tennessee was equally impressive. Joe Milton, with his cannon of an arm, repeatedly tested Ohio State’s secondary with deep throws down the field. He connected with Bru McCoy for a touchdown early in the second quarter, giving Tennessee a brief lead. But Ohio State answered quickly with a methodical drive that was capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Miyan Williams. By halftime, the score was tied, and both teams were visibly locked in for a dramatic second half.

The Turning Point: Jeremiah Smith’s Touchdown

As the second half began, both teams came out of the locker rooms with renewed energy. Tennessee’s defense made a critical stop on Ohio State’s first drive of the third quarter, forcing the Buckeyes to punt. Milton and the Volunteers offense quickly capitalized on the field position, taking advantage of some aggressive playcalling by Alex Golesh. Milton hit Squirrel White on a beautifully executed post route, and Tennessee had the ball deep in Ohio State territory. A quick strike touchdown by Tennessee’s running back Jaylen Wright gave the Volunteers a 21-14 lead midway through the third quarter.

At this point, it felt like the momentum had fully swung in Tennessee’s favor. The Volunteers were dictating the pace, and their offense was humming. Ohio State’s defense, while talented, had been exposed a few times, and McCord was under pressure to deliver. However, as the game moved into the final stages of the third quarter, it became clear that Ohio State wasn’t going to back down.

With the game still hanging in the balance, Kyle McCord orchestrated a crucial drive, mixing in runs from Travion Henderson and short, quick passes to his receivers. The Buckeyes methodically marched down the field, setting up for an important third-and-10 play at the Tennessee 25-yard line.

That’s when McCord found Jeremiah Smith, a freshman wide receiver who had become an increasingly important part of Ohio State’s offense over the season. Smith, who had been the subject of much pre-game talk, proved why he was one of the most hyped recruits in the country. On a perfectly executed route, Smith ran a post towards the middle of the field, getting just enough separation from Tennessee’s cornerback Kamal Hadden. McCord delivered a strike to Smith, who made a spectacular catch while keeping both feet in bounds as he crossed the goal line. The stadium erupted as Ohio State took the lead, 28-21.

Smith’s touchdown was a beautiful example of Ohio State’s offensive prowess—great quarterback play, strong route running, and impeccable timing. The freshman receiver, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, had just delivered the biggest moment of his young career. The Buckeyes’ sideline was energized, and they now had the upper hand as they entered the final quarter of play.

The Final Quarter: Tension and Drama

With the lead in hand, Ohio State’s defense stepped up to the challenge. Tennessee, desperate to respond, saw Milton make a number of critical throws, but the Ohio State secondary, led by Jahmyr Johnson and Lathan Ransom, was tight on coverage. Tennessee’s offense, which had been explosive throughout the game, found itself stymied by a series of sacks and pass deflections.

On Ohio State’s next possession, McCord showed his leadership once again, converting on a key third down with a 15-yard throw to Julian Fleming. The drive ended in a field goal, extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 31-21. Tennessee, now trailing by 10, needed to respond quickly if they were to have any chance of keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Joe Milton, who had been brilliant at times, continued to show his arm strength, but the Tennessee offense couldn’t sustain enough momentum to close the gap. On their final drive of the game, Ohio State’s defense stepped up with two critical pass breakups, including one by Denzel Burke, who had been a lockdown corner for the Buckeyes all season.

The final whistle blew, and Ohio State had emerged victorious, 31-21. The Buckeyes had taken control late in the game, with Jeremiah Smith’s touchdown pass proving to be the turning point in a tightly contested affair.

Post-Game Reaction and Implications

As the game ended, players and coaches from both sides showed respect for one another, acknowledging the incredible effort put forth by both teams. Ohio State, now advancing to the national title game, was energized by the victory, and Ryan Day, the Buckeyes’ head coach, praised his team for its resilience, particularly in the second half.

For Tennessee, the loss was a heartbreaking one, but they were far from out of the conversation for future playoff appearances. Milton’s performance, though not perfect, had shown that the Volunteers were a legitimate contender in college football, and their program was heading in the right direction under Josh Heupel.

As for Jeremiah Smith, the freshman wide receiver’s breakout performance would be remembered as a defining moment in Ohio State’s 2024 season. His touchdown catch not only gave the Buckeyes the lead but also put him on the map as one of the rising stars of college football.

Ohio State’s victory over Tennessee will be remembered as a thrilling playoff battle, one that showcased the excitement and unpredictability of college football. For the Buckeyes, the road to the national title is now within reach, with Jeremiah Smith’s clutch touchdown serving as a key moment in their journey to the championship game.