Ohio State Dominates Tennessee Early in College Football Playoff, Leads 21-0 at End of First Quarter

Ohio State’s offense came out firing on all cylinders in their College Football Playoff matchup against Tennessee, putting on a clinic in the first quarter and taking a commanding 21-0 lead before the period came to a close. The Buckeyes wasted no time in setting the tone, showing why they belong among the top contenders in the playoff.

The opening drive was a statement from Ohio State, as quarterback Kyle McCord orchestrated a near-flawless series. The Buckeyes were efficient and explosive, marching down the field with a balanced attack. McCord completed several key passes, including a 20-yard strike to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who showcased his elite skills in making defenders miss. The drive ended with a 5-yard rushing touchdown by TreVeyon Henderson, who powered his way into the end zone.

Tennessee, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Quarterback Joe Milton faced constant pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line, which dominated the line of scrimmage. The Volunteers were unable to get anything going offensively, with Milton’s throws often forced into tight windows or under duress. Despite their best efforts to find a groove, Tennessee’s offense was stifled early, and they could not move the ball consistently.

On Ohio State’s second possession, they wasted no time adding to their lead. McCord connected with Harrison Jr. once again, this time for a spectacular 35-yard touchdown pass that sent the Buckeye faithful into a frenzy. Harrison Jr.’s precise route running and McCord’s accuracy were on full display, leaving Tennessee’s secondary helpless against the dynamic duo. With the score at 14-0, Ohio State was firmly in control, and the Volunteers were left scrambling to regain their composure.

Tennessee’s defense, which had been touted as one of the better units in the nation, appeared shell-shocked as the Buckeyes continued to pour it on. Ohio State’s offensive line provided excellent protection for McCord, allowing him ample time to survey the field and make accurate throws. The Buckeyes’ playcalling was also masterful, mixing up their offensive schemes to keep Tennessee’s defense guessing.

As if the Volunteers weren’t reeling enough, Ohio State added a third touchdown in the first quarter. On a short-yardage situation, Henderson broke free for a 12-yard touchdown run, evading a tackler at the line of scrimmage before sprinting into the end zone. At 21-0, the Buckeyes had firmly established themselves as the superior team early in the contest, leaving Tennessee with little room for error.

The quick-fire scoring burst was a testament to Ohio State’s explosive playmaking ability. Their fast start was a stark contrast to Tennessee’s slow and ineffective offensive possessions. The Volunteers were left with an uphill battle to climb, needing to make adjustments quickly if they hoped to avoid a blowout.

Ohio State’s defense continued to stymie Tennessee throughout the first quarter. Their relentless pass rush, coupled with tight coverage from the secondary, prevented Milton from finding any rhythm. The Buckeyes had clearly come into this playoff matchup with a chip on their shoulder, intent on proving they were among the nation’s elite teams.

As the first quarter drew to a close, Ohio State had firmly taken control of the game. With a 21-0 lead, the Buckeyes were in prime position to keep the pressure on, while Tennessee needed to regroup and find a way to get their offense going in order to avoid a crushing defeat. It was an explosive start for Ohio State, one that would set the stage for a thrilling College Football Playoff contest.