Sulky Old Buckeye: Critiquing Ohio State’s victory over Tennessee 42–17

Sulky Old Buckeye: Critiquing Ohio State’s Victory over Tennessee 42–17

Ohio State’s commanding 42–17 victory over Tennessee was yet another statement win for the Buckeyes under head coach Ryan Day. It added to their impressive resume, showcasing the high-powered offense, stifling defense, and overall depth of talent that have defined the team over the past few seasons. However, while the result was a decisive one, it’s essential to take a step back and critically assess this performance in the context of Ohio State’s goals and expectations. After all, for a program with championship aspirations like Ohio State, no win is ever entirely free from scrutiny.

The Game’s Context and Expectations

Before delving into the details of the performance, it’s essential to understand the broader context of this game. Tennessee entered the matchup as a top-10 team, known for their explosive offense led by head coach Josh Heupel. The Volunteers’ offense, with quarterback Hendon Hooker at the helm, had been a juggernaut, scoring at will and making opposing defenses look foolish. On paper, Tennessee posed a significant threat to Ohio State’s defense, which had been shaky at times during the season.

For Ohio State, this game was an opportunity to solidify its place among the nation’s elite. The Buckeyes had already been performing well, but with a highly competitive Big Ten schedule looming and the College Football Playoff picture in sight, the team needed a statement win. A dominant victory over a highly ranked team like Tennessee would send a message that Ohio State wasn’t just a contender in the Big Ten but also a legitimate national title hopeful. A win, yes, but how the team won was just as important.

Ohio State fans, accustomed to championship-level expectations, are notorious for being tough critics. They hold their team to an incredibly high standard. With that in mind, the game against Tennessee, despite the 42-17 final score, has its share of critiques that demand attention. In this critique, we’ll examine the highs and lows of Ohio State’s performance, analyzing the aspects of the game that stood out—and those that left some room for improvement.

The Offensive Performance: Efficient, But Not Perfect

Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, was potent, as expected. Stroud threw for over 350 yards, tossing four touchdown passes in a controlled and efficient manner. His performance was exactly what you would expect from a Heisman contender: calm, composed, and precise. His ability to read the defense and make quick decisions was on full display, particularly in critical third-down situations where the offense moved the chains with ease.

Receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming made their presence felt, each contributing to the Buckeyes’ aerial attack with impressive catches and yards after the catch. Harrison, in particular, demonstrated why he’s considered one of the top wideouts in college football, catching multiple passes for over 100 yards, including a beautiful touchdown grab that showed off his combination of size, speed, and athleticism.

Despite the overall strong performance, there were moments of inconsistency in Ohio State’s offense that are worth noting. The first half, especially, saw the Buckeyes struggle to sustain drives at times, despite putting up points. There were a few instances where Stroud held onto the ball too long in the pocket, resulting in sacks or hurried throws that could have been more accurate. Although Ohio State’s offensive line was generally solid, it wasn’t infallible. Tennessee’s defense, while not elite, was able to pressure Stroud on a few occasions, causing a delay in the rhythm of Ohio State’s offense. These lapses would be far more concerning against a defense with more talent or in a tighter game.

Another area for improvement is the running game. TreVeyon Henderson, who has been a standout for Ohio State, had an up-and-down performance. While he did manage to put up over 100 yards on the ground and score a touchdown, there were times when he wasn’t able to find much space. Tennessee’s defense did a good job of bottling up the run early on, forcing Ohio State to be more reliant on the passing game than it might have preferred. This wasn’t necessarily a disaster, as Stroud was able to carry the offense, but if Ohio State is to make a deep run into the College Football Playoff, it will need to develop a more balanced offensive attack, with the running game being a consistent weapon.

The Defensive Performance: A Tale of Two Halves

Ohio State’s defense was another key point of discussion following the victory. On the whole, the Buckeyes’ defense played a solid game, limiting Tennessee to just 17 points. However, it wasn’t as dominant as the final score might suggest. The Buckeyes’ defense showed glimpses of brilliance but also demonstrated vulnerabilities that could be exploited by future, more potent offenses.

The first half was marked by a defense that couldn’t seem to find its footing against Tennessee’s up-tempo offense. Hooker and the Volunteers were able to move the ball efficiently, particularly in the passing game, where Hooker connected with his receivers for several explosive plays. Ohio State’s defensive backs, while talented, were occasionally caught off guard by Tennessee’s speed and precision. The defensive line, too, didn’t consistently apply pressure to Hooker in the first half, giving him too much time in the pocket to survey the field.

The second half, however, saw a noticeable improvement. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles adjusted his game plan, sending more pressure at Hooker and tightening up coverage on the wideouts. This led to Tennessee’s offense stalling out on multiple drives. The Buckeyes were able to force turnovers, including a key interception that set up another Ohio State touchdown. This defensive resurgence was encouraging, but it did come with some context: Tennessee was forced into a more predictable, pass-heavy attack as they played catch-up in the second half. Against a more balanced offense, Ohio State’s defense may not have been able to make such adjustments as easily.

The defensive line, which had shown promise earlier in the season, did generate more pressure after halftime. Players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer were able to break through Tennessee’s offensive line, creating havoc and forcing Hooker into uncomfortable situations. Still, there were lapses in coverage, and Hooker’s mobility allowed him to extend plays and create opportunities for big gains. Ohio State’s secondary, despite making some key plays, struggled to contain Tennessee’s receivers at times, particularly on deep balls. These moments of defensive inconsistency could be exploited by better offenses, and the defensive backfield will need to shore up its coverage in future matchups.

Special Teams and Penalties: The Underrated Aspects

One aspect of the game that often gets overlooked in the aftermath of a high-scoring win is the special teams performance. In this game, Ohio State’s special teams unit played a solid, albeit unspectacular, role. There were no glaring mistakes, such as blocked punts or missed field goals, but there were a few instances where the team could have executed better.

For instance, the Buckeyes’ kickoff coverage was less than stellar, allowing Tennessee’s return unit to gain good field position on a few occasions. These moments didn’t ultimately impact the outcome of the game, but in a closer contest, they could have been more costly. Additionally, while Ohio State’s field goal kicker was perfect, it was worth noting that the team didn’t attempt any longer field goals. The lack of pressure on the special teams unit to perform in high-pressure situations could give a false sense of security. In tighter games, Ohio State will need to execute on special teams just as much as they do on offense and defense.

Penalties also played a role in the game. While the Buckeyes didn’t commit an overwhelming number of mistakes, there were several costly flags, particularly on the defensive side. A couple of pass interference penalties and a roughing-the-passer call extended Tennessee’s drives and kept the Volunteers alive longer than they should have been. While these penalties didn’t cost Ohio State the game, they are an area that needs to be cleaned up. In a game against a more disciplined opponent, these types of mistakes could come back to haunt the Buckeyes.

Conclusion: A Victory, But Room for Growth

Ohio State’s 42–17 win over Tennessee was impressive in many ways, but it also revealed areas of concern that cannot be ignored. The offense was efficient but not flawless, and the defense showed promise but still has plenty of room for improvement. Special teams and penalties also provided moments of weakness that could be exploited in a closer game.

For Ohio State to reach its ultimate goal—a national championship—these areas must be addressed. Ryan Day has proven himself as an elite head coach, and the Buckeyes are clearly a team with tremendous talent. However, perfection is the goal, and this victory, while a strong performance, should serve as a reminder that there are always areas for growth, no matter how dominant the final score may seem. Ohio State must clean up the mistakes, sharpen the areas that need improvement, and continue to build on the positive aspects that made the win against Tennessee a significant one.

So, while a sulky old Buckeye might find it hard to find fault with such a decisive win, it’s that same critical mindset that ensures the team never rests on its laurels. If Ohio State is to claim its next national title, it must continue to refine and elevate its play on both sides of the ball.