Eric Boggs
Ohio State delivered a commanding performance in their College Football Playoff (CFP) opening round, dismantling Tennessee 42-17 in a game that left fans and analysts alike in awe. The Buckeyes displayed dominance in all facets of the game, silencing doubters and reigniting championship aspirations. Here’s a closer look at the game and the letter grades awarded to the offense and defense by the hosts of The OHIO Podcast.
Offensive Masterclass
Ohio State’s offense was in top gear, racking up 473 total yards—317 through the air and 156 on the ground. They averaged an impressive 7.4 yards per play and moved the chains for 24 first downs. The Buckeyes’ efficiency was evident as they converted 4 of 9 third-down opportunities and went 1-for-1 on fourth down.
Podcast host Corey Thompson couldn’t contain his enthusiasm: “It’s hard to complain about anything on offense. They were so good, and the offensive line—a unit we’ve questioned all season—was phenomenal.” Thompson highlighted the offensive line’s critical role in protecting quarterback Will Howard and opening lanes for the running backs. He awarded the unit an “A” grade, citing its dominance and ability to give Howard the time and confidence to excel.
Co-host Chris Wilds echoed this sentiment, giving the offense an “A” for their near-flawless execution. He praised Howard’s poise, the creativity of dual-running back sets featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and the stellar performances of standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and tight end Gee Scott Jr.
Eric Boggs, the third host, awarded the offense an “A+” despite a single blemish: an interception that many felt should have been called for pass interference. Boggs noted, “Outside of that turnover and a single conservative third-down call, this was a flawless offensive outing.”
Defensive Brilliance
Ohio State’s defense was equally impressive, holding Tennessee to just 256 total yards (104 passing and 152 rushing) and limiting the Volunteers to 3.7 yards per play. The defensive line, led by Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, was a force to be reckoned with, consistently pressuring Tennessee’s quarterback and disrupting their offensive rhythm.
Thompson awarded the defense an “A+”, emphasizing the impact of the defensive line rotation and the exceptional performances of Sawyer and Tuimoloau. “When our edge rushers play like this, it elevates the entire defense,” he said. “We’ve been waiting all year for this level of dominance.”
Wilds highlighted the physicality of the defense, noting several bone-crunching hits and the overall intensity. “The hitting was something else,” Wilds said. “Sonny Styles was laying the wood, and the line’s energy set the tone for the entire game.” He too gave the defense an “A+”.
Boggs joined his co-hosts in praising the defensive performance. He pointed out that only 170 of Tennessee’s yards came against the starters and cited Jim Knowles’ halftime adjustments as a key factor in maintaining dominance. “This defense is elite,” Boggs declared, “and when they’re firing on all cylinders, they’re the best in the country.”
Looking Ahead
Ohio State’s victory sets up a tantalizing matchup in the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks. The Buckeyes appear to have found their swagger, with an air of confidence that was evident even as they walked into the stadium. “This team knows they’re better than the team lined up across from them,” Thompson said. “If they maintain this mindset, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”
Fans will be watching closely to see if the Buckeyes can replicate this dominance in Pasadena. For now, though, Ohio State has silenced the critics and reminded everyone why they’re one of college football’s perennial powerhouses.
