In what was billed as a marquee College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round matchup, Ohio State delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Tennessee with a final score that left fans and analysts alike questioning the playoff selection process. The Buckeyes’ dominant display not only highlighted their own prowess but also raised serious doubts about whether Tennessee deserved their spot in the playoff bracket.
A One-Sided Affair
From the opening whistle, Ohio State imposed their will on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Kyle McCord orchestrated a near-flawless offensive performance, throwing for over 350 yards and multiple touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ defense stifled Tennessee’s high-powered offense, holding them to their lowest point total of the season.
The Volunteers, who entered the game as a No. 3 seed with one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, looked overmatched. Quarterback Joe Milton struggled under relentless pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line, managing just one touchdown drive late in the second half when the game was already out of reach.
Was Tennessee Overhyped?
The blowout loss has reignited debates about the CFP committee’s decision-making process. Tennessee’s inclusion in the playoff was not without controversy, as some argued that teams like Florida State or Alabama had stronger résumés. Critics of Tennessee’s selection pointed to their inconsistency during the season, including a narrow escape against unranked opponents and a late-season loss to Georgia.
Ohio State’s performance validated their own selection as the No. 2 seed but simultaneously exposed Tennessee’s weaknesses. The Buckeyes’ ability to dominate every facet of the game underscored the disparity between the two teams, leaving many to wonder if Tennessee’s placement in the playoff was a mistake.
The Selection Process Under Fire
The CFP committee has long faced criticism for its subjective approach to selecting the top four teams. While factors like strength of schedule, head-to-head matchups, and conference championships are considered, there’s always room for debate about whether the “best” or the “most deserving” teams make the cut.
In this case, Tennessee’s flashy offense and strong fan support may have overshadowed the more analytical metrics that suggested other teams were better equipped to compete at this level. The blowout loss only fuels the argument that the committee should prioritize metrics like advanced statistics and head-to-head performances over subjective “eye tests.”
What’s Next for Ohio State and Tennessee?
For Ohio State, the resounding victory sets the stage for a potential national championship run. With their offense firing on all cylinders and a defense capable of shutting down elite opponents, the Buckeyes look poised to compete with any team in the country.
Tennessee, on the other hand, faces a long offseason of soul-searching. While they undoubtedly had a successful season to earn a playoff spot, their inability to compete at the highest level raises questions about the program’s trajectory under head coach Josh Heupel. The Volunteers will need to address glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball if they hope to return to the CFP and avoid a similar embarrassment.
The Bigger Picture
The blowout also reignites calls for CFP expansion, which is set to take place in 2024. With a 12-team playoff on the horizon, fans and analysts hope that more teams will have the opportunity to prove their worth on the field rather than leaving their fate in the hands of the committee.
Ohio State’s dominant performance should be celebrated, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for the CFP committee. The goal of the playoff is to determine the best team in college football, but when lopsided games like this occur, it raises doubts about whether the system is achieving its purpose. For now, the debate continues, and fans can only hope for more competitive matchups as the playoff progresses.