Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith connect on key TD to extend Ohio State's lead over Tennessee
Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith have been dominant on Saturday night against Tennessee in the College Football Playoff.
Their latest connection put the Buckeyes up 28-10 early on in the 3rd quarter. It was a 22-yard strike over-the-top that landed perfectly within Smith’s grasp. Here’s a replay of the big moment:
JEREMIAH SMITH DOES IT AGAIN 🔥
HIS SECOND TOUCHDOWN IN HIS FIRST-EVER CFP GAME 😤
What a dime from Will Howard 👏 pic.twitter.com/BjzndKxTut
— ESPN (@espn) December 22, 2024
After Ohio State scored 21 straight points to start the game, Tennessee had started to get back in the game. The Vols won the 2nd quarter 10-0 and briefly had an opportunity to climb back within 1 score to start the 3rd quarter. However, Ohio State got a stop on Tennessee’s first possession and then responded with this TD to Smith to extend the lead.
That touchdown gives Howard the following stat line: 21-of-25 for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns. It’s arguably been his best game in an Ohio State jersey, particularly when considering the stakes and quality of opponent. Tennessee had the 4th best defense in terms of yards per play allowed in the country this season.
For Smith, this is his 2nd multi-touchdown game of the season. The last time he accomplished this feat was all the way back in Week 1 when he scored twice in Ohio State’s season-opening win over Akron.
The winner of this game will face No. 1-seeded Oregon in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.