Ohio State dominated Tennessee 42-17 on Saturday, leaving few Orange-clad fans in attendance singing the Volunteers’ fight song. Despite the SEC representatives appearing tough before the game, they struggled to keep pace with the Buckeyes.
The SEC chest-thumpers were outgunned by Ohio State, which led 14-0 within seven minutes and never trailed. The Buckeyes scored a touchdown that put them up 42-10 with 10:53 to play, giving new meaning to the phrase “Footbowl just maynes more” in SEC country.
Nick Saban’s Alabama and Kirby Smart’s Georgia have won five of the first 10 College Football Playoff national titles, but even a three-loss Alabama was expected to beat SMU. The SEC’s supposed superiority has been called into question by Ohio State’s impressive performance.
“It’s strange,” said Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. “I don’t know why they spend so much time arguing their supremacy when they can no longer prove it.” The Big Ten advanced three teams to the CFP quarterfinals, while the SEC advanced two, leaving many to wonder if the conference can regain its dominance.
As long as Georgia beats Notre Dame and Texas beats Arizona State next week, the SEC will have another chance to prove itself. But for now, Ohio State’s victory has left the football public wondering where the tough guys went. The Buckeyes’ performance was a reminder that “Big Ten Football is just more,” according to tackle Donovan Jackson.
Source: https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2024/12/lane-kiffin-sec-chest-puffers-should-watch-ohio-state-footballs-blowout-of-tennessee-closely-jimmy-watkins.html