CFP roundup: Quick start sends Ohio State past Tennessee

Field Level Media|published: Sun 22nd December, 01:52 2024

Dec 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates the win as he carries a rose after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Will Howard threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns, both to Jeremiah Smith, while TreVeyon Henderson rushed for two scores as No. 8 seed Ohio State routed No. 9 seed Tennessee 42-17 in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.

The Buckeyes (11-2) will play No. 1 seed Oregon (13-0) in the quarterfinals in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1.

Howard finished 24 of 29 with an interception, while Smith's six catches went for 103 yards. Henderson gained 80 yards on 10 carries for the Buckeyes, who led 21-0 after the first quarter.

Nico Iamaleava completed 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards and rushed 20 times for 47 yards and two TDs for the Volunteers (10-3).

No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24

Jaydon Blue rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yard score in the fourth quarter, as the Longhorns downed the Tigers in Austin, Texas, during a CFP first-round playoff game.

Texas (12-2) advances to face fourth-seeded Arizona State, the Big 12 champion, on Jan. 1 in the Peach Bowl at Atlanta.

Quinn Ewers passed for 202 yards and a score and Quintrevion Wisner added 110 yards and two TDs for the Longhorns, who outgained Clemson 292-76 on the ground. Cade Klubnik passed for 336 yards and three TDs to lead Clemson (10-4). Tigers receiver T.J. Moore had career-high 116 receiving yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.

No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10

Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas returned interceptions for touchdowns and the Nittany Lions advanced in the College Football Playoff with an easy victory over the Mustangs in University Park, Pa.

DeLuca also had another interception as the Nittany Lions (12-2) built a 28-point halftime advantage in Happy Valley. Penn State will face No. 3 seed Boise State (12-1) in a quarterfinal game at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., on Dec. 31.

Nicholas Singleton rushed for 90 yards and one touchdown and Kaytron Allen had 70 yards and two scores for the Nittany Lions, who thrived in 25-degree weather that felt like 12 degrees at kickoff. Drew Allar completed 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards.

--Field Level Media

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