Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has made it clear that he’s not happy about the Rebels missing the 2024 College Football Playoffs. As the playoffs kicked off, Kiffin found himself watching intently, hoping for a strong showing from his conference. He was particularly interested in the SEC’s first-round matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes, a team he has a history with from his time at Tennessee. But did the SEC deliver the performance he was hoping for?
SEC’s Tough Night Against Ohio State
Unfortunately for Kiffin and the SEC, the Volunteers faced a brutal defeat at the hands of the Buckeyes. The game was a lopsided affair, with Tennessee trailing 42-10 in the fourth quarter. It was a tough pill to swallow not just for the Volunteers but for the entire SEC, which prides itself on being one of the strongest conferences in college football. Kiffin’s silence on social media during the game spoke volumes, as fans took the opportunity to poke fun at him for the Rebels’ absence from the playoffs.
As the game wrapped up, Ohio State delivered a decisive 42-17 beatdown of Tennessee. The Buckeyes showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, leaving Kiffin and other SEC fans wondering what went wrong. The performance was not what Kiffin expected from his conference, and it certainly wasn’t the statement they needed to make on such a big stage.
Ohio State’s Stellar Performance
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard had a game to remember, completing 24 of 29 passes for a staggering 311 yards. He tossed two touchdowns and only had one interception, showcasing his ability to lead the Buckeyes with precision. The offense was a well-oiled machine, racking up 151 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground. Star running back TreVeyon Henderson was a standout performer, carrying the ball 10 times for 80 yards and finding the end zone twice. Not to be outdone, running back Quinshon Judkins also contributed with two touchdowns, further solidifying Ohio State’s offensive prowess.
The Buckeyes’ receiving corps was equally impressive, with a total of 25 catches for 317 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith led the way with six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, standout receiver Emeka Egbuka added five catches for 81 yards, and Henderson’s versatility shone through with four catches for 54 yards, giving him over 100 all-purpose yards for the night. It was a complete offensive display that left Tennessee scrambling for answers.
Defensive Dominance
While the offense was firing on all cylinders, the Ohio State defense was equally formidable. They recorded four sacks, with JT Tuimoloau leading the charge with two sacks and Jack Sawyer contributing 1.5. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava struggled throughout the game, completing just 14 of 31 passes for a mere 104 yards and failing to throw any touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ defense made it clear that they were not going to let the Volunteers find any rhythm.
The gap in talent and execution was evident, and it raised questions about the SEC’s standing in the national conversation. With Kiffin watching from the sidelines, the disappointment must have been palpable. How could a conference known for its competitiveness fall so short on such a critical stage?
Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Next Challenge
As the dust settles on this matchup, Ohio State is gearing up for their next challenge. They will face top-seed Oregon in the 2025 Rose Bowl, which will serve as the Quarterfinals of the 2024-2025 College Football Playoffs. This matchup promises to be thrilling, especially since the Ducks narrowly edged out the Buckeyes in their earlier meeting this season, winning 32-31. Fans can mark their calendars for January 1st at 5:00 PM EST, as the game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
For Kiffin and the Rebels, the focus now shifts to the future. What can they learn from this playoff experience? How can they improve to ensure they are part of the conversation next season? The college football landscape is always evolving, and with the right adjustments, Ole Miss could very well find themselves in the playoffs next year. But for now, the spotlight is on Ohio State as they continue their quest for glory in the postseason.
The Bigger Picture
Kiffin’s frustration is understandable, especially when you consider the stakes involved in college football. The playoffs are the pinnacle of the sport, and missing out can feel like a missed opportunity for both the team and its fans. As the SEC watches Ohio State’s performance, they must reflect on their own shortcomings and strive for improvement.
As we look ahead to the upcoming games, one thing is clear: college football never fails to deliver excitement, drama, and plenty of surprises. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain: the passion for college football remains as strong as ever.
