Photo Gallery: Ohio State is Rose Bowl-bound with 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers

The Ohio State marching band's drum major arches back before the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith takes a moment before the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day claps along to the band as he entered Skull Session preceding the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Fireworks mark the entrance of the Ohio State football team before the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. The Buckeyes defeated the Volunteers 42-17. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) steps away from Ohio State senior defensive end Jack Sawyer's (33) attempted tackle during the first round College Football Playoff game Saturday. The Buckeyes defeated the Volunteers 42-17. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State graduate wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) carries the ball during the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. Egbuka totaled recorded five receptions for 81 yards as the Buckeyes defeated the Volunteers 42-17. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State junior running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) hurdles over Tennessee redshirt sophomore defensive back Will Brooks (35) during the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. The Buckeyes defeated the Volunteers 42-17. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State junior running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) hurdles over Tennessee redshirt sophomore defensive back Will Brooks (35) during the first round College Football Playoff game against Tennessee Saturday. The Buckeyes defeated the Volunteers 42-17. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Tennessee redshirt sophomore wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) mourns an incompleted pass late in the fourth quarter of the first round College Football Playoff game against Ohio State Saturday. The Volunteers fell to the Buckeyes 42-17. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State senior running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown to make it 42-10 against Tennessee during the first round College Football Playoff game Saturday at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
The Ohio State football team is joined by athletic director Ross Bjork and guests as they sing the alma mater, "Carmen Ohio," after the No. 8 Buckeyes' 42-17 win over the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State junior linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) holds a rose in his mouth after sings the alma mater, "Carmen Ohio," after the No. 8 Buckeyes' 42-17 win over the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
The Ohio State football team sings the alma mater, "Carmen Ohio," after the No. 8 Buckeyes' 42-17 win over the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State sophomore safety Caleb Downs (2) walks off the field after. the No. 8 Buckeyes' 42-17 win over the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State senior defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) carries a flag that states "Ohio Against The World" after the No. 8 Buckeyes' 42-17 win over the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor
Ohio State senior defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) greets Buckeye fans with a rose in his hand after the No. 8 Buckeyes' 42-17 win over the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. Credit: Sandra Fu | Photo Editor

More than 102,800 fans flooded Ohio Stadium in scarlet and orange to watch the first-ever December football game at the ‘Shoe Saturday night.

No. 8-seeded Ohio State hosted No. 9-seeded Tennessee in the final first round College Football Playoff game, vying for a chance to play Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

Ultimately, Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard completed 24 of 29 pass attempts — recording 311 passing yards and two touchdowns — to help Ohio State steamroll the Volunteers 42-17.

Ohio State’s defense also delivered a strong performance, with linebacker Cody Simon leading the way and achieving 12 tackles.

A Rose Bowl rematch is set for Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California, at which the Buckeyes will face Oregon and seek revenge for their first loss of the 2024-25 season.

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