4 Biggest Letdowns from Tennessee’s Season-Ending Loss to Ohio State…

4 Biggest Letdowns from Tennessee’s Season-Ending Loss to Ohio State…

Tennessee’s season came to a heartbreaking end with a 38-24 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff. After a promising start to the season, the Vols were poised to secure a spot in the national championship hunt but faltered against a powerful Ohio State team. Here are the four biggest letdowns from Tennessee’s season-ending defeat:

1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play Tennessee’s offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton, struggled to find rhythm throughout the game. Milton, who had shown flashes of brilliance during the season, was unable to consistently execute key passes against Ohio State’s defense. He threw for only 180 yards and tossed two critical interceptions, stalling what could have been a potent offensive attack. In a high-pressure game, Milton’s inability to make crucial throws under pressure was a major disappointment.

2. Lack of Offensive Balance The Volunteers’ offense, known for its high-paced, explosive playstyle, was unable to establish balance against the Buckeyes. Running back Jaylen Wright, who had been a force all season, was held to just 54 yards on 18 carries. With the passing game struggling, the lack of a consistent ground attack limited Tennessee’s offensive options. Ohio State’s defensive front dominated the trenches, preventing the Vols from controlling the clock or establishing any kind of offensive identity.

3. Missed Opportunities in the Red Zone Tennessee had several chances to turn the tide of the game but came up short in critical moments. The Vols failed to convert inside Ohio State’s 20-yard line on multiple occasions, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. This inability to capitalize on red-zone opportunities proved costly as Ohio State efficiently capitalized on every chance it got. Tennessee’s failure to finish drives with six points instead of three was a pivotal letdown.

4. Defensive Struggles Against Ohio State’s Passing Attack While Tennessee’s defense had its moments during the season, it struggled to contain Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack. Quarterback Kyle McCord carved up the Vols’ secondary for 315 yards and three touchdowns, with wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka creating mismatches all night long. Tennessee’s secondary, which had been a strength during the regular season, simply couldn’t keep up with Ohio State’s dynamic playmakers, leading to too many explosive plays down the field.

While Tennessee’s season included several highs and a thrilling win over Alabama, this loss to Ohio State highlighted the areas where the Vols fell short in their quest for a national title. With an offseason of adjustments ahead, Tennessee will need to address these key issues to remain competitive in the future.