Ohio State’s blowout win against Tennessee gives Ryan Day much-needed second chance to face Oregon

The Ohio State Buckeyes heard the skepticism, complaints, and fatigue from a fan base tired of losing to Michigan and not winning the Big Ten and then rallied behind head coach Ryan Day. For the second time in the 2024 season, Day’s Buckeyes were ready for a top-10 matchup after suffering a loss.

With pressure mounting to an all-time high over the last 20-plus years, Day’s Buckeyes answered. Ohio State’s commanding 42-17 win featured a dominant performance from the jump. This game was never in doubt, and the Buckeyes won all three phases of the game.

Despite questions about whether Ohio State could win in the trenches, how they could manage adversity, and handle a stadium takeover attempt from Tennessee, nothing phased the Buckeyes. This was the type of showing everyone expected against Michigan.

The scars of losing to the Wolverines won’t heal until next November, at the soonest. But Day’s words about moving forward because they had to affected change. The Buckeyes made tangible adjustments on both sides of the ball and overwhelmed the Volunteers.