Urban Meyer believes Ohio State made biggest statement in first round: 'Not even close'
While the first round of the College Football Playoff didn’t have much by way of close-fought games, it did offer a venue for teams to make a statement. And perhaps none made a bigger proclamation than Ohio State in thrashing Tennessee, 42-17.
That is, at least, what former Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer thinks.
“Not even close: Ohio State,” Meyer said on “The Triple Option” podcast. “If you’re just a bystander, really you’re an analyst watching, it’s not close. If they play like that, that’s the talent that they have on that roster. I made a comment preseason, arguably the best talent that maybe’s ever been put together. Watch the NFL draft, what’s going to happen. And then they had the three injuries with the offensive line. So, yeah, they’re picked to win against a team that beat them.”
Meyer’s last line references that Ohio State opened as a 1.5-point favorite over Oregon in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal matchup. Ohio State lost in Eugene earlier this season, 32-31. The win against the Volunteers also helped get the bad taste out of the mouths of Ohio State faithful after the Buckeyes faltered against an overmatched Michigan team to end the regular season.
After weeks of hearing outside noise and about how the program was potentially reeling under head coach Ryan Day — who many suggested would get fired or leave of his own volition with a loss to Tennessee — it was quite a statement for Ohio State to make. The Buckeyes rolled out to a 21-0 lead on the first three possessions and didn’t look back.
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True freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith dazzled, hauling in two long touchdown passes as he finished with six catches for 103 yards and those two scores. Quarterback Will Howard finished 24-of-29 for 311 yards and two touchdowns, both to Smith, plus an interception. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for four touchdowns, each scoring two a piece. Henderson was the more successful overall rusher, though, carrying 10 times for 80 yards.
All in all, it was a dominant, delightful night for the Buckeyes on the field and in the stands. And it sent a clear message, at least as far as Meyer is concerned: Ohio State is here, and serious about winning a national title.