Injured Ohio State center, former Alabama starter Seth McLaughlin smokes cigar on sideline after win vs. Tennessee
Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin is plenty familiar with lighting up cigars after beating Tennessee. So when the Buckeyes took down the Vols in a 42-17 blowout on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff, he celebrated the same way he did during his four seasons at Alabama.
McLaughlin did not play in the game as he was out with injury, and cameras captured him sparking up a stogie in the waning minutes of the victory. Of course, it is tradition that the winners of the “Third Saturday in October” rivalry between the Crimson Tide and Tennessee celebrate with cigars.
McLaughlin might be a Buckeye now, but he couldn’t resist the opportunity.
McLaughlin played for Alabama from 2020-23, going 3-1 in his career against Tennessee. He started ever game for the Crimson Tide during the 2023 season, including a 34-20 win against the Vols.
He then transferred to Ohio State for his final year of college eligibility and began the year as a starting center for the Buckeyes. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles last month that would end his season.
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He still won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s top center, becoming just the fourth player in school history to do so. He was also named a consensus All-American to cap off his long list of accolades.
Even without McLaughlin on Saturday evening, the Ohio State offense still put together a dominant effort as it jumped out to a 21-0 lead and never looked back. The Buckeyes totaled 473 yards, including 317 through the air, as they were in control from start to finish.
As a result, they will move on to face No. 1 Oregon in the quarterfinals in a rematch from the regular season. The Ducks got a narrow 32-31 win in the first meeting, but Ohio State will look to change that and march on in the postseason.
If it does, perhaps more victory cigars for McLaughlin and the team will be in order.