COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — We’ve all had computer problems at work. When you call the IT department, they’ll likely ask you, “Did you try rebooting it?”
Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it’s a waste of time. But it’s an action toward a solution.
When Ohio State showed up and boat-raced a talented Tennessee team Saturday night, it served as a program reboot at a critical moment.
Ohio State defeats Tennessee, 42-17, to advance to Rose Bowl
Think about how consequential this game was. If OSU goes out shaken after the Michigan loss and allows that loss to create another one, then we are having an entirely different conversation about the Buckeyes program. Bad vibes, more transfer portal traffic and maybe even (although still highly unlikely) a regime change. Truly, enough to call the IT department.
Instead, coach Ryan Day and his staff decided to attack with their strength instead of scheming into weaknesses in a 42-17 win . The restrictor plate was taken off the receiver room. The “just throw it to Jeremiah Smith” plan is a wise one. Six catches for 103 yards and two scores was Smith’s final line, and had the game been more competitive, that could have been doubled.