The Vols got off to a rough start against the Buckeyes and trailed in the second half.

Tennessee football got off to about as bad a start as possible against Ohio State, and they trailed 21-10 at halftime. Despite the poor start, Tennessee managed to settle in and make the score much more manageable than it looked when the score was 21-0.

The Vols gave up more than 250 total yards and were unable to pressure Will Howard to disrupt his rhythm. The Buckeyes’ running game was also effective, as TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins each had rushing touchdowns. Towards the end of the half, the Vols’ offense got some momentum going and finished with more than 140 yards.

Nico Iamaleava got off to a rough start but found some rhythm late and gave Tennessee some points late in the half in the form of a field goal and a rushing touchdown. Without a Will Brooks interception in the end zone, Tennessee could be down by even more points, but this play changed the momentum of the game. Dylan Sampson also missed most of the first half with a hamstring injury, limiting the Vols’ running game and forcing Iamaleava to become the leading rusher.

The Vols receive the ball and have the opportunity to further reduce the Buckeyes’ lead early in the second half.

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