OSU's Ryan Day Praised by CFB Fans amid Criticism After Blowout CFP Win vs. Tennessee

Ohio State punched its ticket to the Rose Bowl on Saturday night.

The Buckeyes cruised to a blowout victory over Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff, winning by the final score of 42-17.

Head coach Ryan Day's team scored 21 straight points to open the first quarter and didn't look back.

The Buckeyes' defense shut down a Volunteers squad that owned the No. 2 scoring offense in the SEC this year, allowing just 256 total yards on Saturday. Tennessee averaged 3.9 yards per rush as a team, converting a mere six of its 16 opportunities on third down.

For Ohio State, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continued his stellar freshman season. Smith racked up 103 yards on just six catches, finding the end zone twice.

Will Howard threw an interception in the second quarter, but he was still able to complete 82.8 percent of his passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns.

Questions surrounding Day's job security surfaced following a loss to Michigan on Nov. 30, but fans praised him for the Buckeyes' dominant performance against the Vols.

The Buckeyes are now set to face off against Oregon after advancing in the CFP, representing a rematch after they suffered a hard-fought 32-31 loss to the Ducks on Oct. 12.

The two teams will clash on Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET.