Following what happened on the field, fans criticized Ohio State and Tennessee in the SEC College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal.

Following what happened on the field, fans criticized Ohio State and Tennessee in the SEC College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal.

The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal between Ohio State and Tennessee was expected to be a marquee matchup, featuring two of the most storied programs in college football. However, what transpired on the field left many fans stunned, particularly those in the SEC corner. Tennessee, who had earned their place in the playoff with a standout season, was thoroughly outplayed and outmatched by a dominant Ohio State team. As the Buckeyes cruised to a commanding victory, fans from across the country, especially those from SEC schools, took to social media to criticize the SEC’s representation in the CFP.

The final score, which saw Ohio State win by several touchdowns, was a stark reminder of how unpredictable college football can be. Tennessee, who had been riding high for much of the season, was quickly brought back down to earth as they struggled to compete with the Buckeyes’ relentless offense and suffocating defense. For SEC fans, who often tout the strength and depth of their conference, the loss was a tough pill to swallow.

**”The SEC’s Hype Train Takes a Hit”**

Many fans were quick to point out that Tennessee’s defeat exposed some of the gaps in the SEC’s so-called “superiority” over other conferences. Online debates erupted as fans from Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12 teams used the blowout as a reason to question the narrative that the SEC is far and away the best football conference in the country.

“Everyone was saying how great the SEC is, but when it comes down to it, Tennessee couldn’t even compete with Ohio State,” one Twitter user wrote. “That blowout was a wake-up call. The SEC isn’t invincible.”

Another user echoed similar sentiments: “Tennessee was the SEC’s golden child this season, and they got destroyed. That says more about the SEC than it does about Ohio State. SEC hype is out of control.”

The SEC has dominated college football in recent years, with Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently fielding championship-contending teams. Tennessee’s sudden rise to prominence, led by head coach Josh Heupel, had been seen as another victory for the conference. However, after watching the Vols struggle in the face of Ohio State’s potent attack, many fans began to question whether the SEC’s dominance is as assured as it often seems.

**”Tennessee Was Overrated”**

As the game unfolded, Tennessee’s offense, which had been one of the most explosive in the nation during the regular season, struggled to find rhythm against Ohio State’s defensive line. Quarterback Joe Milton was under constant pressure, and the Volunteers couldn’t keep up with the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord. Despite the hype surrounding Heupel’s offense, Tennessee appeared overwhelmed by the stage and the quality of the opponent.

“Everyone was talking about how Tennessee’s offense could hang with anyone,” one fan wrote. “Well, they couldn’t hang with Ohio State. The SEC’s reputation got exposed tonight.”

Even some Tennessee fans admitted that their team wasn’t quite as ready for the playoff spotlight as they had hoped. “We were overrated. The SEC wasn’t the issue, we just weren’t good enough to keep up with the big boys,” one Vols supporter commented post-game.

**The SEC Narrative: Is It Time for a Reality Check?**

Tennessee’s blowout loss also sparked renewed conversation about the strength of the SEC’s playoff performances as a whole. While teams like Alabama and Georgia have been mainstays in the playoff and national championship picture, there have been instances where SEC teams have faltered when faced with non-conference competition.

“Don’t let one bad performance from Tennessee make you forget that Georgia is still a powerhouse,” one fan countered, attempting to shift focus away from the Vols’ defeat. “Ohio State is just a really good team, and Tennessee had a bad night. It happens.”

However, the backlash to the SEC’s perceived dominance seemed louder after this game. Many argued that the SEC’s reliance on a few top-tier programs—rather than overall conference depth—was becoming increasingly evident. If Tennessee, with its high-powered offense and strong season, couldn’t compete with Ohio State, then the idea of the SEC being untouchable began to feel less convincing.

In the end, while Tennessee’s loss to Ohio State was disappointing, it also sparked broader debates about college football’s power structures. Fans from outside the SEC were quick to remind everyone that, despite the conference’s incredible success, it’s not infallible—and, as this game showed, even the mighty SEC can be humbled on the national stage.