
**Vols Haven’t Forgotten ‘The Taste That Was Left in Our Mouth’ After Playoff Loss at Ohio State**
The Tennessee Volunteers walked off the field in Columbus last December with a bitter taste in their mouths—one that hasn’t faded with time. Their playoff loss to Ohio State was more than just a season-ending defeat; it was a gut punch, a missed opportunity, and a reminder of how close they were to something greater. Months later, as the Vols prepare for a new season, the sting of that night still lingers. For players and coaches alike, it’s become fuel—a driving force behind the relentless work being put in this offseason.
From the opening kickoff, Tennessee knew they were in for a battle. Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse, was favored, but the Vols believed they had the talent and grit to pull off the upset. The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams trading blows but neither able to land a knockout punch. Tennessee’s offense, which had been explosive all season, found itself stifled by a Buckeyes defense that seemed prepared for every play call. Still, the Vols hung tough, trailing by just a touchdown at halftime. The belief was still there.
Then came the third quarter—the turning point that still haunts Tennessee. A critical turnover deep in their own territory gave Ohio State a short field, and the Buckeyes capitalized, stretching their lead to two scores. The Vols fought back, as they always do, but every time they seemed to gain momentum, a penalty, a dropped pass, or a missed assignment derailed them. The final score—38-24—didn’t fully capture how tightly contested the game was, but it didn’t matter. The result was the same: Tennessee’s playoff run was over.
For a team that had overcome so much to reach that stage, the loss was crushing. The Vols had battled through injuries, close games, and doubters all season, proving they belonged among the nation’s elite. But in the end, they fell short—and that’s what sticks with them.
“You don’t forget that feeling,” said senior quarterback Joe Milton, his voice steady but his expression intense. “The taste that was left in our mouth after that game… it’s something we carry with us every day. It’s why we’re working harder than ever.”
Milton isn’t alone in that sentiment. Across the roster, players have echoed the same message: they don’t want to just get back to the playoff—they want to win it. And the only way to do that is to learn from what went wrong in Columbus.
The coaching staff has been meticulous in breaking down the film from that game, identifying the small mistakes that snowballed into big problems. Missed blocks, miscommunications in coverage, and untimely penalties all played a role in the loss. But rather than dwell on the negatives, head coach Josh Heupel has used the game as a teaching tool.
“That’s why you play these games—to find out where you’re at and what you need to improve,” Heupel said. “Ohio State exposed some things we needed to fix, and we’ve addressed them. But more than anything, that game showed our guys what it takes to win at the highest level. You can’t have mental errors. You can’t waste possessions. And you have to finish.”
Finishing has become a mantra for this team. In the weight room, during summer conditioning, and in player-led practices, the focus has been on pushing beyond comfort zones. The Vols know they were good enough to compete with Ohio State—but they also know that “good enough” isn’t enough to win a championship.
The defense, which struggled at times last season to contain elite offenses, has made strides under coordinator Tim Banks. The addition of several key transfers and the development of young players have bolstered the unit, and there’s a renewed emphasis on discipline and fundamentals.
“We let too many plays get away from us last year,” said linebacker Aaron Beasley. “This year, we’re locking in on the details. No more missed tackles. No more blown coverages. We know what’s at stake.”
Offensively, the Vols return most of their firepower, including Milton, who has embraced his role as a leader. His arm talent has never been in question, but his consistency and decision-making will be critical if Tennessee wants to take the next step. The receiving corps, led by Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, is as deep as any in the country, and the offensive line—despite losing a couple of key pieces—has the potential to be even better than last year’s group.
But talent alone won’t get Tennessee where it wants to go. The Vols learned that the hard way in Columbus. It’s the intangibles—the toughness, the resilience, the ability to execute under pressure—that separate good teams from great ones.
That’s why this offseason has been different. There’s an edge to this team, a quiet determination that wasn’t as palpable last year. The players who experienced the Ohio State loss firsthand don’t just want to erase the memory—they want to replace it with something better.
“We’re not just trying to get back to the playoff,” said McCoy. “We’re trying to win it all. And to do that, we have to be better than we were last year. Every rep, every practice, every meeting—it all matters.”
The road back won’t be easy. The SEC is as stacked as ever, with Georgia, Alabama, and LSU all eyeing the same prize. But the Vols aren’t shying away from the challenge. If anything, they’re embracing it.
When the 2024 season kicks off, Tennessee will have a chance to prove that last year’s playoff appearance wasn’t a fluke—that they’re here to stay among college football’s elite. And if they find themselves in another high-stakes game, they’ll be ready.
Because they haven’t forgotten the taste that was left in their mouth. And they don’t intend to taste it again.