Ohio State and Tennessee, two powerhouses of college football, are set to face each other for only the second time in history during the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday night. These storied programs boast a combined 14 national championships—Ohio State with eight and Tennessee with six. Their previous encounter was a memorable Citrus Bowl in 1996, where Tennessee won 20-14, featuring future NFL stars like Peyton Manning and Eddie George.
This upcoming game is particularly noteworthy due to the contrasting weather conditions; unlike the rain-soaked game in Florida, Columbus is expecting a chilly 28 degrees on game day, with temperatures dipping as low as 20.
Both teams entered the season aiming for conference championships but fell short. Tennessee finds solace in a significant win over Alabama, yet losses to Arkansas and Georgia impeded their path. Ohio State, on the other hand, was vying for a Big Ten title but faced disappointment with a loss to their archrival Michigan, which has intensified the stakes for head coach Ryan Day, who currently has a challenging record of 1-4 against Michigan.
The winner of this matchup will earn the opportunity to compete against the top-seeded Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Day.
Fans can catch the action live on December 21 at 8 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium, with broadcasts on ABC and ESPN as well as streaming options available.
Key players to watch include:
– **Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State)**: A remarkable freshman who broke records with 57 receptions, 934 yards, and 10 touchdowns, redefining school receiving standards.
– **Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)**: This SEC Offensive Player of the Year has set a new school record with ten 100-yard performances, showcasing a powerful running game that complements the Vols’ offense.
– **Caleb Downs (DB, Ohio State)**: An All-American transfer known for his defensive prowess and explosive return capabilities.
– **Nico Iamaleava (QB, Tennessee)**: A standout during his previous appearances, Iamaleava has already made a name for himself leading the Vols to impressive second-half victories this season.
– **Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)**: Howard, transferring from Kansas State, boasts an impressive completion percentage and has been instrumental in Ohio State’s high-scoring offense.
– **James Pearce Jr. (DE, Tennessee)**: A two-time All-SEC player, Pearce has demonstrated consistent pressure on opposing offenses, making him a key figure in Tennessee’s defense.
As for predictions, while Tennessee’s strategy of a strong defensive line and rushing attack mirrors that of Michigan, it presents a challenge for Ohio State’s offensive line. The matchup might result in a closer game than anticipated, with Tennessee potentially having a path to victory.
Overall, this match not only promises thrill and competition but also showcases the talent that makes college football captivating. The upcoming battle is one for the ages and fans should look forward to an excitement-filled night.