After weeks of anticipation, Ohio State and Tennessee are set to clash at 8 p.m. on Saturday in the first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes, holding the No. 8 seed, will play as the home team at Ohio Stadium.
Pre-game predictions highlight a competitive matchup. The consensus among analysts suggests a narrow victory for Ohio State, with the following scores predicted:
– Bill Rabinowitz foresees a 24-17 win for Ohio State.
– Joey Kaufman predicts a score of 27-21, noting Ohio State’s potential for a bounce-back performance following their recent loss to rival Michigan.
– Rob Oller echoes a close contest with a 24-20 prediction, emphasizing Ohio State’s resilience.
– Adam Sparks draws comparisons to Ohio State’s previous game against Penn State, predicting a tight 24-20 scoreline.
In terms of national championship aspirations, Ohio State would need to secure four successive victories, starting with this quarterfinal against Tennessee. Their potential path could lead to a rematch against No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, with the championship game scheduled for January 20 in Atlanta.
The Buckeyes enter this game as a 7.5-point favorite, and the expected over-under for the matchup is set at 46.5. Betting odds position Ohio State as the third favorite to clinch the national title, trailing only Oregon and Texas.
Historically, Ohio State and Tennessee have faced off once in the 1996 Florida Citrus Bowl, where Tennessee narrowly won 20-14.
Tennessee, under coach Josh Heupel, has shifted its focus to a more balanced attack this season, featuring running back Dylan Sampson as a key player. Sampson’s performance has been instrumental, topping SEC rushing charts and alleviating pressure from freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Defensively, Tennessee boasts a formidable front, claiming the eighth-ranked rush defense in the nation. With both teams showcasing their strengths, the upcoming game promises to be an exciting encounter filled with high-stakes moments.
As fans eagerly awaits the kickoff, this playoff matchup marks an essential step in defining the future for both teams as they seek championship glory.
Overall, this game heads into a promising landscape for college football fans, embodying the essence of competition, team spirit, and potential for memorable moments on the field.