Ohio State and Tennessee, two storied college football programs, are set to face off for only the second time in history this Saturday night in the first round of the College Football Playoff. With a combined 14 national championships — Ohio State claiming eight and Tennessee six — this matchup carries significant weight. Their only previous encounter took place at the Citrus Bowl following the 1995 season, where Tennessee edged out Ohio State with a 20-14 victory, featuring future NFL stars like Peyton Manning and Eddie George. Saturday’s game will occur in Columbus, Ohio, where the temperature is expected to be a chilly 28 degrees, making for a stark contrast to the rainy conditions of the earlier matchup.
Both teams entered this season with high expectations but fell short in their respective conference championship pursuits. Tennessee has mixed results, highlighted by a significant victory against Alabama but marred by losses to Arkansas and Georgia. Meanwhile, Ohio State was in a favorable position for a Big Ten title until losing to rival Michigan in their final regular-season game, further intensifying the pressure on head coach Ryan Day.
The winning team will advance to the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, where they will face No. 1 seed Oregon.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium and can be viewed on ABC and ESPN.
Key players to watch include:
– **Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State**: This impressive freshman set a new record for the most receptions, yards, and touchdowns by a freshman in Buckeyes history.
– **Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee**: Recognized as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, he recorded ten 100-yard games and ranks nationally in rushing touchdowns.
– **Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State**: Another standout from Alabama, Downs has made a significant impact on defense as well as on special teams since transferring.
– **Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee**: The sophomore quarterback has had a solid season and is looking to make a memorable impression in Columbus.
– **Will Howard, QB, Ohio State**: A transfer from Kansas State, Howard has been efficient with a high completion percentage and a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio.
– **James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee**: An exceptional talent on defense, Pearce has earned All-SEC honors and has been a nightmare for opposing offenses.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal clash, a prediction suggests that Tennessee, with its offensive and defensive strengths akin to Michigan’s, could challenge Ohio State more than expected. The matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter with hope for an exciting outcome as both teams aim to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
The anticipation builds not just for the game, but also for future matchups that could see these two teams collide again, demonstrating the enduring legacy of college football rivalry.