ESPN predicts the final score of first round playoff game between Tennessee Vols and Ohio State Buckeyes
The Tennessee Vols learned on Sunday afternoon that they'll head to Columbus later in December for a first round game in the College Football Playoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Tennessee nearly landed a home playoff game, but the Buckeyes' wins against two teams in the playoff — Penn State and Indiana — were enough […]
The Tennessee Vols learned on Sunday afternoon that they'll head to Columbus later in December for a first round game in the College Football Playoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Tennessee nearly landed a home playoff game, but the Buckeyes' wins against two teams in the playoff — Penn State and Indiana — were enough to give Ohio State the home game on December 21 over the Vols (whether you agree or not, that was the determining factor).
The Vols have struggled on the road at times under Josh Heupel, but if the program is going to bring a national championship back to Rocky Top, they'll have to find a way to win a big game on the road in a hostile environment.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg made his predictions for what he thinks will happen in the playoff and he doesn't think the Vols will get the job done. Rittenberg has Tennessee losing 26-19 to Ohio State in Columbus.
From ESPN: Most coaches in the CFP can feel fairly secure about their employment status. Ohio State's Ryan Day is in a unique and difficult spot after the team's stunning home loss to 6-5 Michigan, his fourth consecutive setback in college football's most pressurized rivalry. Day is 66-10 overall at Ohio State, but his struggles against Michigan and in the CFP are pronounced. Two years ago, Ohio State responded from a home loss to Michigan and played one of its best games under Day before falling to eventual national champion Georgia. The Buckeyes will need a similar rebound, especially on offense, against a very talented Tennessee defense led by Jermod McCoy, Joshua Josephs, James Pearce Jr. and others.
Will Ohio State's superteam tap out in the first round of the CFP? I don't see it. Tennessee hasn't been great away from Knoxville this season, and Ohio Stadium will be a difficult setting for Nico Iameleava and the Vols offense. Ohio State's defense has performed well since the Oregon loss, and will rise up again, as Caleb Downs collects a takeaway. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly won't forget about Jeremiah Smith again as the Buckeyes win a close one.
Ohio State is in a weird place heading into this game. Fans are mad that head coach Ryan Day can't beat Michigan and get over the hump. Some folks have suggested that Day could be fired if the Buckeyes lose to the Vols in the first round. Will that dark cloud hanging over the program impact how Ohio State plays? Or will the Buckeyes play inspired football after a disappointing end to the 2024 regular season?
Similarly, will the Vols get over their road woes and finally play a complete game away from Neyland?
Those are questions that won't be answered for another 12 days. For now, though, ESPN feels like this is a game that will go in Ohio State's favor.
No one will admit it, but it feels obvious why the Tennessee Vols didn’t get a home playoff game
Rough outcome for the Vols
