Ohio State would face off against nation's most explosive backfield in latest CFP projections
While the Ohio State Buckeyes have their hands full with Penn State this weekend, the College Football Playoff looms. Our latest CFP projections have the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten champion spot, but the Buckeyes can benefit from the extended format that sees 12 teams competing. In this week's latest update, Ohio State will […]
While the Ohio State Buckeyes have their hands full with Penn State this weekend, the College Football Playoff looms. Our latest CFP projections have the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten champion spot, but the Buckeyes can benefit from the extended format that sees 12 teams competing.
In this week's latest update, Ohio State will play in the first four matchups against at-large SEC foe Tennessee. That means trying to withstand the powerful Volunteers offense and the terrific backfield of Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Sampson.
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Our data-driven model has the Buckeyes finishing in the top at-large spot, ranking fifth. Oregon would win the Big Ten in this scenario, leaving the Buckeyes to play in the first round. Tennessee, with a top-five defense and plenty of offensive firepower, would be a remarkable challenge in Round 1.
AtoZ Sports College Football Managing Editor Travis May had this to say about the matchup:
Tennessee has looked imperfect in a few games this year, but their defense still remains elite. The Vols are allowing just 4.03 yards per play, less than 260 total yards per game, and boast elite pass rushers along the edge and interior of their defensive line. They likely hold Ohio State to a lower point total than many expect. However, their offense hasn't quite put it all together this year with Nico Iamaleava under center.
Ohio State's defense is allowing just 4.33 yards per play, 254 yards per game, and has NFL talent at every level of their defense. And unlike Tennessee, the Buckeyes offense ranks Top 10 in most key rate stats. Tennessee likely struggles to keep up with Ohio State who ends up holding a multi-score edge when the score goes final.
"Ohio State wins the battle of elite defenses."
While Tennessee has a scheme and raw athleticism that can strain any defense, I agree with Travis' overall take. The Volunteers do not have the blocking ability to withstand Ohio State's veteran roster. On offense, the Buckeyes have their own issues, but they can grind out a game where they have the two best receivers and high-end backs.
The big scare will be if Iamaleava hits a maturity development, as the 6-foot-6 elite athlete has the potential to be a devastating force once everything clicks. With an offense that likes to stretch defenses as close to the sideline as possible to create an imbalance, Tennessee is a challenge when they have the speed advantage.
A win against the Vols would pit Ohio State against BYU.
