Early predictions for the College Football Playoff matchup between Ohio State and Tennessee
We are less than a couple of weeks out from the big first-round matchup between No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee in the College Football Playoff. In the first year of the expanded playoff format, the Buckeyes will be welcoming in Tennessee to the cold city of Columbus. Ohio State will have that […]
We are less than a couple of weeks out from the big first-round matchup between No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee in the College Football Playoff.
In the first year of the expanded playoff format, the Buckeyes will be welcoming in Tennessee to the cold city of Columbus. Ohio State will have that working in their favor, though who knows how much of a factor it will really be.
A to Z Sports is going to drop early predictions here, and then next week we will circle back for some final predictions between the two teams.
Ohio State 31, Tennessee 23
It feels like Ryan Day’s back is against the wall after a fourth straight loss against Michigan. If the Buckeyes lose this game at home in the first round of the playoffs, he should probably have the movers ready to go outside of his house following the game. Ohio State is going to have to try to establish the run early, then test the backend of the Vols’ defense. I think the wide receivers can give Tennessee some real issues and that might be the difference in this game. The Buckeyes need Will Howard at his best and the offense can’t give the Vols extra possessions. I have the Buckeyes moving on to get their rematch with Oregon. – Brandon Little
Ohio State 24, Tennessee 20
Tennessee hasn’t been good on the road in big games under Josh Heupel. Outside of a win against an average-at-best Oklahoma team in Norman earlier this season, the Vols haven’t won a “big” road game under Heupel since he took over at UT in 2021. Tennessee’s defense, which has been terrific this season (allowing just 13.9 points per game), should keep the Vols in this game. But Tennessee’s road woes and inconsistency on offense is what could be the difference against the Buckeyes. I’d expect Ohio State to play inspired after their loss to Michigan in Columbus in the regular season finale. I think this game stays close, but the Buckeyes should have the edge since the game is in Columbus. – Zach Ragan
Ohio State 20, Tennessee 16
I expect a defensive battle as the weather gets cold. Barring a major breakout from Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s offense will struggle to punch in scoring opportunities after sustaining drives. Both offensive lines will get worked by their opponent. Ultimately, the Buckeyes will benefit from being at home and learning valuable lessons against Michigan, and grind out a close win. Look for Emeka Egbuka to be the player of the game as the Buckeyes get him more involved from the slot. – Ian Valentino
