Where Fox Sports' Joel Klatt ranks the Tennessee Vols and the Ohio State Buckeyes
There's a growing sense that the Tennessee Vols are on a collision course with the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff. It's possible that Tennessee could end up playing a different opponent — such as Indiana, Notre Dame, or Texas — but for now, a matchup against Ohio State […]
There's a growing sense that the Tennessee Vols are on a collision course with the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
It's possible that Tennessee could end up playing a different opponent — such as Indiana, Notre Dame, or Texas — but for now, a matchup against Ohio State appears to be the most likely scenario for the Volunteers.
The only question is where would the game be played, Columbus or Knoxville?
Both teams are 10-2. Ohio State has wins against likely playoff teams Penn State and Indiana. Tennessee's best win, meanwhile, is against an Alabama team that's squarely on the playoff bubble.
The Vols' losses, however, both came on the road at night — against Arkansas and Georgia. Ohio State, on the other hand, lost a road game to No. 1 Oregon and a home game to Michigan.
Tennessee should be in line to host a playoff game over Ohio State simply because the Vols were 7-0 at home this season. The feeling is that Tennessee should be rewarded for protecting home field — especially since Ohio State lost in Columbus as a 20 point favorite.
We'll see how the playoff committee feels on Tuesday night when the new rankings are revealed.
Interestingly, Fox Sports' Joel Klatt, who calls Big 10 games, revealed his top 10 on Monday and he has Tennessee one spot above Ohio State.
Tennessee is also one spot above Ohio State in the AP Top 25.
If the committee doesn't rank the Vols above the Buckeyes on Tuesday night, there are going to be some justifiably angry folks in East Tennessee.
Josh Heupel and the Vols deserve a home playoff game. Defending home field during the regular season should count for something in the eyes of the playoff committee.
ESPN’s Rece Davis made a notable choice involving the Tennessee Vols with his AP Top 25 vote
Could be something to monitor
