The stage is set for one of the most thrilling matchups of the College Football Playoff first round, as the Tennessee Volunteers square off against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
With kickoff slated for 8 p.m. ET and broadcasted on ABC, these two storied programs, both with 10-2 records this season, are ready to battle for the opportunity to face the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. This is especially significant for Tennessee, as it marks their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.
The Volunteers are charged with the momentum of their season, highlighted by notable victories, including their recent triumph over Alabama. On the flip side, Ohio State is eagerly attempting to rebound from last season's disappointing playoff result and their fourth straight loss to rival Michigan. Head coach Ryan Day is under scrutiny, and the Buckeyes fanbase is restless, leading to intense pressure for him to deliver on the big stage.
Tennessee's run game, featuring top performer Dylan Sampson, has established itself as one of the most effective rushing attacks nationally. Sampson's ability to create plays has positioned the Volunteers as dangerous contenders. Coach Josh Heupel’s offense is expected to be pivotal, focusing heavily on running plays to control the tempo of the game. With statistics reflecting their third-best rushing success rate, the Volunteers aim to assert their will against the Buckeyes.
Meanwhile, Ohio State, listed as 7.5-point favorites, must leverage their notable defensive prowess. Ranked as the top defense nationwide, the Buckeyes have prided themselves on stopping the run, which will be especially important against Tennessee’s ground-heavy approach. Questions surrounding quarterback Will Howard’s playmaking have emerged after the Michigan game, where the offense was lackluster, only able to amass 10 points. Day must ignite his team's offensive capabilities and push Howard to utilize the elite receiving threats at his disposal, like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, to exploit potential mismatches.
The weather forecast adds another layer of complexity to this contest, with anticipated temperatures plunging below freezing. Cold conditions could serve as an advantage for the Buckeyes, whose players are more accustomed to chilly games. Tennessee’s Iamaleava, raised under warm California skies, faces untested conditions, raising questions about how he will fare.
Overall, the intrigue of this matchup is compounded by the stakes. This contest is not just about advancing in the playoff; it’s also about pride for both programs. Historical parallels will be drawn; the last time these teams met on the field was way back on New Year’s Day 1996 during the Citrus Bowl, where Tennessee narrowly triumphed 20-14.
Betting analysts are keeping a watchful eye on the spread, which has remained relatively stable, hovering at 7.5 points. Fan sentiment favors Tennessee as underdogs; there’s optimism among the Volunteers' supporters who expect them to at least cover the spread, if not pull off the upset.
Expectations among analysts remain primarily split. Some expect Tennessee’s defense, lauded for its performance this season, to disrupt Ohio State's offensive rhythm, potentially throwing the Buckeyes off balance. Yet others argue Ohio State's talent, particularly after dealing with injuries on their offensive line, could still shine through and give them the edge needed to secure victory.
64.6% of experts predict Ohio State to claim victory, reflecting the team’s reputation and overall performance metrics throughout the season. Experts from College Football Network predict the Buckeyes will narrowly win with expected scores hovering around 27-23, reflecting how closely matched these teams truly are. Will this clash of titans yield Tennessee's first victory against Ohio State since the 1996 Citrus Bowl, or will the Buckeyes vindicate their tumultuous season with resilience and poise?
Only time will tell as the ball is set to fly at Ohio Stadium, and fans from both teams prepare to witness this exciting spectacle of college football playoffs.
