Tennessee vs. Ohio State Strong Defense, Ground Game, and Rebound Potential

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Tennessee Volunteers (10-2, 7-5 ATS) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2, 6-6 ATS) will face off in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff this Saturday in Columbus. The winner of this high-stakes matchup advances to play No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1st. With both teams boasting impressive regular-season records, let’s dive into the key factors, betting trends, and prediction for what promises to be an electric postseason clash.

Tennessee Volunteers: Strong Season, Elite Defense, and Ground Game

The #9 Tennessee Volunteers head into this College Football Playoff matchup with a solid 10-2 record, including a strong 6-2 finish in SEC play. After a midseason loss to Arkansas and a tough 31-17 defeat against #12 Georgia, Tennessee bounced back to win their final two regular-season games. The Vols’ 36-23 road victory over Vanderbilt in their regular-season finale demonstrated their ability to execute both offensively and defensively. Tennessee is now 3-1 against ranked teams this season, highlighted by a crucial win over Alabama.

One of Tennessee’s biggest strengths is its running game, which ranks among the best in the country. Dylan Sampson, the junior running back, has surpassed 100 rushing yards in 10 of his 12 games this season and leads the Vols with 1,485 yards on the ground. In their season finale, Sampson posted 101 yards against Georgia’s stout defense, proving his ability to perform against top-tier opponents.

Although freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava isn’t known for putting up huge numbers, he has been a steady hand at the helm. Iamaleava has 2,512 passing yards with a 19:5 TD-to-INT ratio, completing just enough passes to complement the Vols’ dominant running game. His go-to target, Dont’e Thornton Jr., is a reliable senior receiver who tallied 118 yards against Vanderbilt and has 647 receiving yards for the season.

Tennessee’s defense is equally formidable, allowing an average of just 13.9 points per game, ranking 4th nationally. The Volunteers’ defense has limited opponents to under 20 points in 10 of their 12 games this season, including a dominant performance in their 23-19 win over Arkansas and an impressive 18-point showing against Kentucky. Tennessee’s pass defense ranks 17th in the country, while their rush defense is even stronger, ranking 8th nationally.

On offense, Tennessee has averaged 37.3 points per game (8th in the nation) and 463 total yards per game, putting them in the top 20 in both categories.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Strong Defense with Rebound Potential

The #8 Ohio State Buckeyes enter the playoff with an identical 10-2 record and a 7-2 mark in Big Ten play. Their season took a disappointing turn with a shocking 13-10 loss to rival Michigan in the final regular-season game, snapping a five-game win streak. Ohio State had been heavy favorites heading into the rivalry clash, but turnovers and a lackluster offensive performance were enough to derail their playoff seeding. Despite the loss, the Buckeyes’ overall performance this season cannot be overlooked.

Ohio State’s offense, while not as explosive as Tennessee’s, is still one of the best in the nation. Senior quarterback Will Howard has passed for 2,860 yards, including a season-high 326 yards in a loss to Oregon. Howard has a solid 27:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio, but his performance against Michigan was subpar, with only 175 passing yards.

The Buckeyes’ running back committee is deep, featuring Quinshon Judkins (805 rushing yards) and Treyeyon Henderson (751 rushing yards), both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. The receiving corps is led by freshman Jeremiah Smith, who has 934 receiving yards and has been a consistent threat, posting 55+ yards in three of his last five games.

Defensively, Ohio State possesses one of the most elite units in the nation. They rank #1 in total defense, allowing just 241 yards per game, and have been nearly impenetrable, conceding only 10.9 points per game (also 1st in the country). Ohio State has held opponents to under 15 points in nine of 12 games, with their only two losses coming against Oregon and Michigan. The Buckeyes’ pass defense ranks 2nd, while their rush defense is 7th, making them a tough matchup for any offense.

Offensively, Ohio State averages 35.5 points per game (17th), with a balanced attack that blends the pass and the run to keep opposing defenses on their heels. The Buckeyes will need to avoid turnovers and find more consistency in their passing game to have a shot against Tennessee’s high-powered offense.

Conclusion

The Tennessee Volunteers and Ohio State Buckeyes bring two contrasting styles of play into this College Football Playoff showdown. Tennessee’s explosive offense and elite defense will test Ohio State’s impenetrable defense and balanced attack. The winner of this game will have to outlast a tough opponent, and with Ohio State’s experience and defensive prowess, they should edge out Tennessee in a low-scoring battle. Don’t miss what promises to be an exciting, high-stakes matchup in the 2024 College Football Playoff!

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