How to Watch, Odds, and Predictions for Tennessee vs. Ohio State: A First-Round College Football Playoff Game
As the college football season reaches its exciting conclusion, the College Football Playoff (CFP) brings the best teams together for a chance at national glory. Among the four teams competing for a spot in the National Championship Game, two powerhouse programs, Tennessee and Ohio State, are set to face off in an intriguing first-round matchup. This game promises to be an electrifying contest between two teams with potent offenses, formidable defenses, and championship aspirations.
If you’re eager to watch the game, keep up with the latest odds, and get a sense of how the two teams match up, here’s everything you need to know.
How to Watch Tennessee vs. Ohio State in the College Football Playoff
Date & Time:
The first-round game between Tennessee and Ohio State will take place on [insert date and time], kicking off at [insert kickoff time] Eastern Time.
TV Broadcast:
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, one of the primary networks that airs the College Football Playoff games. ESPN has long been the go-to channel for college football fans, and their extensive coverage will ensure fans don’t miss a single play. The network will provide expert analysis, on-field interviews, and in-depth game breakdowns leading up to and throughout the contest.
Streaming Options:
For those who prefer to stream the game, there are a variety of ways to catch it live on different platforms. Fans can stream the game through ESPN+, which offers a comprehensive sports streaming service. Additionally, streaming options may include services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, all of which offer ESPN in their channel packages. Be sure to check with each service for availability and subscriptions.
Radio Broadcast:
If you’re on the go and can’t sit in front of a screen, don’t worry. Both Tennessee and Ohio State will have radio broadcasts available for fans to listen to the game live. Check local stations for coverage or use apps like TuneIn to listen to the broadcast.
Tennessee vs. Ohio State: An Overview of the Teams
As two of the most successful college football programs of recent decades, Tennessee and Ohio State have earned their place in the 2024 College Football Playoff. Both teams have overcome stiff competition in their respective conferences to secure a coveted berth, and the clash between the Volunteers and Buckeyes is expected to be a thrilling contest.
Tennessee Volunteers (11-2)
Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has experienced a resurgence in recent seasons. Their offensive prowess has been one of the main storylines of the 2024 season. The Volunteers boast one of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by star quarterback Joe Milton III. Milton’s strong arm and ability to make big plays downfield have made Tennessee a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to Milton’s arm, the Volunteers also have a dynamic group of wide receivers, including Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, who can stretch the field and create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. The team has been known for its up-tempo style of play, consistently putting pressure on defenses with its fast pace and ability to score quickly.
Defensively, Tennessee has shown improvement but will need to be at its best against an Ohio State offense that is just as potent. The Volunteers will rely on linebacker Aaron Beasley and defensive back Kamal Hadden to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm and create turnovers. However, their defense will face a significant test against Ohio State’s talented roster.
Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1)
Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, is one of the top programs in college football, and their reputation for producing NFL talent has remained strong. The Buckeyes are known for their balanced attack, with one of the best offenses in the country, led by quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord, who has shown significant growth throughout the season, will be instrumental in Ohio State’s chances of advancing in the playoff.
The Buckeyes’ offense is stacked with talent at the skill positions, most notably with wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, who form one of the most feared receiving duos in the nation. Their speed, agility, and ability to make plays in critical situations give Ohio State a considerable advantage in the air. In the backfield, Travion Henderson is an explosive running back who can break off big runs and balance the offense, making it even more difficult for defenses to key in on any one player.
Defensively, Ohio State has been solid throughout the year, but the Buckeyes will need to step up to slow down Tennessee’s high-octane offense. The defense is anchored by standout defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, who are capable of making game-changing plays. However, they’ll need to be at their absolute best to deal with Tennessee’s speed and versatility.
Game Odds: Tennessee vs. Ohio State
As one would expect from a College Football Playoff game featuring two elite programs, the odds for this matchup are expected to be very close, reflecting the competitiveness of the game. Based on the current line and betting analysis, here’s what we can expect for Tennessee vs. Ohio State:
Point Spread:
- Ohio State: -4.5
- Tennessee: +4.5
Moneyline:
- Ohio State: -200
- Tennessee: +175
Over/Under:
- 64.5 total points
The point spread suggests that Ohio State is a slight favorite in this game, but Tennessee is expected to keep things close. Given both teams’ offensive firepower, the over/under total of 64.5 points reflects the anticipation of a high-scoring game, where both offenses could put up big numbers.
Predictions: Tennessee vs. Ohio State
The matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State is one that fans of college football have been eagerly anticipating. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and while the Buckeyes are favored, Tennessee should not be counted out. Here’s what we can expect as the game unfolds:
Tennessee’s Path to Victory
For Tennessee to win this game, they’ll need to execute their up-tempo offense to perfection. Joe Milton will have to be sharp in the passing game, particularly in deep shots to McCoy and White. Tennessee’s offensive line will have to give Milton enough time to throw, and the running game will need to keep Ohio State’s defense honest.
Defensively, Tennessee’s challenge will be to slow down Ohio State’s passing attack, particularly the dynamic duo of Harrison and Egbuka. The Volunteers will need to apply pressure on McCord without giving him too much time to make plays. The defensive secondary will need to be on its toes, looking for opportunities to create turnovers.
Ohio State’s Path to Victory
For Ohio State, the key to success will be to strike early and often. Their offense, led by McCord, will be expected to score quickly, with Harrison and Egbuka creating mismatches all over the field. They’ll need to keep the pressure on Tennessee’s defense with balanced play calling that keeps the Volunteers guessing. Running back Travion Henderson can play a big role in controlling the clock and keeping Tennessee’s offense off the field.
Defensively, Ohio State will need to contain Tennessee’s explosive offense. The Buckeyes’ front seven, led by Tuimoloau and Eichenberg, will need to put pressure on Milton to prevent him from hitting big plays down the field. Ohio State’s secondary will also need to limit explosive plays, especially on third downs.
