Ohio State vs. Tennessee: College Football Playoff First-Round Predictions and Odds

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has long been one of the most anticipated events in sports, and this season, the matchup between Ohio State and Tennessee in the first round is no exception. With both teams having strong seasons, loaded rosters, and legitimate championship aspirations, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. Below, we break down the prediction for this key first-round game and take a close look at the odds, team strengths, and key matchups that will determine the outcome.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Key Players

Ohio State enters the College Football Playoff with one of the most balanced and high-powered offenses in the nation. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 12-1 record, narrowly missing out on the top spot in the CFP rankings after a close loss to Michigan. However, their victory over Penn State and their dominance in other games allowed them to secure the No. 2 seed in the CFP, earning a spot in the Playoff.

Offense:
Quarterback Kyle McCord, who has had an up-and-down season, has played well enough to lead a potent offense that features some of the top skill position players in the country. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best wideout in college football this season. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can change the game with his speed, size, and ability to make contested catches. Alongside Harrison, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been another reliable target for McCord. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, when healthy, provides a dynamic presence in the backfield and adds another layer to Ohio State’s already explosive offense.

Defense:
Ohio State’s defense has been equally impressive under coordinator Jim Knowles. The Buckeyes feature a dominant defensive line, led by edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau, who is capable of taking over games. The linebacker corps, which includes standout players like Tommy Eichenberg, has been solid all season. In the secondary, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock can match up against any team’s receiving corps. Ohio State’s defense will be critical against Tennessee’s high-octane offense, which thrives on big plays.

Key Strengths:

1. Elite Wide Receivers: With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State has one of the best receiving corps in college football, which gives them an advantage against almost any secondary.
2. Pass Rush: Ohio State’s front four is lethal, and their ability to pressure the quarterback is critical to stopping Tennessee’s high-tempo offense.

Weaknesses:

1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play: Kyle McCord has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s been inconsistent. Against Tennessee’s fast-paced offense, he’ll need to limit mistakes and make big throws in clutch situations.
2. Run Game Dependability: While TreVeyon Henderson can be a game-changer, Ohio State’s running game hasn’t always been reliable, especially when facing stout defenses.

Tennessee Volunteers: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Key Players

Tennessee’s explosive offense, led by second-year head coach Josh Heupel, earned them a spot in the CFP as the No. 3 seed. The Volunteers finished the regular season with a 11-2 record, and their offense is their biggest strength. The team’s high-speed, high-scoring attack, which mirrors that of Heupel’s previous teams, is capable of overwhelming opponents, and they’ve proven they can put up points quickly.

Offense:
Quarterback Joe Milton, who took over after Hendon Hooker’s injury, has been up-and-down this season. Milton has an incredible arm and can throw the deep ball with precision, but his decision-making and consistency have been questioned. However, he’s surrounded by playmakers like wide receiver Squirrel White, who has been a dynamic weapon, and the running back duo of Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright, who provide a solid balance to the offense. Tennessee’s ability to attack vertically and with tempo is a significant challenge for any defense.

Defense:
Tennessee’s defense has shown improvements under coordinator Tim Banks, but it remains a unit that can be exploited by high-level offenses. The Volunteers rely on linebacker Aaron Beasley and defensive back Kamal Hadden to make plays, but their defensive line has been inconsistent, especially against top-tier opponents. Tennessee’s defense will need to find a way to disrupt McCord and limit Ohio State’s passing game, which is no easy task.

Key Strengths:

1. High-Tempo Offense: Tennessee’s no-huddle, up-tempo offense is designed to tire out opposing defenses and create mismatches in space. This system allows them to score quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses.
2. Big Play Ability: Tennessee thrives on explosive plays, whether in the air or on the ground. With Milton’s arm strength and the speed of their receivers and backs, the Vols can score in an instant.

Weaknesses:

1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play: Joe Milton has flashed elite potential but has also struggled with accuracy and decision-making. Against a defense as good as Ohio State’s, he’ll need to be at his best.
2. Defensive Struggles: While Tennessee’s defense can be opportunistic, it has also shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary and against elite passing offenses.

Key Matchups:

1. Ohio State’s Passing Game vs. Tennessee’s Secondary: Ohio State’s wide receivers, particularly Marvin Harrison Jr., will test Tennessee’s secondary. If the Volunteers can’t cover Ohio State’s dynamic playmakers, the Buckeyes will put up a lot of points.
2. Tennessee’s High-Tempo Offense vs. Ohio State’s Defense: Tennessee’s fast-paced offense will look to tire out Ohio State’s defense and create mismatches in the open field. The Buckeyes’ ability to limit big plays and maintain discipline against the up-tempo attack will be crucial.
3. Quarterback Play: Both teams have questions at quarterback. Ohio State’s McCord must be consistent and avoid turnovers, while Milton will need to showcase his arm strength and decision-making ability against a tough defense.

Prediction:

This matchup will be an exciting clash of styles. Ohio State’s defense is elite and can challenge Tennessee’s up-tempo offense, but the Volunteers have the capability to break out big plays at any moment. However, Ohio State’s talent, especially at wide receiver and in the trenches, might ultimately prove to be the difference. If McCord can be efficient and protect the ball, Ohio State should have the edge, especially with their dominant defense able to slow down Tennessee’s attack.

Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Tennessee 31

Odds:

• Ohio State -3.5
• Over/Under: 62.5 points

Ohio State enters as a slight favorite, reflecting their superior defense and offensive firepower. However, Tennessee’s ability to score quickly and in bunches makes this a game to watch, with the over/under set high, reflecting expectations for a fast-paced, high-scoring affair.