Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tennessee Volunteers: 2024 College Football Playoff Preview
As the 2024 College Football Playoff gears up, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) as they prepare to clash with the No. 9 seed Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) this Saturday night. This first-round matchup, set to unfold at Ohio Stadium, promises high drama as both teams aim to avoid an early exit in their playoff journey. With kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be a thrilling contest.
Recent Form: Buckeyes Stumble, Volunteers Resurge
Ohio State entered the final week of the regular season on a five-game winning streak, riding high on aspirations of a deep playoff run. However, the Buckeyes’ momentum came to a shocking halt with a 13-10 defeat against their arch-rival Michigan, despite being favored by 20.5 points. This unexpected loss raises questions about Ohio State’s capacity to rebound, particularly when the expectations and pressures of the postseason mount.
On the other side, after suffering a tough loss to Georgia earlier in the season, Tennessee has found its rhythm again. The Volunteers secured a pair of convincing wins against UTEP and Vanderbilt, clinching an at-large bid in the playoff. Their resurgence points to a program hungry for success, ready to capitalize on any slip-ups from their opponents.
Odds and Betting Insights
The betting landscape surrounding this game has shown a slight movement in favor of the Buckeyes. Ohio State opened as a 7.5-point favorite, which has since settled at 7 points. The over/under for the game stands at 46.5 points, reflecting anticipated defensive battles combined with explosive moments offensively. This balance illustrates a game that could hinge on crucial plays and third-down conversions.
Before locking in any betting decisions, however, many are turning to the advanced simulations by SportsLine, which has proven profitable for its followers. The model simulates the game 10,000 times, providing insight into predicted outcomes and spread movements based on extensive data analysis.
Ohio State’s Strengths
Ohio State boasts a robust track record at home, with a remarkable 13-1 record in their last 14 games at Ohio Stadium. Headed by senior quarterback Will Howard, who accrued 2,860 passing yards and 27 touchdowns this season, the Buckeyes have a diverse offensive strategy that combines a potent passing game with an intimidating rushing attack. This duo is led by running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who collectively have rushed for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Additionally, the Buckeyes have elite talent at the wide receiver position, with names like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate ready to exploit defensive lapses. Ohio State has covered the spread in nine of their last 13 home games, showcasing their capacity to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most.
Tennessee’s Counterpunch
Conversely, the Volunteers enter this game with their own brand of momentum. With a dynamic offense spearheaded by freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has thrown for 2,510 yards and 19 touchdowns, Tennessee’s attack has proven versatile and capable of responding to defensive testings. The Vols’ offensive centerpiece is star running back Dylan Sampson, whose 1,487 rushing yards and record-setting 22 touchdowns highlight his explosive capabilities.
A crucial aspect in Tennessee’s favor is its defense, which has been outstanding this season, allowing just 13.9 points per game. This unit’s ability to stifle opposing offenses could play a significant role in containing the Buckeyes’ high-scoring potential, especially with Ohio State missing two key offensive linemen due to injuries.
Tennessee’s past success against Big Ten teams enhances their confidence going into this matchup. Having won four of their last five contests against teams from that conference, they bring experience and familiarity when facing Ohio State.
Expert Insights and Predictions
As game day approaches, analysts and experts are dissecting various angles of this matchup. The model at SportsLine gives significant weight to the defensive capabilities of the Vols, leaning toward an outcome that might favor Tennessee against the spread.
The emphasis on Ohio State’s recent loss and injuries, compared to Tennessee’s positive momentum and defensive prowess, paints a compelling picture of unpredictability. The storylines leading into this contest underscore the ever-present tension of college football playoffs—the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat never looms larger than in this high-stakes environment.
Ultimately, the winner of this showdown will advance to face No. 1 seed Oregon in the playoffs—a daunting task that awaits the victor, but first, Ohio State and Tennessee must navigate the treacherous waters of postseason competition. Football fans and bettors alike will be glued to their screens as two storied programs vie for a chance to keep their championship dreams alive.
