Ohio State vs. Tennessee: Predictions, odds for College Football Playoff first-round game
In the final first-round game of the College Football Playoff, the Tennessee Volunteers will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in a Saturday night showdown of immense significance, pitting the SEC against the Big Ten.
Despite a challenging season, Ohio State secured the No. 8 seed in the playoffs, even after suffering a 13-10 loss to Michigan in their final regular-season game. The Buckeyes' quarterback, Will Howard, will lead the offense, showcasing his impressive talent with a 72.3% completion rate for 2,860 yards, 27 touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season.
Tennessee, who clinched the No. 9 seed, is a force to be reckoned with. The Volunteers wrapped up their season with a resounding 36-23 victory over their in-state rival, Vanderbilt. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been a standout player, consistently delivering impressive performances. Iamaleava heads into the matchup against the Buckeyes with a completion rate of 65.7%, totaling 2,512 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
However, the playoffs serve as a reset, introducing an element of unpredictability and making the first-round win-or-go-home game a thrilling prospect. Here is what you need to know ahead of the SEC-Big Ten showdown between Tennessee and Ohio State.
CFP first-round predictions: Ohio State vs. Tennessee
USA Today: No. 8 Ohio State over No. 9 Tennessee
Paul Myerberg writes: "This is the premier pairing of the opening round and a nice barometer of how playoff games could unfold between the best of the best in the Big Ten and SEC. Given two evenly matched teams with similar traits, two factors will make the difference in Ohio State’s favor: homefield advantage and a more credible offense. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard has more experience and better skill options. But another big game from Volunteers signal caller Nico Iamaleava could easily shift this game in the opposite direction."
ESPN: Ohio State has 65% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a 65.5% chance to beat the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
College Football Network: Ohio State 27, Tennessee 23
Will Helms writes: "To be clear, I think Ohio State’s offense is capable of moving the ball down the field through the air, but Tennessee’s defensive line could feast against a reshuffled Buckeyes O-line. But I also trust Kelly to find ways to scheme open elite playmakers like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. If this becomes a close game, Ohio State’s experience can make a difference. However, I like the Volunteers as one of the best bets of the opening round. The Buckeyes’ experience and depth should help them close this out, but take the Volunteers to cover in a close one that ticks over."
Sports Illustrated: Tennessee Volunteers
James Parks writes: "Tennessee +7.5 ... We’re taking the Vols to win straight-up on the road given their outright advantage on a very dominant defensive front, which should overpower a Buckeyes offensive line down two key starters to injury, while Dylan Sampson and Tennessee’s gifted ground game do the rest."
CFP first-round odds, lines: Ohio State vs. Tennessee
The Ohio State Buckeyes are favorites to defeat the Tennessee Volunteers, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Wednesday, Dec. 11 afternoon.
- Spread: Ohio State (-7.5)
- Moneylines: Ohio State (-280); Tennessee (+230)
- Over/under: 47.5
How to watch Ohio State vs. Tennessee in CFP first round
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC/ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)
Catch Ohio State vs. Tennessee with Fubo
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