Ohio State vs. Tennessee: Key advantages for each team in first-round College Football Playoff game

When No. 9 seed Tennessee (10-2) meets No. 8 seed Ohio State (10-2) on Saturday night in the Shoe, it will look more like an old-school Big Ten game than you may expect given the skill on the field for Ohio State’s offense and the reputation Tennessee’s offense has under Josh Heupel, too. It will be cold and defenses should win the day (it is the strength for both the Buckeyes and the Volunteers). 

There are critical matchups and advantages each team will be looking to take advantage of. making this matchup the best of the first round, for my money at least.

Tennessee’s Defensive Strengths

Third-Down Defense

Tennessee’s defense has been a standout unit on third downs, allowing opponents to convert just 29.3% of attempts, ranking fifth nationally. This is a sharp contrast to Ohio State’s offense, which converts 42.7% of third downs, placing them No. 45. Tennessee’s ability to stall drives on critical downs could be a decisive factor. Chalk this up as a big advantage for the Vols. 

MetricTENN DefenseOSU Offense3rd Down Pct29.3% (5th)42.7% (45th)

Rush Defense

The Volunteers have also excelled at stopping the run, allowing just 99.6 yards per game, ranking 8th in the FBS. Ohio State’s rushing offense, averaging 169.2 yards per game (59th), faces a tough challenge in breaking through Tennessee’s front line. The Buckeyes have two household names at running back in Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, but their offensive line, which lost two starters to season-ending injuries, puts them at a disadvantage here. 

MetricTENN DefenseOSU OffenseRush Yards/Game99.6 (8th)169.2 (59th)

Dylan Sampson vs. Ohio State’s Stacked Box

Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson thrives against heavy defensive fronts, leading the nation with eight rushing…

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Author : Ryan McGrady

Publish date : 2024-12-18 13:28:00

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