'24 Recruiting Forum: Official Ohio State Pre-game/Game Thread

[HoleInTheRoof]

Scared to play us, obviously

 

[Orangeburst]

I think it is all up to our OL playing well and avoiding penalties..they play well, we win..

 

[Vfl2407]

Scared to play us, obviously

From what I understand, TOSU is one of the schools that allows potential transfers to still play in playoffs/bowls.

 

[MarcoVol]

From what I understand, TOSU is one of the schools that allows potential transfers to still play in playoffs/bowls.

This dude doesn’t play anyway

 

[WangoTango]

Bought my six today in section 12a row eight today.
Let’s ride and paint the shoe orange!

Bought 2 in 20 C Row 15. 4 family members are in 36 as well. Should be fun!

Bought my six today in section 12a row eight today.
Let’s ride and paint the shoe orange!

 

[WesTnVol]

If we lose our fan will be disappointed but we will be excited about next season and how can we get back to the CFP. CHJ and his staff will busy with portal, spring practice and recruiting for 2026 and beyond.
ON THE OTHER HAND
If they lose, it will back to back home loses and CRD will have some explaining to do. There fan base will want his head on a platter. Tennessee fans know all to well what happens when you coach not to lose, instead of coaching to win. The pressure is on OSU bucknuts. GBO

 

[Orange.]

 

[Jackcrevol]

From what I understand, TOSU is one of the schools that allows potential transfers to still play in playoffs/bowls.

let's go...

 

[Orange.]

Ryan Day wakes up with his dress on backwards.

 

[volinbama256]

Will our secondary be an asset or liability Saturday?

Will we see any holding calls on osu since we all know they will need to hold every play?

Which osu team shows up, and does TN finally put together a game where were aren't tripping over our own #$%& the first half?

We play a complete game and don't give up any big plays/shoot ourselves in the foot, I think we win by a TD.

 

[Vfl2407]

Will our secondary be an asset or liability Saturday?

Will we see any holding calls on osu since we all know they will need to hold every play?

Which osu team shows up, and does TN finally put together a game where were aren't tripping over our own #$%& the first half?

We play a complete game and don't give up any big plays/shoot ourselves in the foot, I think we win by a TD.

Just give us a fair shake on the penalties, especially holding and PI’s, is all we can hope for.

 

[JCVol00]

keys to the game, brought to you by some no name:

1. Pressure Howard, so that our db’s dont have to play their best game of the season.
2. With pressuring the qb, the run defense should hold up as well.
3. OL needs to play an A+ game
4. If we can claim the lead first, and make osu play from behind, we can switch to our 12 personnel look and hopefully play keep away from osu
5. and MOST IMPORTANTLY, NO STUPID PENALTIES

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

TENNESSEE PASSING GAME vs. OHIO STATE SECONDARY​

TENNESSEE: Nico Iamaleava steadily improved as the season wore on. He had a strong November, including his play on the road in the Vols’ loss at Georgia. He finished on a high note with a four touchdown day at Vanderbilt. This will obviously be a huge test, but based on his last month, the moment won’t be too big for him. The biggest concern here is can the receivers get open, and can the offensive line protect? Both were huge issues in Athens. Donte’ Thornton (25 rec., 647 yards, 25.9 ypc, 6 TDs) is a big play machine. This would be an ideal day for him to come up with some chunk plays. This is a match-up where Bru McCoy (35 rec, 432 yards, 12.3 ypc) and his physicality need to show up. Mike Matthews was a factor against Vandy, with three weeks of work does the freshman have a role? The tight ends have been a surprisingly big—and effective—part of the passing game this fall. Miles Kiteselman (21 rec., 296 yards, 4 TDs) isn’t sneaking up on anyone at this point, but he’ll need to be involved Saturday nig

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes have some nasty defensive statistics across the board, but those stats were all compiled against Big Ten offenses, so you have to take them with a grain of salt. Ohio State gave up a minuscule 144 yards per game through the air on the season, only 5.8 yards per attempt and they allowed just four passing touchdowns on the season. Those are fantastic numbers and a big reason why the Buckeyes allowed opponents to convert on just 34% of their third downs. Dillon Gabriel lit them up for 341 yards in Oregon’s 32-31 win over the Buckeyes, outside of that they’ve been stout, but they also haven’t seen a ton of great passing attacks. There’s talent everywhere in the secondary, but especially at the safety spots where Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom were both first-team All Big Ten selections.

EDGE: OHIO STATE (narrow margin)

TENNESSEE GROUND GAME vs. OHIO STATE FRONT SEVEN​

TENNESSEE: Josh Heupel’s offense is built on a strong rushing attack and that ground game has carried the offense this season while a young quarterback learned on the fly. Tennessee led the SEC in rushing by a wide margin at 232 yards per game, no other team in the league averaged 200+. Dylan Sampson has just been sensational, setting new school records for rushing yards (1,485) and touchdowns (22) in a season. He’s been banged up, as anyone would be after 256 rushing attempts this fall, but is healthy this week. DeSean Bishop (67 att., 433 yards) emerged as a quality back-up this fall. Iamaleava has shown on multiple occasions that he can be a factor with his legs, both on designed runs or getting out of the pocket on scrambles. He will almost certainly need to make some plays out of structure in this one. Tennessee failed to get to 200 yards on the ground both losses at Georgia (152) and Arkansas (174). That could be a barometer to keep an eye on Saturday night.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes are a tough group to run on, make no mistake about it. They gave up an average of just 96 yards per game on the ground this season and a paltry 2.85 yards per rushing attempt. The front seven is full of experienced playmakers. Weakside linebacker Sonny Styles (76 tackles) is the leading tackler followed closely by MIKE Cody Simon (74 stops). Edge JT Tuimoloa (team high 6.0 sacks, 11.5 TFLs) is a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a disruptive force up front. On the other side Jack Sawyer (4.5 sacks) was a second team All-Big Ten selection. Big man Tyliek Williams (5.5 TFLs) leads a stout interior of the defensive line. This group is built to get your offense in third and long and they’re great at getting off the field when they do. It goes without saying that Tennessee will want to avoid those situations on Saturday night.

EDGE: OHIO STATE (really a toss up I think)

TENNESSEE SECONDARY vs. OHIO STATE PASSING GAME​

TENNESSEE: The Vols’ evolution into one of the top defenses in the nation had a great deal to do with massive improvements in the secondary this fall. Tennessee went from a porous pass defense to a scary one in 2024. The Vols gave up 178 yards per game through the air, second in the SEC behind only Texas. The Vols had more interceptions on the year (11) than touchdown passes allowed (9). Jermod McCoy (4 INTs) became a star for his coverage skills, but he’s also the team’s third leading tackler (39). Boo Carter has turned into a guy with a knack for making big plays and what can you say about Mr. Will Brooks? Tennessee’s ability to lock down receivers and get after the passer has led to them being one of the best third down defenses in the country. Opponents are converting 29% of their third downs, fifth in the nation.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes are just loaded with talent at receiver. Jeremiah Smith (57 rec., 934 yards, 10 TDs), Emeka Egbuka (60 rec., 743 yards, 9 TDs) and Carnell Tate (41 rec., 583 yards, 4 TDs) are all talented playmakers to say the least. The Buckeyes average a healthy 8.9 yards per attempt, so as good as Tennessee has been, they’re going to be challenged to prevent chunk plays through the air. Quarterback Will Howard isn’t a huge talent, but in most games he doesn’t have to be with all the weapons around him. Clearly Howard didn’t have his best day the last time out in that ugly loss to Michigan when he was 19-for-33 for just 174 yards with two costly interceptions. On the year Howard was solid, completing 72% of his throws for 2,860 yards with 27 TDs and just eight interceptions.. Howard threw for 300+ just once this season, going for 326 against Oregon but Ohio State was playing from behind. In their three other ‘tough’ games against Penn State (182 yards), Indiana (201) and Michigan (174) Howard wasn’t very productive and threw at least one interception in each game. Ohio State has allowed only 12 sacks on the year, something to watch.

EDGE: TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE FRONT SEVEN vs. OHIO STATE RUN GAME​

TENNESSEE: Most everyone expected Tennessee’s defensive front to be one of the best in the SEC, if not the nation, and they have been. The Vols are 8th in the country, surrendering 99.5 yards per game on the ground this fall. They’ve also been highly disruptive, recording 93 tackles for loss on the season, 10th in the country. Omar Norman-Lott (4.5 sacks) is that rare guy in the interior who is ‘twitchy’ enough to be a formidable pass rusher. James Pearce (7.5 sacks, 11.0 TFLs) is proven playmaker who will need to be huge in this game. Arion Carter (team high 65 tackles) has become a sideline-to-sideline enforcer. The linebackers are going to have to make plays in space against some very talented backs in this one. Tennessee’s ability to get off the field on third down routinely hinges on this group keeping opposing offenses in unfavorable down and distance situations. They’ve done a great job of that most of the year. Pulling that off again on Saturday will be key.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes have some flashy talent at wideout, but it’s the ground game and a pair of big time backs that power the offense. Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins (805 yards, 5.5 ypc, 8 TDs) and TreVeyon Henderson (751 yards, 7.0 ypc, 6 TDs) were both third-team All Big-Ten selections. Michigan held the duo to a combined 67 yards on 22 carries. The Buckeyes are after balance with their offensive attack and they largely have gotten it with 344 passing attempts on the year and 405 rushes (5.0 ypc). The Buckeyes aren’t at full strength up front, but the injuries occurred earlier in the season. They lost star center Seth McLaughlin missed the final two regular season games and starting left tackle Josh Simmons was lost in the middle of the year. There’s been some shuffling up front, but it’s not something new that Ohio State is dealing with for the first time this week.

EDGE: TENNESSEE

SPECIAL TEAMS​

TENNESSEE: The Vols have been very good on special teams outside of a slump Max Gilbert went through midway through the year. Since then he’s been solid, finishing the year making 19-of-25, including 3-of-6 from 50+. Jackson Ross has been excellent, his 44.4 yard average per attempt doesn’t tell you how good he’s been at placing kicks inside the 10. It took a while for Carter to get a crack at returning punts, but he’ll have that job as long as he’s at Tennessee, he’s just electric. Tennessee’s coverage units have been solid though there was a significant hiccup at Vanderbilt.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes don’t kick many field goals, Jaylen Fielding was just 9-of-12 on the year and didn’t attempt a kick from 50+. Punter Joe McGuire (42.3 ypa) is solid. Caleb Downs isn’t the full-time punt returner, he had just five attempts on the year, but he took one of those back for a touchdown. The Buckeyes coverage units haven’t given up anything on the year.

EDGE: TENNESSEE

ONE MAN’S FEARLESS PREDICTION​

I think this game is going to suit the setting of a cold Big Ten stadium at night.

If this one isn’t a defensive slugfest I’ll be surprised.

Both defenses are excellent. Neither offense has been very explosive.

Both offenses have big time talent at tailback, but both of those offenses are going to be challenged to find open spaces for the ground game.

Ohio State has enormous talent at receiver but not a quarterback to match it.

If this game is close in the fourth quarter, which I expect to be, I’d much (MUCH) rather take my chances with Tennessee’s redshirt quarterback making a play than Ohio State’s signal caller.

These look like two pretty evenly matched teams to me with very good defenses and offenses that have been pedestrian at times.

Then there’s the psychological angle. Does it matter? I don’t know, but if it does I like where I think the head space of Tennessee’s program is a lot more than the Buckeyes right now.

Ohio State ended their season with a devastating loss to Michigan as a huge favorite. Despite the fact that they’re in the playoff, there are plenty of fans who want Ryan Day fired.

Tennessee is a program on an upward trend that is basking in the glow of being in the playoff.

Ohio State is a program with a frustrated fan base for who being in the playoff was not only an expectation, it was a foregone conclusion. From the outside looking in, there just doesn’t seem to be a lot of joy in it.

With all that’s been swirling around that program I could see them playing tight and I could definitely see things snowballing if it goes bad early for the home team.

Mostly I just see a game where points are going to be hard to come by, and I like Tennessee’s chances of getting three more of them.

TENNESSEE 20,
OHIO STATE 17

- Hubbs

 

[Jackcrevol]

TENNESSEE PASSING GAME vs. OHIO STATE SECONDARY​

TENNESSEE: Nico Iamaleava steadily improved as the season wore on. He had a strong November, including his play on the road in the Vols’ loss at Georgia. He finished on a high note with a four touchdown day at Vanderbilt. This will obviously be a huge test, but based on his last month, the moment won’t be too big for him. The biggest concern here is can the receivers get open, and can the offensive line protect? Both were huge issues in Athens. Donte’ Thornton (25 rec., 647 yards, 25.9 ypc, 6 TDs) is a big play machine. This would be an ideal day for him to come up with some chunk plays. This is a match-up where Bru McCoy (35 rec, 432 yards, 12.3 ypc) and his physicality need to show up. Mike Matthews was a factor against Vandy, with three weeks of work does the freshman have a role? The tight ends have been a surprisingly big—and effective—part of the passing game this fall. Miles Kiteselman (21 rec., 296 yards, 4 TDs) isn’t sneaking up on anyone at this point, but he’ll need to be involved Saturday nig

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes have some nasty defensive statistics across the board, but those stats were all compiled against Big Ten offenses, so you have to take them with a grain of salt. Ohio State gave up a minuscule 144 yards per game through the air on the season, only 5.8 yards per attempt and they allowed just four passing touchdowns on the season. Those are fantastic numbers and a big reason why the Buckeyes allowed opponents to convert on just 34% of their third downs. Dillon Gabriel lit them up for 341 yards in Oregon’s 32-31 win over the Buckeyes, outside of that they’ve been stout, but they also haven’t seen a ton of great passing attacks. There’s talent everywhere in the secondary, but especially at the safety spots where Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom were both first-team All Big Ten selections.

EDGE: OHIO STATE (narrow margin)

TENNESSEE GROUND GAME vs. OHIO STATE FRONT SEVEN​

TENNESSEE: Josh Heupel’s offense is built on a strong rushing attack and that ground game has carried the offense this season while a young quarterback learned on the fly. Tennessee led the SEC in rushing by a wide margin at 232 yards per game, no other team in the league averaged 200+. Dylan Sampson has just been sensational, setting new school records for rushing yards (1,485) and touchdowns (22) in a season. He’s been banged up, as anyone would be after 256 rushing attempts this fall, but is healthy this week. DeSean Bishop (67 att., 433 yards) emerged as a quality back-up this fall. Iamaleava has shown on multiple occasions that he can be a factor with his legs, both on designed runs or getting out of the pocket on scrambles. He will almost certainly need to make some plays out of structure in this one. Tennessee failed to get to 200 yards on the ground both losses at Georgia (152) and Arkansas (174). That could be a barometer to keep an eye on Saturday night.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes are a tough group to run on, make no mistake about it. They gave up an average of just 96 yards per game on the ground this season and a paltry 2.85 yards per rushing attempt. The front seven is full of experienced playmakers. Weakside linebacker Sonny Styles (76 tackles) is the leading tackler followed closely by MIKE Cody Simon (74 stops). Edge JT Tuimoloa (team high 6.0 sacks, 11.5 TFLs) is a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a disruptive force up front. On the other side Jack Sawyer (4.5 sacks) was a second team All-Big Ten selection. Big man Tyliek Williams (5.5 TFLs) leads a stout interior of the defensive line. This group is built to get your offense in third and long and they’re great at getting off the field when they do. It goes without saying that Tennessee will want to avoid those situations on Saturday night.

EDGE: OHIO STATE (really a toss up I think)

TENNESSEE SECONDARY vs. OHIO STATE PASSING GAME​

TENNESSEE: The Vols’ evolution into one of the top defenses in the nation had a great deal to do with massive improvements in the secondary this fall. Tennessee went from a porous pass defense to a scary one in 2024. The Vols gave up 178 yards per game through the air, second in the SEC behind only Texas. The Vols had more interceptions on the year (11) than touchdown passes allowed (9). Jermod McCoy (4 INTs) became a star for his coverage skills, but he’s also the team’s third leading tackler (39). Boo Carter has turned into a guy with a knack for making big plays and what can you say about Mr. Will Brooks? Tennessee’s ability to lock down receivers and get after the passer has led to them being one of the best third down defenses in the country. Opponents are converting 29% of their third downs, fifth in the nation.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes are just loaded with talent at receiver. Jeremiah Smith (57 rec., 934 yards, 10 TDs), Emeka Egbuka (60 rec., 743 yards, 9 TDs) and Carnell Tate (41 rec., 583 yards, 4 TDs) are all talented playmakers to say the least. The Buckeyes average a healthy 8.9 yards per attempt, so as good as Tennessee has been, they’re going to be challenged to prevent chunk plays through the air. Quarterback Will Howard isn’t a huge talent, but in most games he doesn’t have to be with all the weapons around him. Clearly Howard didn’t have his best day the last time out in that ugly loss to Michigan when he was 19-for-33 for just 174 yards with two costly interceptions. On the year Howard was solid, completing 72% of his throws for 2,860 yards with 27 TDs and just eight interceptions.. Howard threw for 300+ just once this season, going for 326 against Oregon but Ohio State was playing from behind. In their three other ‘tough’ games against Penn State (182 yards), Indiana (201) and Michigan (174) Howard wasn’t very productive and threw at least one interception in each game. Ohio State has allowed only 12 sacks on the year, something to watch.

EDGE: TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE FRONT SEVEN vs. OHIO STATE RUN GAME​

TENNESSEE: Most everyone expected Tennessee’s defensive front to be one of the best in the SEC, if not the nation, and they have been. The Vols are 8th in the country, surrendering 99.5 yards per game on the ground this fall. They’ve also been highly disruptive, recording 93 tackles for loss on the season, 10th in the country. Omar Norman-Lott (4.5 sacks) is that rare guy in the interior who is ‘twitchy’ enough to be a formidable pass rusher. James Pearce (7.5 sacks, 11.0 TFLs) is proven playmaker who will need to be huge in this game. Arion Carter (team high 65 tackles) has become a sideline-to-sideline enforcer. The linebackers are going to have to make plays in space against some very talented backs in this one. Tennessee’s ability to get off the field on third down routinely hinges on this group keeping opposing offenses in unfavorable down and distance situations. They’ve done a great job of that most of the year. Pulling that off again on Saturday will be key.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes have some flashy talent at wideout, but it’s the ground game and a pair of big time backs that power the offense. Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins (805 yards, 5.5 ypc, 8 TDs) and TreVeyon Henderson (751 yards, 7.0 ypc, 6 TDs) were both third-team All Big-Ten selections. Michigan held the duo to a combined 67 yards on 22 carries. The Buckeyes are after balance with their offensive attack and they largely have gotten it with 344 passing attempts on the year and 405 rushes (5.0 ypc). The Buckeyes aren’t at full strength up front, but the injuries occurred earlier in the season. They lost star center Seth McLaughlin missed the final two regular season games and starting left tackle Josh Simmons was lost in the middle of the year. There’s been some shuffling up front, but it’s not something new that Ohio State is dealing with for the first time this week.

EDGE: TENNESSEE

SPECIAL TEAMS​

TENNESSEE: The Vols have been very good on special teams outside of a slump Max Gilbert went through midway through the year. Since then he’s been solid, finishing the year making 19-of-25, including 3-of-6 from 50+. Jackson Ross has been excellent, his 44.4 yard average per attempt doesn’t tell you how good he’s been at placing kicks inside the 10. It took a while for Carter to get a crack at returning punts, but he’ll have that job as long as he’s at Tennessee, he’s just electric. Tennessee’s coverage units have been solid though there was a significant hiccup at Vanderbilt.

OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes don’t kick many field goals, Jaylen Fielding was just 9-of-12 on the year and didn’t attempt a kick from 50+. Punter Joe McGuire (42.3 ypa) is solid. Caleb Downs isn’t the full-time punt returner, he had just five attempts on the year, but he took one of those back for a touchdown. The Buckeyes coverage units haven’t given up anything on the year.

EDGE: TENNESSEE

ONE MAN’S FEARLESS PREDICTION​

I think this game is going to suit the setting of a cold Big Ten stadium at night.

If this one isn’t a defensive slugfest I’ll be surprised.

Both defenses are excellent. Neither offense has been very explosive.

Both offenses have big time talent at tailback, but both of those offenses are going to be challenged to find open spaces for the ground game.

Ohio State has enormous talent at receiver but not a quarterback to match it.

If this game is close in the fourth quarter, which I expect to be, I’d much (MUCH) rather take my chances with Tennessee’s redshirt quarterback making a play than Ohio State’s signal caller.

These look like two pretty evenly matched teams to me with very good defenses and offenses that have been pedestrian at times.

Then there’s the psychological angle. Does it matter? I don’t know, but if it does I like where I think the head space of Tennessee’s program is a lot more than the Buckeyes right now.

Ohio State ended their season with a devastating loss to Michigan as a huge favorite. Despite the fact that they’re in the playoff, there are plenty of fans who want Ryan Day fired.

Tennessee is a program on an upward trend that is basking in the glow of being in the playoff.

Ohio State is a program with a frustrated fan base for who being in the playoff was not only an expectation, it was a foregone conclusion. From the outside looking in, there just doesn’t seem to be a lot of joy in it.

With all that’s been swirling around that program I could see them playing tight and I could definitely see things snowballing if it goes bad early for the home team.

Mostly I just see a game where points are going to be hard to come by, and I like Tennessee’s chances of getting three more of them.

TENNESSEE 20,
OHIO STATE 17

- Hubbs

that should have just been about five words

 

[Jimmy Football]

that should have just been about five words

1. That
2. Will
3. Be
4. Nine
5. Ninety-nine

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

Ohio State on3 guys

Staff picks for Ohio State vs. Tennessee​

Spencer Holbrook: Ohio State 28, Tennessee 20

Tim May: Ohio State 27, Tennessee 13

Mick Walker: Ohio State 21, Tennessee 10

Alex Gleitman: Ohio State 24, Tennessee 17

Two final thoughts ahead of Buckeyes vs. Volunteers​

Ohio State must be creative, not just aggressive, on offense

Everyone wants to see ‘aggressive Ryan Day’ like it saw in the 2022 Peach Bowl semifinal against Georgia. But it wasn’t Ryan Day’s aggression that gave the Buckeyes a chance to beat the Bulldogs in that game two years ago — it was the creativity in which Day’s team attacked a really good defensive front. He moved the pocket for C.J. Stroud to have time to throw against a good defense. He put receivers in the backfield and threw to them in creative ways. The Buckeyes even found a way to run the ball creatively against Georgia.

Ohio State doesn’t need an aggressive approach from Ryan Day and Chip Kelly. It needs a creative approach to get the best playmakers the football. Couple those things together, and this would be a dangerous Buckeyes offensive attack.

The Horseshoe will be supercharged Saturday night

No matter what the crowd split is, and we still expect it to be near 75-80 percent Ohio State fans, the Horseshoe is going to be electric on Saturday night. The only word I can think of for it: supercharged. It’ll be tense for both fanbases. It’ll be rocking when both teams come out of their respective tunnels. It might even be tense late in the game if the game comes down to the wire. Tennessee will travel well, and its fans will be rowdy. Ohio State fans are ready to cheer for their team after the Michigan disaster. Give both of these fanbases all day to tailgate ahead of a frigid showdown, and we expect one of the best atmospheres ever seen in Ohio Stadium.

One final prediction for Ohio State vs. Tennessee​

Denzel Burke plays well for Buckeyes

Remember the last time the Buckeyes faced a good downfield passing attack? Denzel Burke was torched by the Oregon deep passing game. This is the second-biggest challenge for Burke this season, and he must live up to the expectations he placed upon himself in the preseason. The prediction here: he will. Burke will have a couple of pass breakups, no penalties and could even get his hands on an interception Saturday night. It’s a big test for the star cornerback. In the biggest moment, he’s going to play at a high level.

 

[MockingVol]

We win.

 

[Orange.]

Ryan Day’s Soft Food for Soft People cookbook is now available. Top recipes:

1. Pudding
2. Smashed over-ripe bananas
3. Whipped potatoes with flour-water gravy
4. Jello
5. Applesauce
6. Mayo in tepid water
6. Simply gum your own tongue

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

VQ Mod picks

Brent’s Pick​

Here we are the college football playoffs. What a climb for Josh Heupeland the Tennessee program. A second 10 win regular season in 4 years. Four straight post season appearances, two wins over Alabama and two over Florida. Now Heupel leads the Vols into the post season tournament and he does it on the road in the cold at Ohio State.

The Buckeyes were bad offensively against Michigan in their last outing. Their fan base hasn’t recovered from it. Have the Buckeyes moved on? That’s the million dollar question.

There’s a lot to like about this match up because in many ways it’s strength on strength and I think Tennessee match’s up pretty well against Ohio State in what looks like two pretty evenly matched teams. When you have that winning and losing comes down to the little things. Turnovers, penalties, getting off the field on third down. Who makes the play to move the chains? It’s going to be all about the details in this one. It’s also going to be about adjustments as both teams will have wrinkles. It won’t be a surprise to me if Chip Kelly‘s Ohio State offense plays more of a space game with screens, jet sweeps, etc.

Tennessee has not been very good on the road against quality teams, but how hostile will this environment be and how does Ohio State and their fans react if the Vols get off to a good start. Tennessee have been plagued by penalties all season. I don’t think that Tennessee is suddenly going to play clean and that’s my biggest concern. I don’t think weather is going to be the factor others think. It all doing to come down to the small details.

Ohio State 20, Tennessee 17

Austin’s Pick​

Ohio State is yet to play their best football. Can they put it all together just three weeks after a catastrophic loss to rival Michigan? This game has some real playmakers in this game. I think some of the matchups are really intriguing. The two I’m looking at are the Vol corners going against some really great wideouts from Ohio State. I’m also watching the tackles against James Pearce.

Nico Iamaleava has continued to progress and seems to be playing his best football of the season as we head into this weekend. His use of the tight ends is something I’m watching this weekend. Miles Kitselman has been pivotal all season long. I think it very well may continue.

I think this will be a special environment with Tennessee bringing so many fans that won’t be as noticeable on camera with most heavy coats not being orange. Will we hear them? I’m sure you will some when the Vols do big things.

Maybe I’ve just been around Hubbs too long but I just have to see it to believe it with the Vols winning a big one on the road.

Ohio State 23, Tennessee 20

Eric’s Pick​

I thought this was an easy pick back when the matchup was announced. Ohio State has a more talented roster top-to-bottom and is a seven-point favorite playing at home. Obviously, Tennessee is a pretty talented football team and has prov it all season, but at first, this one was an easy call for me.

Maybe I’ve just talked myself int it. I don’t know. Reporters on the beat know the team better than anyone, so sometimes that can cloud our judgment when making picks for wins or losses. But there’s several things about this game that I think favor the Vols.

Tennessee’s defensive line needs to have a day going up against the injured Buckeye’s group that is just not playing well upfront. We had this same conversation entering the Georgia game and Tennessee was just completely ineffective. Vols have got to take advantage. The stats overwhelming favor Vols on third and short against Ohio State – and I’ll take my chances with this Tennessee run game against anyone in the country.

Be who you are and make a play when it counts. Defense and run games travel and also produce I the cold. That’s who you are. Tennessee has got to be effective inside the redzone. Ohio Sate is one of the more efficient redzone scoring teams (both on offense and defense) while the Vols are great on defense. Who can make a play when it matters the most?

Give me the Vols to win some early downs, hit the tempo and get an early score. From there, Tennessee needs to take control of the football game and not let him. I don’t think it will. Give me the Vols to win a close one.

Tennessee 24, Ohio State 21

Grant’s Pick​

I have no idea what to make of Ohio State. The Buckeyes are extremely talented, especially at the skill positions, and very much looked the part in a 32-31 loss at Oregon on October 12. Or three weeks later, when the Buckeyes erased an early 10-0 deficit at Penn State, winning 20-13 in a game that looked much more one-sided than the final score. Obviously injuries on the offensive line have changed some things, but the ceiling on this Ohio State team still seems very, very high.

But how low is the floor? It looked six feet under in an embarrassing 13-10 loss to Michigan three weeks ago at Ohio Stadium. It looked pretty low in Columbus when Nebraska had Ohio State on upset alert deep into the fourth quarter in a 21-17 Buckeye win.

That’s what makes this game so hard to figure out. Ohio State could control it for 60 minutes and cover the touchdown spread. Or Tennessee could show up, throw the first punch, and put the Buckeyes back into the mental hurdle they couldn’t cross against Michigan.

Tennessee needs Saturday night to be a Dylan Sampson statement game. He’s still vastly underrated nationally. What better time than now to change that? It needs to be a line-of-scrimmage game, too, and one the Vols dominate. If that happens, Tennessee can win this game and head back to the Rose Bowl for the first time since New Year’s Day 1945.

Tennessee 23, Ohio State 15

Matt’s Pick​

This has the makings of a prize fight. There are a lot of playmakers on each side of the football for both teams, and this is going to come down to who can make the plays at the most crucial moments.

Both teams have put the regular season finale in the rear view and will look to play their best ball this week.

The matchups are intriguing. Ohio State’s receiving corps is loaded with talent, but can Will Howard get them the football efficiently. If so, it could be a long night for the Vols.

If you’re Tennessee, you cannot let the Buckeyes find a cheap score early. Play sound with your run defense and force Howard to make throws and you’ve got a real shot in this one.

Offensively, protect the football and protect Nico, and you should be able to find success. I think the Vols matchup well in the run game and if they can sustain success, should have a chance to create opportunities for explosives down the stretch.

There is the possibility of a lot of different endings for this one, but I think Tennessee’s brand of football travels well.

Avoid a fast start from Ohio State and create doubt inside of the stadium the longer the game goes, and the more chances the Vols will have to win this. It will be close, but Tennessee survives and advances.

Tennessee 23, Ohio State 20

Rob’s Pick​

I think this game is going to suit the setting of a cold Big Ten stadium at night.

If this one isn’t a defensive slugfest I’ll be surprised.

Both defenses are excellent. Neither offense has been very explosive.

Both offenses have big time talent at tailback, but both of those offenses are going to be challenged to find open spaces for the ground game.

Ohio State has enormous talent at receiver but not a quarterback to match it.

If this game is close in the fourth quarter, which I expect to be, I’d much (MUCH) rather take my chances with Tennessee’s redshirt quarterback making a play than Ohio State’s signal caller.

These look like two pretty evenly matched teams to me with very good defenses and offenses that have been pedestrian at times.

Then there’s the psychological angle. Does it matter? I don’t know, but if it does I like where I think the head space of Tennessee’s program is a lot more than the Buckeyes right now.

Ohio State ended their season with a devastating loss to Michigan as a huge favorite. Despite the fact that they’re in the playoff, there are plenty of fans who want Ryan Day fired.

Tennessee is a program on an upward trend that is basking in the glow of being in the playoff.

Ohio State is a program with a frustrated fan base for who being in the playoff was not only an expectation, it was a foregone conclusion. From the outside looking in, there just doesn’t seem to be a lot of joy in it.

With all that’s been swirling around that program I could see them playing tight and I could definitely see things snowballing if it goes bad early for the home team.

Mostly I just see a game where points are going to be hard to come by, and I like Tennessee’s chances of getting three more of them.

Tennessee 20, Ohio State 17

 

[JCVol00]

Idk if this vid is anything to base this assumption off of, but looks like we will only have 6 wr’s dressed tomorrow based on the locker room

 

[Glitch]

VQ Mod picks

Hubbs and AP can three way spoon with Ryan Day.

 

[Vol423]

Ohio State on3 guys

I think On3 also predicted David Sanders was going to flip to Ohio State, and we see how that prediction turned out.

 

[Govolsman98]

AP and Hubbs are cowards. As are many of the people that cover our program. Sad

 

[MarcoVol]

AP and Hubbs are cowards. As are many of the people that cover our program. Sad

Look I don’t love either one but they’re cowards bc they picked us to lose by 3 points on the road at night?

 

[Govolsman98]

Look I don’t love either one but they’re cowards bc they picked us to lose by 3 points on the road at night?

Yes

And I still love them too. Both are really nice people. They're still cowards