Ohio State football might have had a heart-breaking loss to the Michigan Wolverines last Saturday, one that kept them out of the Big Ten Championship Game, but it is time to get over that and move on.
The Buckeyes have to put that in the past as they are projected to host a playoff game in the coming weeks, and most are expecting Ohio State to welcome the Tennessee Volunteers to The Shoe.
Tennessee is going to be ready as the Volunteers head coach is prepared to go anywhere and face anyone.
Josh Heupel on CFP rankings:
“If you’re not of the mindset going into this…anyone, anywhere, anytime… then you’re just there to have a cup of coffee.” #Vols
Tennessee is projected to play at Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/CMLYTwb0J0
— Sam Rothman (@samrothman_) December 4, 2024
How would Tennessee match up against the Buckeyes though?
The Volunteers are averaging 37.3 points per game. How are they able to score so frequently? Well, it has mainly been on the back of a ferocious rushing attack. They average 232 rushing yards per game.
For Ohio State, that is music to the ears as it ranks 4th in the country in opponents yards per carry at 2.9. The Buckeyes have also found success on the ground, but much like Ohio State, Tennessee is allowing just 2.9 yards per carry. Both defensive lines are among the best in the country.
This game is going to come down to which quarterback can take control. While there’s no exact science, both teams have an opponent average team passer rating in the top 15 nationally.
These teams match up similarly, so the question is — can Ryan Day outcoach Josh Heupel when it matters most? That’s what it may boil down to.
