CFP Game Predictions, Odds, Time, TV

On December 21, 2024By Littum

In the final first round game of the College Football Playoff Tennessee Volunteers will address Ohio State Buckeyes in a Saturday night showdown of enormous importance, pitting the SEC against the Big Ten.

Despite a challenging season, Ohio State secured the No. 8 in the playoffs, even after suffering a 13-10 loss to Michigan in their final regular season game. The Buckeyes’ quarterback, Will Howardwill lead the offense and showcase his impressive talent with a 72.3% completion rate for 2,860 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.

Tennessee, which got the no. The 9 seed is a force to be reckoned with. The Volunteers ended their season with a resounding 36-23 victory over their in-state rival, Vanderbilt. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been a standout player who consistently delivered impressive performances. Iamaleava enters the game against the Buckeyes with a 65.7% completion rate, totaling 2,512 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions.

But the playoffs act as a reset, introducing an element of unpredictability and making the first-round win-or-go-home game an exciting prospect. Here’s 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 first opening-round matchup and a good barometer of how playoff matchups could play out between the best of the best in the Big Ten and SEC. Given two evenly matched teams with similar traits, two factors will that difference in Ohio State’s advantage: home field advantage and a more credible offense, Will Howard has more experience and better ability But another big play from Volunteers signal caller Nico Iamaleava could easily move this game in it opposite direction.”

ESPN: Ohio State has a 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 skillful to move the ball downfield through the air, but Tennessee’s defensive line was able to hold its own against a reshuffled Buckeyes O-line. But I also trust Kelly to find ways to scheme open to elite playmakers like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. If this turns out to be a close game, Ohio State’s experience could make a difference. However, I like the Volunteers as one of the best picks in the opening round. The Buckeyes’ experience and depth should help them close this one out, but bring the Volunteers to cover in a close that ticks over.”

Sports Illustrated: Tennessee Volunteers

James Parks writes: “Tennessee +7.5 … We take the Vols to win outright on the road, given their head-to-head advantage on a very dominant defensive front that should overpower a Buckeyes offensive line down two key starters to injury, while Dylan Sampson and Tennessee’s talented 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 BetMGM college football odds.

Odds from Wednesday 11 December afternoon.

Spread: Ohio State (-7.5)
Money Lines: Ohio State (-280); Tennessee (+230)
Above/below: 47.5

Here’s how to watch Ohio State vs. Tennessee in the first round of the CFP

Date: Saturday 21 December
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ABC/ESPN
Current: Fubo
Where: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)

Catch Ohio State vs. Tennessee with Fubo

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