Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2)
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes December 21 2024 – Ohio State Stadium is the venue for the highly anticipated first-round match-up between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes in the NCAAF Playoffs. Both teams come into the game with impressive 10-2 records, but with Ohio State being at home and in good form, they are definitely tough to beat. Ohio will look to their potent offense to find a way through the stiff challenge posed by Ohio’s defense. It’s a game that has home playoff excitement, great players, and the possibility of an entertaining finale in the evening.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes December 21 2024 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio |
| TV: | ABC/ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Tennessee | +230 | +7.5 (-115) | 45.5 Over -110 |
| Ohio State | -280 | -7.5 (-105) | 45.5 Under -110 |
Given their record at home, Ohio is a firm favorite by 7.5 points. Betting at Tennessee’s +220 moneyline line could also be intriguing given their high-flying offense. With points total for the match set at 45.5, there is a possibility of a defense organizational duel with the overall trend of Ohio State’s games making the spread appealing to those willing to risk going against the trend.
Nico Iamaleava QB vs. Will Howard QB
Nico Iamaleava a Tennessee quarterback will emerge as the winner of the Heisman Trophy due to his passing yards with a total of 2,512 yards with 19 touchdown . Another statistic to admire is the fact that he has an accurate completion rate of 65.7 though it does come at the cost of being fired 24 times . With the ball distribution and ball security skills, Iamaleava will bring into the game against Ohio State, this will transform how the game goes with their disciplined defenders.
Ohio State’s Will Howard has been incredibly accurate, passing for 72.3. His effort has been commendable as he has been able to throw the ball for 2860 yards and scoring 27 touchdowns . A great passer efficiency rating of 172.1 shows Howard’s effectiveness even if he was under some pressure during the game. Howard’s ability to sense where Jeremiah Smith is and when to pass it makes Howard a threat in Ohio State’s offense as he becomes the primary target.
Tennessee Looks to Their Ground Game
Tennessee comes in with some backing as they’ve won four of their last five with a thumping 56-0 win over UTEP. Dylan Sampson remains a force on the ground as he has about 1485 rushing yards along with 22 touchdowns. There is also Chris Brazzell II, who stretches the field but is underutilized and has some upside to grow. This time, Tennessee’s efficiency on offense is of utmost importance; however, it is a tough task with Ohio’s strong front 7.
Ohio State’s Defense Anchors Their Success
Ohio State has been almost invincible while winning 13 of their games and losing only one at Ohio Stadium. Their defense was impressive in achieving a shutout against Purdue 45-0, and they managed to subdue Penn State 20-13. On the other hand, Judkins adds depth to the offense with his 805 rushing yards, while Jeremiah Smith also becomes a problem on offense with 934 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Clearly, a solid defense combined with efficiency in attack makes Ohio State a favorite team.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Trends
The Volunteers have not performed well as underdogs as they have recorded just 5 wins against the spread in their last 18 games, which leaves them 5-13 as a dog in ATS for the past 4 years. On a positive note, they have managed to tuck away 6 wins out of their last 7 games, thus revealing the fact that they have an ability to win games. Their OVER trend in recent games points to their ability to score and could help them against the Buckeyes’ defense, which may not be enough.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
Ohio State has only lost once in their past six matches and has also been dominant at home where they’ve bagged thirteen wins, making it clear that Ohio Stadium is not a venue for the weak. Five of their last games experienced an UNDER result, which also is consistent with their focus on defense, thus making the line a vital factor for gamblers.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Previews
There are different styles in this game, and it will be interesting to see how Tennessee’s high-scoring offense goes against Ohio State’s strong defense. The home record of Ohio State and their quarterback can give them the upper hand, however, it is always dangerous to underestimate Tennessee who are always able to score rather quickly. Tennessee on the other hand, seems to be set at a +7.5 spread which would seem to favor the bettors as they do not expect a wide margin.
Also worth looking into including UNDER on 45.5 is also the case given Ohio State’s defensive trend and the fact that Tennessee did not perform well in December games. Even in case of prop bets, which can be made on Dylan Sampson’s rushing touchdowns or Jeremiah Smith’s receiving yards, might give good odds in a close and successful fight.
Score Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes 27, Tennessee Volunteers 20.
