No.9 Tennessee at No.8 Ohio State (-7.5), 8:00 EST on ABC/ESPNÂ
For the Volunteers:Â
The Vols were on the verge of the four-team playoff in 2022 following an incredible season from Hendon Hooker and the Tennessee offense.Â
After suffering the loss of their playoff hopes and their quarterback simultaneously in a defeat at South Carolina to end that season, Josh Heupel returns two years later with a chance at a national title.Â
Nico Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit, leads the way for the Tennessee offense. Dylan Sampson set a school record in the backfield with 22 rushing touchdowns in a single season.Â
Chris Brazzell II, a Tulane transfer, hauled in 28 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season.Â
On the defensive end, Oregon State transfer Jermod McCoy has been a key contributor from his cornerback position. Â
For the Buckeyes: Â
Kansas State transfer Will Howard played his best ball of the season in a one-point loss at Oregon on Oct.12. The senior threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns in that contest, allowing his team the chance to win the game in the waning seconds.Â
In Ohio State’s latest game against archrival Michigan, Howard played his worst game of the year, throwing for just 175 yards and two interceptions.Â
So, what version of Howard will fans see Saturday? The answer may determine the outcome for the Buckeyes.Â
However, Howard has an incredible backfield duo supporting him in Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins and senior TreVeyon Henderson. The pair rushed for 1,556 and 14 touchdowns in the regular season.Â
Expect an Ohio State defense that is allowing a nation-low 10.9 points per game to be the key in the first round’s final matchup.
