December 20, 2024 6: 24 pm ET
It’s almost another Ohio State football game day, and it’ll be a historic one when the Buckeyes host SEC foe, Tennessee, for a first-round matchup in the new, 12-team College Football Playoff. OSU is a modest favorite to win the game, but it won’t be easy, especially because of the fragile state the program might be psychologically after a fourth-straight loss to Michigan.
The reality is that this team is just four points away from being undefeated, and still has the talent, depth, and pedigree to win the whole thing.
To do it, Ohio State will have to get by a Tennessee team that has a great defense and one of the best rushing attacks in the country. We sat down with our sister site, Vols Wire, to discuss this game from a Tennessee fan and media perspective and thought we’d bring it to you for your reading pleasure and consumption thanks to Dan Harralson.
Here’s how those fans that wear Tennessee Orange feel about things heading into what should be one whale of a matchup on the banks of the Olentangy Saturday night. And while we are on the topic, head on over to Vols Wire and see what we told Tennessee fans from an Ohio State perspective.
On what the Tennessee fanbase thinks of the Ohio State program
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Question from Phil Harrison of Buckeyes Wire: What is the perception of the Ohio State program from the Tennessee fanbase?
Dan Harralson of Vols Wire: Tennessee views Ohio State and its program as one of the best nationally. Obviously, recent consecutive losses to rival Michigan is never a good thing, especially at a place like Ohio State. Ryan Day has an unbelievable overall record with the Buckeyes and has the program competing for championships, but there has been some discussion in Tennessee where his situation could be a lot like Phillip Fulmer’s when he was the Vols’ head coach. Fulmer had a great record, won championships, but had issues with rival Florida during his tenure.
On the excitement of Tennessee fans for this matchup
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Harrison: How excited are Volunteer fans about coming up to Columbus and playing? There are rumors that fans are going to invade Ohio Stadium and make it Neyland North. Do you think there’s truth to that?
Harralson: Tennessee fans are loyal and will try and pack out any stadium if given an opportunity. During Tennessee’s down years in the 2010s, Volunteer fans consistently sold out a 100,000-plus seat Neyland Stadium. Tennessee fans understand the importance and magnitude of this game and will also be the first game ever in Ohio for the Vols.
On Tennessee’s most important player
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Harrison: Who has been Tennessee’s most important player this year?
Harralson: Running back Dylan Sampson had a record-breaking regular season, scoring a Tennessee single-season record with 22 touchdowns. Center Cooper Mays has been the staple of the offensive line and the Vols’ running game. Both players are the biggest part of Tennessee’s offense.
Tennessee defender besides James Pearce Jr. for Ohio State fans to watch
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Buckeyes Wire: Besides James Pearce, what defender should Ohio State fans be worried about?
Harralson: Collectively, Tennessee’s entire front seven have played well this season. Linebacker Arion Carter, defensive lineman Omari Thomas, defensive lineman Joshua Josephs and linebacker Jeremiah Telander have been leaders upfront. In the defensive backfield, Jermod McCoy, Boo Carter and Will Brooks have played well during the regular season.
On a Tennessee offensive player to watch besides running back Dylan Sampson
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Buckeyes Wire: Besides running back Dylan Sampson, what offensive player should Ohio State fans be worried about?
Harralson: With four Tennessee reserve wide receivers in the NCAA transfer portal, and others who could not be 100 percent, Saturday’s matchup could turn into a heavy tight end game. Tight ends Miles Kitselman, Holden Staes and Ethan Davis could be more of a factor.
On how Tennessee beats Ohio State
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Harrison: If Tennessee wins this matchup, what will the game look like?
Harralson: With a road game, cold weather and a possibility of a tight end-type game, Saturday could be a