The big game is right around the corner and most of the WUTK staff has predicted the final score. Check out how Rock Solid Sports thinks the Vols will fare tonight at 8:00 pm ET.
Sports Director Riley Haltom
Tennessee 20, Ohio State 17
Could this be where we see the emergence of Nico Iamaleava? Realistically, probably not. Believe in Dylan Sampson. Sampson is electricity every time he touches the ball, even against some of the toughest defensive lines in football. If Iamaleava can hit on a few deep shots and Heupel leans on Sampson, the Vols can do enough to let their defense get them a win. Just avoid turnovers, no pre-snap penalties and a commitment to running the ball gets you the win. Give me the Vols to be the only upset in the first round of the playoffs.
Sports Director Griffin Hadley
Tennessee 20, Ohio State 17
Tennessee is an SEC team built for the cold. The Vols depth at defensive line will step up and the run game will do enough to secure the road win against the Buckeyes.
Jack Glennon
Ohio State 23, Tennessee 14
Josh Heupel’s conservative playcalling and Nico Iamaleava’s inexperience in big games will cost the Vols big time. Ohio State’s run game with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson will help OSU control the time of possession. Therefore, Will Howard won’t have to carry a significant burden.
Justin Clemmer
Tennessee 24, Ohio State 17
Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Sampson generate enough explosive plays while Ohio State’s offensive struggles continue against a ferocious Tennessee front.
Charlie Fernandez
Ohio State 26, Tennessee 24
Ryan Day is on the hot seat and this is one of the most talented rosters in college football playing at home. I think Tennessee can win this game in multiple ways but don’t know if Nico can rise to the occasion given his inexperience and the pressure of being on the road on the biggest stage yet against a Big 10 opponent. Ohio State will look to slow down Dylan Sampson and ultimately hold him to minimal rushing yards and get the job done in Columbus.
Jay King
Tennessee 14, Ohio State 10
Tennessee wins in a low-scoring defensive battle, and Dylan Sampson will have a massive game with 120 yards and two touchdowns. Jermod McCoy has a great game but does give up a touchdown to Jeremiah Smith.
Alex Carpenter
Tennessee 23, Ohio State 16
Ohio State is entering this game as a shell of their expectations for this season after a devastating loss against Michigan three weeks ago. Tennessee is playing with nothing to lose at the Shoe tonight and I expect running back Dylan Sampson to impress the national media after being snubbed for various awards. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day will have to lean on veteran Will Howard to facilitate this offense with one of the weaker offensive lines in the nation. I predict the Tennessee defense to get home and wreak some havoc and the Volunteers to book a trip to Pasadena against Oregon.
Tyler Potucek
Tennessee 28, Ohio State 24
Nico’s due for his primetime breakout game against a battle-tested but worn-out Ohio State.
Camden Gober
Tennessee 24, Ohio State 20
The two key components in the game that I’m looking at is which team is more physical at the line scrimmage, and which team is able to run the ball. I think that Tennessee has the better line on both sides of the ball, and Tennessee has the best running back on the field. There has also been a lot of talk about the weather and how it will impact the game, and I think the colder it is, the more it favors Tennessee and their style of play.
Tristan Thornhill
Tennessee 24, Ohio State 16
I think the Tennessee defensive line gives that Ohio State line too much trouble and get after Will Howard. Vols will be able to run the ball at will, as long as they don’t get stupid with the pre-snap penalties or holds, like they’re odds to win.
Dominic Throngard
Tennessee 21, Ohio State 17
I think Nico really got into fine form at Vandy and the defense can stop anyone on any day. This team has a lot more riding on this game than an Ohio State team that already seems to be looking ahead to the next round.
Consensus
Tennessee ~22, Ohio State ~19
Winners
Vols: 9/11
Ohio State: 2/11
The Rock Solid Sports contributors think the Vols have the edge here, mostly through Dylan Sampson and the defense. With a pretty mixed crowd starting to form, the Vols have an opportunity to be the first upset in the 12-team college football playoff.