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December 21, 2024 admin Uncategorized 0

Michigan at OSU, November 26, 2022 — Fans looks dejected as the Wolverines pull ahead during second half action in the game between the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Michigan won 45-23. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Josh Heupel has Tennessee football in the College Football Playoff in his fourth season as Vols coach.

The No. 9 Vols (10-2) play at No. 8 Ohio State (10-2) on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC) in the first round of the CFP at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The winner will face No. 1 Oregon (13-0) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1.

Here is what to know about the matchup:

Tennessee-Ohio State football could be decided in the red zone

Ohio State is one of the best red-zone teams in the nation − on both sides of the ball.

The Buckeyes are fourth in the nation in scoring touchdowns in the red zone, which it has done 77.6% of the time. Tennessee counters with the fourth-best red-zone defense in preventing touchdowns. The Vols have allowed TDs on 44.1% of opponent drives.

“If you can hold them to field goals, it changes the way the game’s played,” Heupel said.

That is an intriguing matchup in the game, but the other side is a mismatch.

Ohio State’s defense has allowed opponents to score on 55.2% of red-zone trips, which ranks second in the country. It has allowed 10 red-zone touchdowns, the fewest nationally. Tennessee’s red-zone offense has not been consistent. It scored touchdowns on 61.7% of drives, which ranked No. 65 nationally. It scored on 81.7% of red-zone trips, which was No. 89 in the nation.

“Offensively, we’ve got to find a way to get seven down there,” Heupel said.

MATTHEWS:In August, Tennessee coach predicted Vols in CFP with Mike Matthews. Is it coming true?

Nico Iamaleava is doing precisely what five-star quarterbacks are supposed to do: He has helped lead his team to the College Football Playoff.

Iamaleava, the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2023 recruiting class, has notched a full season as the starter after making his first start in the Citrus Bowl last season.