SHOCKING NEWS : Five Tennessee Players Ohio State Football Fans Should Worry About in the College Football Playoff… view details

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) draws near, the clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Tennessee Volunteers is one that fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating. While Ohio State has a rich history of success and has proven itself to be a top contender, Tennessee has had a remarkable resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols have the talent, athleticism, and grit to challenge Ohio State, and there are several key players on their roster who could make the difference in this pivotal matchup. For Ohio State fans, it’s important to recognize these potential game-changers to understand the threats that Tennessee brings to the table.

In this article, we will look at five Tennessee players who have the ability to worry Ohio State football fans. These players are not only key contributors to their team’s success but are also capable of delivering big performances on the biggest stage.

1. Joe Milton III – Quarterback

Why He’s a Threat:

Joe Milton, Tennessee’s starting quarterback, is one of the most intriguing and dangerous players on the roster. Milton’s immense physical tools—standing at 6-foot-5 and possessing a cannon for an arm—make him a unique and challenging quarterback to defend. Despite starting in only his first full season at Tennessee, Milton has already proven he can make some of the most jaw-dropping throws in college football. Whether it’s a deep bomb down the sideline or a perfectly placed ball on a short route, Milton has the capability to attack defenses from any part of the field.

Milton had a breakout season in 2023, throwing for over 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. His strong arm allows the Tennessee offense to stretch the field vertically, something that could test Ohio State’s defense, which has occasionally struggled against powerful passing games in the past.

Ohio State’s Concern:

Milton is an ideal quarterback to counter Ohio State’s aggressive defense. The Buckeyes have relied on a strong pass rush to pressure opposing quarterbacks, but Milton’s arm strength and ability to move in the pocket could negate that advantage. Additionally, Ohio State will need to be wary of Tennessee’s play-action game, as Milton’s deep ball threat can force defenders to play closer to the line of scrimmage, opening up opportunities for the Vols’ explosive receiving corps.

If Milton can connect on a few deep passes early in the game, it could set the tone and potentially put Ohio State on its heels. Ohio State’s defense will need to make sure they limit big plays and prevent Milton from getting comfortable in the pocket.

2. Jalin Hyatt – Wide Receiver

Why He’s a Threat:

Jalin Hyatt is a player that can take over a game in the blink of an eye. As Tennessee’s star wide receiver, Hyatt has the ability to stretch defenses and create mismatches all over the field. He’s a burner with excellent speed and route-running skills, making him one of the most dangerous deep threats in the country. In 2023, Hyatt had an electrifying season with 1,340 yards and 16 touchdowns, showing that he’s a legitimate game-changer.

Hyatt’s ability to take the top off a defense is a critical component of Tennessee’s offense. With Joe Milton’s strong arm, Hyatt’s ability to blow past defenders on go routes and post patterns could be a nightmare for Ohio State’s secondary. His knack for making big plays at key moments is what sets him apart from other receivers in the country.

Ohio State’s Concern:

Ohio State’s defense has been stingy throughout the year, but it has occasionally struggled with elite wide receivers who can separate and win deep. Hyatt has proven that he can make defenses pay for being even slightly off-balance, and if he gets a few steps on a cornerback, Milton will find him with ease.

The Buckeyes will need to ensure their cornerbacks can keep up with Hyatt’s speed, and they may need to get help from their safeties over the top to prevent him from breaking a long touchdown. Ohio State’s defensive backs must stay disciplined, as Hyatt has the ability to turn any catch into a game-altering play.

3. Brew McCoy – Wide Receiver

Why He’s a Threat:

While Jalin Hyatt garners most of the attention in Tennessee’s receiving corps, Brew McCoy is a highly capable threat in his own right. McCoy is a big, physical wideout who can win contested catches and is particularly dangerous in the intermediate to short range of the field. He has a knack for making plays after the catch, displaying impressive balance and vision as he fights for extra yards.

In 2023, McCoy caught 63 passes for 980 yards and 7 touchdowns. His ability to run precise routes and beat defenders in tight spaces makes him a reliable target for Joe Milton in crucial situations. Whether it’s on a quick slant route or a jump ball in the end zone, McCoy has the skill set to put pressure on any defense.

Ohio State’s Concern:

McCoy is a physical receiver, and Ohio State’s defense will need to make sure they don’t allow him to bully their cornerbacks or win jump-ball situations. Given that Ohio State has faced challenges against taller, more physical receivers in the past, McCoy could be a player to watch in the red zone. With his size and ability to track the ball in the air, McCoy is a dangerous weapon that could exploit any defensive lapses by the Buckeyes.

4. Dallan Hayden – Running Back

Why He’s a Threat:

Tennessee’s offense isn’t all about the passing game. Dallan Hayden, the Vols’ top running back, is a workhorse who can keep opposing defenses honest with his powerful, physical running style. Hayden is not only capable of picking up the tough yards between the tackles but also has the burst to break a long run when given the opportunity. In 2023, Hayden ran for 1,132 yards and 13 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to handle a heavy workload and remain productive throughout the course of a game.

One of the key reasons Hayden is such a threat is because of his ability to complement Tennessee’s potent passing attack. Defenses often focus on stopping the passing game, leaving opportunities for Hayden to gash defenses with his quickness and power. His versatility makes him a dangerous player in both the ground and passing game.

Ohio State’s Concern:

Ohio State has one of the best defenses in the country, but Tennessee’s ability to run the football could cause issues if the Buckeyes aren’t disciplined. With Hayden’s ability to churn out yards, Ohio State could be faced with long, grinding drives that wear down their defense. Additionally, if Ohio State sells out to stop the pass, Hayden has the skills to break off a big run and capitalize on any defensive overcommitment.

Hayden’s physicality and vision are his best assets, and Ohio State will need to match his intensity to prevent him from establishing a rhythm. If Tennessee can balance their passing and rushing attack, they will put tremendous pressure on Ohio State’s defense.

5. Tyler Baron – Defensive End

Why He’s a Threat:

On the defensive side of the ball, one player Ohio State must be mindful of is Tyler Baron, Tennessee’s star defensive end. Baron is an athletic, explosive pass rusher who is capable of disrupting the game from the edge. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 270 pounds, Baron combines strength, quickness, and an instinctive pass-rush technique to wreak havoc in the backfield.

Baron’s ability to get after the quarterback is critical to Tennessee’s defensive success. He finished the 2023 season with 10 sacks and is a constant threat to bring down the opposing quarterback, particularly on passing downs. Ohio State’s offensive line will need to account for Baron on every snap to prevent him from getting free and applying pressure to Kyle McCord or whoever is under center.

Ohio State’s Concern:

Ohio State’s offensive line has been solid this year, but a player like Tyler Baron is capable of turning the tide of a game. If Baron is able to get pressure on Ohio State’s quarterbacks, it could force rushed decisions, sacks, and even turnovers. Ohio State must make sure to neutralize Baron’s pass-rush ability, using quick throws, screens, and solid protection schemes to prevent him from becoming a game-changer.

Conclusion

As Ohio State prepares for the College Football Playoff, there are plenty of challenges to overcome in their matchup with Tennessee. The Volunteers have a roster full of talent, led by game-changing players like Joe Milton, Jalin Hyatt, Brew McCoy, Dallan Hayden, and Tyler Baron. Each of these players poses a unique threat to Ohio State’s hopes of advancing to the next round.

For Ohio State to succeed, their defense must be disciplined, focusing on limiting big plays through the air and stifling Tennessee’s rushing attack. The offense will also need to execute efficiently and avoid putting the ball in dangerous situations, as Tennessee’s defense is more than capable of capitalizing on mistakes.

Ultimately, the College Football Playoff showdown between Ohio State and Tennessee promises to be a thrilling and closely contested battle. Ohio State fans should be well-aware of these five players, who have the potential to alter the outcome of the game.