Despite losing their fourth straight game to bitter rival Michigan, the Buckeyes still have a chance to contend for the National Championship, as they will face Josh Heupel, Nico Iamaleava, and the Tennessee Volunteers at the Horseshoe on December 21.
A cherished former National Championship-winning quarterback will take part in Ohio State’s fan-oriented pregame events, as revealed in a groundbreaking announcement by Buckeyes athletic director Ross Bjork on Thursday.
Bjork, along with former Buckeye stars like 2014 National Championship-winning quarterback Cardale Jones, the university’s Brutus Buckeye mascot, cheerleaders, the dance team, and others, is expected to be part of Ohio State University’s pregame festivities.
Access is restricted to ticket holders, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
In addition, the Buckeyes are set to feature a groundbreaking drone show before the game.
Ohio State is favored by 7.5 points against the Volunteers, who finished the regular season with a 10-2 record that included losses to Georgia and Arkansas, according to FanDuel.
Tennessee’s two biggest wins of the season were at home against then-No. 15 Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, and against then-No. 7 Alabama at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
Five things to remember when the 12-team College Football Playoff lineup was revealed.
(CNN) — The College Football Playoff is set, with games scheduled and college football fans eagerly awaiting a thrilling array of playoff matchups this holiday season.
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its final rankings and bracket for the inaugural 12-team playoff, which will crown a national champion later this month.
The top four seeds—Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State—earned a first-round bye and will prepare for games on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, other teams will compete in the first round in just under two weeks.
First-round matchups include: No. 7 seed Notre Dame hosting No. 10 seed Indiana at 8 p.m. ET on December 20, No. 6 seed Penn State hosting No. 11 seed Southern Methodist University at noon ET on December 21, No. 5 seed Texas hosting No. 12 seed Clemson at 4 p.m. ET on December 21, and No. 8 seed Ohio State hosting No. 9 seed Tennessee at 8 p.m. ET on December 21.
Here are five key takeaways from the College Football Playoff reveal on Sunday.
SMU Makes the Cut, Alabama Misses Out Despite a heartbreaking loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship, Southern Methodist University (SMU) made the 12-team field, securing a spot over Alabama, a team with three losses. The committee faced a tough decision, and many wondered whether teams that lost their conference championships would be overlooked in favor of well-known programs who didn’t play on Championship Saturday.
The committee ultimately selected SMU, setting a precedent for how they value conference championships. “We valued SMU’s undefeated conference record and their close loss to a top team,” said Warde Manuel, the chair of the committee.
This decision emphasized the importance of conference championships in the new playoff format, signaling a shift in the selection process.
Top Four Teams Enjoy a Break Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State each won their conference championships and now get some much-needed rest before their quarterfinal matchups. Coaches from all four teams expressed relief at the break.
Georgia’s head coach, Kirby Smart, highlighted the mental and physical recovery needed before the next round of play, while Oregon’s Dan Lanning stated the Ducks would use the time to address any potential weaknesses.
Ohio State vs. Tennessee: A First-Round Showdown The most anticipated first-round matchup pits two college football powerhouses: Ohio State and Tennessee. This game will take place at 8 p.m. ET on December 21 in Ohio Stadium, a venue renowned for its intense atmosphere.
Ohio State, coming off a tough loss to Michigan, enters the game with questions surrounding head coach Ryan Day, while Tennessee looks to continue its resurgence under Josh Heupel.
Texas Faces an Easier Path Texas, despite a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship, received a favorable draw in the playoff bracket. The Longhorns will face Clemson, a three-loss team, in the first round. If Texas wins, they’ll move on to face Arizona State, which earned a bye after a standout season.
Should Texas continue their run, they could face Oregon, Ohio State, or Tennessee in the semifinals, making their path to the national championship potentially smoother than others.
Notre Dame vs. Indiana: A Historic Hoosier-State Clash In a rare football matchup, Notre Dame will host Indiana in the first round, marking the first time the teams have met since 1991. This game has added significance, not only for playoff advancement but also for in-state bragging rights.
Notre Dame enters as the favorite, but Indiana has had a standout season, with their only loss coming to Ohio State. Beating the Fighting Irish would mark a huge milestone in Indiana’s football history, and they’ll be looking to overcome their long-standing struggles in a game that promises high stakes.
