Tennessee football vs Ohio State in CFP score predictions: Did Knox News staff pick Vols? – Knoxville News Sentinel

Tennessee football has its shot in the College Football Playoff.
The No. 9 Vols (10-2) play at No. 8 Ohio State (10-2) on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC) in a first-round CFP game 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 are the picks from the Knox News staff:
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Not interested in this game? Our guide to college football betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY Network readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
Ohio State 24, Tennessee 20: A good comparison for this matchup is Ohio State vs. Penn State, which the Buckeyes won 20-13. Tennessee runs the ball well and touts a physical defensive front. That should be enough to keep the score low and close. If the Vols can capitalize on red-zone trips with touchdowns rather than field goals, they’ll win. But the safe bet is that Ohio State’s stingy red-zone defense will do to Tennessee what it did to Penn State. So the Vols will cover the spread, but the Buckeyes will win a nail-biter.
Tennessee 19, Ohio State 17: Max Gilbert kicks four field goals as Ohio State’s defense gives Tennessee red-zone issues. But plot twist: The too-often discussed cold weather favors Tennessee’s run game and its defense against Ohio State.
Tennessee 20, Ohio State 17: Michigan showed how to beat the Buckeyes. It ran the ball effectively, stopped Ohio State’s running game and pressured quarterback Will Howard into turnovers. If the Vols can do what they do best – run the ball and control the line of scrimmage with their defensive front – they can pull off an upset.
ADAMS:Tennessee football has a three-letter advantage vs Ohio State. Can you spell S-E-C | Adams
Tennessee 27, Ohio State 21: It’s not going to be an easy win by any means, and the Buckeyes have plenty of motivation after ending the regular season with a loss to Michigan. But the Vols have a lot to prove after barely making the College Football Playoff, and they’ll pull off the upset on the road.
Ohio State 24, Tennessee 23: Tough one to call. I expect it’ll be a great game between two very good teams. I think the Vols will play well, too, and give themselves a chance to pull the upset. And it would be an upset. Were this game at Neyland Stadium, I’d give Tennessee the edge. But it’s not.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

source