Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy predicts the winner of Tennessee vs Ohio State and says one team will win ‘comfortably’
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated College Football Playoff clash between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes, former Alabama quarterback and ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy shared his prediction for the game. McElroy believes that Ohio State will emerge victorious in this first-round matchup and is confident that they will win “comfortably.”
The game, scheduled for Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET in Columbus, will determine which team advances to the next round of the playoff. The winner will face the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals. McElroy’s prediction suggests that Ohio State will be firing on all cylinders, and he expects them to bring their best performance against Tennessee.
McElroy acknowledged that Ohio State’s performance has been scrutinized following their recent game, but he believes the focus on their shortcomings is misguided. He pointed out that the Buckeyes had several strong moments throughout the season, and he expects them to play at their highest level when it counts. McElroy is particularly confident in Ohio State’s defense, which he thinks will play a pivotal role in shutting down Tennessee’s offense, especially against quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
According to McElroy, Ohio State’s defensive strategy will exploit weaknesses in Tennessee’s offensive line, specifically the edges, and create significant problems for Iamaleava. He believes this will lead to a low-scoring game, as Ohio State’s defense will effectively neutralize the Vols’ offensive threats. In McElroy’s eyes, Ohio State’s defense will slow down Tennessee’s offense, giving the Buckeyes a comfortable win.
The Tennessee Vols, however, are not discouraged by McElroy’s prediction. The team is no stranger to being the underdog, and they thrive in that role. Bryson Eason, a defensive lineman for Tennessee, expressed his enthusiasm for being considered the underdog, stating that he personally enjoys the challenge. The Vols are eager to prove themselves against a formidable opponent like Ohio State and embrace the opportunity to defy expectations.
As the teams prepare for the game at the Horseshoe, it is clear that this matchup is poised to be an exciting and closely contested battle. Both Tennessee and Ohio State bring their own strengths and advantages to the table, making the outcome difficult to predict. However, McElroy’s analysis suggests that Ohio State’s defense and overall play will be the deciding factors, leading them to a comfortable victory.
The cold and intense atmosphere in Columbus will add another layer of excitement to the game, making it a thrilling showdown for college football fans. The game will likely come down to which team can win the key individual matchups, and for McElroy, he sees Ohio State’s defense as the key to their success. As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on this matchup, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if McElroy’s prediction holds true or if Tennessee can surprise everyone with an upset.
Tennessee’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion have been evident throughout the season, and despite being labeled as the underdog, they will be looking to prove that they are capable of taking down a powerhouse like Ohio State. The upcoming game is set to be a defining moment for both teams, and whether or not McElroy’s prediction is accurate, the matchup promises to deliver an unforgettable night of college football.
