Final predictions for No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee first round College Football Playoff game

We are just two days away from the big battle in Columbus between the No. 8 seeded Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State enters this game in what feels like one they have to have after losing to Michigan for a fourth consecutive time. Ryan Day badly needs this win to right the ship and calm down all of the noise around his job.

On the other side, the Vols enter this game playing with “house money” some say, and have nothing to lose. Tennessee will be ready and it should be a good game on a cold night in Columbus.

Last week, we gave our early predictions here at A to Z Sports. Today, the staff shares some final predictions ahead of the big-time game.

Ohio State 21, Tennessee 17

I had it being 31-23 in favor of Ohio State last week but the more I think about it, the more I see the scoring being a bit lower. These are two good defenses that will battle on a cold night. Ohio State has to throw the ball more than they did against Michigan, I still don’t see this being a game where there is a combined total of more than 50 points. Ohio State is going to have to play tough defense and rely on a few passes that must be executed. On the flip side, Tennessee runs the ball very well and that could really help them in this one. The Vols go home in a close one. - Brandon Little

Ohio State 24, Tennessee 20

Tennessee is a healthy team heading into the playoff matchup against Ohio State. The Vols should have everyone available, including running back Dylan Sampson who says he’s feeling the best he has all season, on Saturday night in Columbus. But I’m not sure that Tennessee’s improved health will be enough to leave the Horseshoe with a win. The Vols and the Buckeyes both have terrific defenses, which should result in a close game. Ohio State, however, has the advantage at wide receiver and this feels like a game that’s going to be won by whichever team makes the most splash plays in the passing game. I think that team will likely be the Buckeyes because of the superior wide receiver talent. - Zach Ragan

Ohio State 24, Tennessee 17

Both offenses will be at a disadvantage against physical and veteran defensive fronts. The cold weather might be a distraction, but the turnover battle and red zone efficiency of each team will be the bigger storyline. Ohio State is at risk of a home upset that changes the direction of the program, but I believe they'll do just enough to slow Dylan Sampson and avoid losing the time of possession battle. Converting on scoring opportunities will also be the other x-factor, and I think the duo of Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith gets Ohio State past a very good Tennessee team. - Ian Valentino 

Ohio State 17, Tennessee 13

This is a game I think really could go either way, as the teams match up pretty evenly. I expect a low-scoring rock fight between two teams with excellent defenses.I think the key will be who can convert third downs and find the end zone when given the opportunity. Ohio State and their talented WR group will find a way more often, while the Vols - while finding some success on the ground - will struggle to finish drives and settle for too many field goals. - Craig Smith