Tennessee offensive players detail battle ahead with tough Ohio State defense
The Tennessee Vols received their College Football Playoff draw on Sunday as Josh Heupel’s program will be the 9-seed on the road at 8-seed Ohio State on Saturday, December 21 at 8 o’clock eastern time on ABC.
The Buckeyes present quite a challenge on the defensive end as they lead all College Football Playoffs teams in several defensive statistics.
“I see what lines up in the numbers. They are a really solid defense,” All-SEC center Cooper Mays said of watching Ohio State’s film. “They are a really good defense and one of the best defenses in the country for sure statistically, but on tape you can see it as well. Really talented group of guys that play with the scheme really well but have a lot of talent as well.”
Tennessee, in many areas, is also playing some of its best football. That’s important leading into the playoffs and needs to keep up. Confidence is key for the Vols and they are playing with plenty up front.
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“I think as the year has gone on, we have gotten better at seeing how defenses want to play us,” senor offensive lineman Andrej Karic said on Wednesday. “Kind of just seeing what we are going to see and being able to react faster – knowing what to expect. When you go out there and play a little timid at the beginning of the year, just trying to figure it out. Once you feel it out, it lets you play a lot faster and as a result, lets you play better. I do feel like all have grown in confidence.”
The Vols will continue preparations this week before officially hitting game week once again on Sunday.
