Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day, Buckeyes confidence level heading into CFP

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is heading into the College Football Playoff first-round matchup against Tennessee with its share of flaws. But as Buckeyes coach Ryan Day sees it, every team in the field has issues of their own.

Could the Buckeyes make a run? They’re one of the most talented teams in the field, and if they get hot, watch out. Day and his team are heading into the CFP with a lot of confidence, even after the frustrating loss to an overmatched and underachieving Michigan team last week.

That’s not going to stop Ohio State from believing it can win the first 12-team CFP.

“I think when you look at a bunch of the teams that are in there, our guys have played some of these teams, whether it was this year in the past, whatever it might be,” Day said. “So there’s guys who have a lot of confidence looking at the draw saying, “we know who these teams are.” They’re very good, but we also feel confident in who we are, where we are when we’re playing our best.

“Now, we also have to make adjustments and make corrections and fix the things that need to get fixed coming off the last game. That has to happen. But almost every team in this this playoff has their own issues. They have their own things that they they need to address. So to me, that’s going to be a huge part of who has success here.”

If the Buckeyes can correct their issues along the offensive line and elsewhere in the next 12 days, they’ll have a great chance to beat Tennessee in Round 1 and move on to a quarterfinal Rose Bowl against Oregon.

Buckeyes in CFP, will host Tennessee

Ohio State is officially in the first 12-team College Football Playoff, and the Buckeyes will host a first-round matchup in the Horseshoe.

Yes, after a 10-2 regular season that included wins over both No. 11 Indiana and No. 6 Penn State, the Buckeyes earned the right to host a first-round game. They’ll play No. 9 seed Tennessee on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. with the No. 1 ABC crew of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.

The winner will play No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal.

Ohio State didn’t end the regular season the way it wanted to, losing in embarrassing fashion to a mediocre Michigan team in the rivalry game. It was even at home for the Buckeyes. But this matchup against Tennessee will give the Buckeyes a chance to finish the home slate on better terms — while competing for the ultimate prize, a national championship.

The ‘natty or bust’ sentiment from the offseason can finally be either proven or disproven. Ohio State knows its path to its first title in a decade. It won’t be easy, but the path is there.

It’s official now: the path starts with a home game against Tennessee.

READ: What is the Ohio State path to the national championship?

READ: With Tennessee matchup set, Buckeyes turn focus to ‘electric’ first-round home game

READ: Ohio State preps to face a dangerous Tennessee offense

Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown entering transfer portal

COLUMBUS — Ohio State backup quarterback Devin Brown will enter the transfer portal when it opens on Monday morning.

Brown will remain with the Buckeyes through the College Football Playoff.

“After many long conversations with my family and careful consideration of my future, I have decided to enter the transfer portal following this season,” Brown said on social media. “I am beyond grateful for my time at Ohio State. It has truly been an honor to wear the Scarlet and Gray. The memories and lifelong relationships I have formed here will always be cherished. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Coach Day and all the coaches who have supported me during my time in Columbus.

“I entered this season with the intent of doing everything I could to win a National Championship with my brothers, and that goal is still very much alive. I will remain with the team and honor my commitment for the remainder of the season as we pursue our goal of winning it all.”

The third-year quarterback will have three years of eligibility remaining wherever he chooses to go.

Brown joined the program as a freshman in 2022 and has played in 16 games for the Buckeyes, completing 26 of 46 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns.

READ MORE: Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown entering transfer portal

Counting down

Tennessee at Ohio State: 12 days

Ohio State at Michigan: 356 days

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