Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes remain favored over Tennessee as game week arrives

COLUMBUS — Ohio State opened last Sunday as a 7-point favorite over Tennessee for the first-round College Football Playoff game on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.

The Buckeyes have remained a touchdown favorite. Yes, they’re still a 7.5-point favorite for the game against the Volunteers in the Horseshoe. The total is set at 47.5, the lowest total of the four first-round College Football Playoff games.

While both teams are 10-2 on the season, Ohio State is 6-6 against the spread; Tennessee is 7-5 against the number on the year. The under has hit in seven of the Buckeyes 12 games this season. Seven of the Vols 12 games, however, have gone over the set total.

Tennessee covered in each of its first four games but them only covered the spread in three of its next eight games.

ICYMI: Four Buckeyes honored as AFCA All-American selections

COLUMBUS — Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin and safety Caleb Downs are one step closer to earning trees in Buckeye Grove as consensus All-Americans. Both were first-team selections by Walter Camp Football Foundation on Thursday night — and again by the American Football Coaches Association on Friday.

Yes, both Alabama transfers are first-team All-Americans from two of the five major services that count toward consensus and unanimous honors.

Superstar freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a second-team All-American selection for the Buckeyes by both the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association. He finished the regular season with 57 catches for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns during his first year on campus, a remarkable stat line for a first-year receiver.

Smith was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and the Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year last week when the league released its awards and honors.

Senior offensive lineman Donovan Jackson was named a second-team selection by the American Football Coaches Association as well.

ICYMI: Ohio State men’s basketball blown out by No. 2 Auburn in Atlanta

For the second time in the last three games, Ohio State was blown out in embarrassing fashion. This time, the runaway came from the No. 2 team in the country.

Just 10 days after being beaten horribly by Maryland to open Big Ten play, the Buckeyes returned to nonconference action in State Farm Arena down in Atlanta. And they were destroyed by No. 2 Auburn.

Final score: Auburn 91, Ohio State 53.

Yes, 10 days ago, the Buckeyes were down 33 at the half and eventually lost by 24. This time, they trailed the Tigers by 28 at the break and lost by 36.

In between the two terrible blowout losses was a win over a decent Rutgers team, giving Ohio State a split of its early-season Big Ten games. But this loss to Auburn is yet another sign that the first year of the Jake Diebler era might not go well as competition stiffens.

For what it’s worth, second-year forward Devin Royal led the Buckeyes with 14 points. Micah Parrish added 10. Ohio State was outrebounded by an astounding 49-28 margin.

Counting down

Tennessee at Ohio State: 5 days
Ohio State at Michigan: 349 days

Are you a Lettermen Row member yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Buckeyes news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.