How ironic is it that just as the SEC is finally forced to succumb to the Big Ten’s demands and face a Big Ten team in their house in December, when it’s cold, that the SEC team may be better suited for that weather? Such is the case for the Tennessee Vols at the Ohio Buckeyes on Saturday.
Based on the UT players who will be key in the game, the Vols are clearly more built for brutal conditions like temperatures in the low 20s. Let’s break those guys down here in our list of the key Vols to watch for when Tennessee faces OSU on the road in its first College Football Playoff game Saturday night.
5. Dylan Sampspn
All year long, Dylan Sampson has been a second-half running back. Against the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State revealed it can struggle if you stick to the ground game. That combination could be deadly, and assuming Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and Andrej Karic hold their blocks, Sampson could really turn loose late in this game.
4. James Pearce Jr.
He’s obviously a big deal every game, but Ohio State is a special case because of the injuries up front. The Buckeyes haven’t been the same since losing Josh Simmons at tackle. Although Will Howard has a quick release, and Ryan Day’s spread offense involves quick reads, James Pearce Jr. should be able to wreak havoc here. Is another pick-six on a drop-back coming?
3. Nico Iamaleava
Going back to the offense, Nico Iamaleava may seem like another obvious pick, but he’s peaking at just the right time. Iamaleava has thrown four touchdown passes each of his past two games, and he failed to do that in any game beforehand. Now, OSU’s pass defense is brutal, but the Oregon Ducks showed it has some loopholes. Given his recent play, Iamaleava could exploit that.
2. Arion Carter
Key to containing the Urban Meyer spread offense, of which Day is a disciple, is big plays from the linebackers. Tim Banks will have to dial up proper blitz schemes at times, and both linebackers will need to stay at home at other times. Key on both of those fronts will be outside linebacker Arion Carter. He has to make plays and stay at home. If UT wins, he’ll be a big reason why.
1. Omari Thomas
Getting back to the injuries on the Ohio State offensive line, All-American Center Seth McLaughlin is also out for the year, and Michigan took advantage of that in a big way. Given Tennessee’s interior defensive line, the Vols should be able to do the same thing, and that’s where Omari Thomas comes in. The leader of the unit should be the anchor of a defensive line that could lead this team to victory.
