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The Buckeyes witnessed the birth of a superstar in freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith finished the regular season with 57 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 16.4 yards per reception. Smith exploded onto the scene with at least one touchdown in his first seven games.

Ohio State’s 1-2 punch of senior running back TreVeyon Henderson and junior running back Quinshon Judkins turned in a strong showing for the carry share. Judkins amassed 147 carries for 805 yards and eight touchdowns. Henderson hauled 108 carries for 751 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.

The defense was the best in the nation, holding opponents to 10.92 points per game. They allowed just 241 yards of total offense per game, the fewest offensive touchdowns (14) and the second fewest yards per play (4.10). Their red zone defense allowed 55.2%, which is also the best mark in the country.

Senior defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau have combined for 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 39 solo tackles. Senior Denzel Burke has 31 solo tackles and two interceptions with two pass deflections.

Tennessee Volunteers

Like the Buckeyes, The Volunteers (10-2) slipped up just twice this season, falling to Georgia and Arkansas on the road. Tennessee has won six of its last seven games heading into its first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Tennessee’s bread and butter has been its run game, which boasts one of the top backs in the county in junior Dylan Sampson. The bell cow back has blasted through defenses with 256 carries for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.