"Tennessee's Andre Turrentine Makes a Comeback to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Notebook"
Number 9 seeded Tennessee will have their first appearance at Number 8 Ohio State on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN). However, Volunteers safety Andre Turrentine will be in a familiar environment at Ohio Stadium for the first-round matchup of the College Football Playoff.
He participated in four games for the Buckeyes (10-2) as a freshman in 2021 before joining the Vols as a Nashville native.
\"I am familiar with many of the players on that team, so having that sense of brotherhood and camaraderie from my time as a freshman there will be significant in this game and for me personally,\" said Turrentine, a redshirt junior.
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He has recorded 35 tackles and one interception while starting in all 12 games for the Vols (10-2) this season.
Ohio State's defensive coordinator Jim Knowles feels prepared for Tennessee's fast-paced offense, which ranks 11th nationally with an average of 74.6 plays per game.
\"Our defense is designed for tempo,\" he stated.
--Quarterback Riley Leonard from Number 7 ranked Notre Dame (11-1) is excited about the possibility of playing for a national championship. However, as he told Nicole Auerbach of NBC Sports, the matchup against Number 10 ranked Indiana (11-1) on Friday in South Bend, Ind. (8 p.m., ABC/ESPN) is also about regional pride.
\"It is a huge game for the state of Indiana. We have been striving for it to become a football state,\" he said. \"It is well-known for basketball, for obvious reasons.\"
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti shares his thoughts on how the game will unfold: \"We have a plus-15 turnover ratio, while they have a plus-16. Therefore, ball security will be crucial for both teams in order to win the turnover battle.\"
--Even though Number 6 ranked Penn State (11-2) lost to Number 1 ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, the Nittany Lions were encouraged by their 292 rushing yards. Now, they will face off against Number 11 ranked SMU (11-2), who is ranked fourth nationally with an average of 93.4 rushing yards allowed per game.
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\"Our expectation is that we perform at this level in every single game,\" said Penn State center Nick Dawkins. \"It does not matter who our opponent is.\"
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee shares his thoughts on the perceived advantage Penn State may have with a forecasted high of 28 degrees: \"They will have to play in the same weather conditions as we do, and I do not believe they have played a game at home on December 21st either. Therefore, I do not think the weather will be a significant factor.\"
--Texas coach Steve Sarkisian expects great things from quarterback Quinn Ewers when the Longhorns (11-2) host Number 12 ranked Clemson on Saturday (4 p.m., TNT/MAX).
\"We all need to elevate our game to another level, and he is no exception, right?\" Sarkisian said. \"He needs to perform.\"
Actor Matthew McConaughey is a devoted Longhorns fan, but that does not mean much to Clemson (10-3) defensive lineman T.J. Parker.
\"I do not know who that is,\" the sophomore stated on Tuesday. \"I may recognize his face, but not his name. I am not familiar with him.\"
