Ohio State is gearing up for a matchup against Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff in large part because of 1 of the best offensive lines in college football.

Center Seth McLaughlin has been the leader of that group in Columbus, even though he was lost for the season when he tore his Achilles tendon at practice on November 23. His play this season earned him recognition, as he was named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the nation’s best center.

McLaughlin played the first 4 seasons of his collegiate career at Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide have 1 of the best offensive lines every season. As soon as he suffered that injury, the Buckeye offense wasn’t quite the same.

In the loss to Michigan, his presence was missed in a big way. The Buckeyes rushed the ball 26 times for only 77 yards.

That loss could loom large in the first-round matchup against Tennessee, as the Volunteers have 1 of the best defenses in the country. They rank 5th in PPG allowed (13.9) and 8th in rushing yards allowed (99.3). If the Buckeyes are unable to run the ball in this matchup, then that puts more pressure on Will Howard and the Buckeyes passing attack.