Eric Boggs
The Buckeyes’ 2024 season is about to reach its pivotal moment. Ohio State is set to host the Tennessee Volunteers in a first-round College Football Playoff matchup at Ohio Stadium. With a trip to the Rose Bowl and a potential rematch against the undefeated Oregon Ducks on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the scarlet and gray.
This week, the official game trailer set the tone for what’s ahead. Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett delivered a stirring message from the program’s trophy room, reminding the team and fans alike of the enduring Buckeye standard.
“Every story takes a journey of its own, where the easy roads don’t test you. It’s the adversity, the pain, the struggles that turn fear to fire. That’s what makes you who you are,” Clarett said. “There’s a standard when you are a Buckeye. It’s what separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. We have the pen to write how this story ends.”
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day echoed this sentiment in practice, emphasizing that the Buckeyes still control their narrative. “The story for the Buckeyes’ 2024 season has yet to be written,” he told his players.
The trailer also featured emotional speeches from Will Howard, Donovan Jackson, and JT Tuimoloau. Their leadership will be critical as Ohio State faces a formidable Tennessee team that thrives on physicality and explosive plays. Clarett’s message carried a resounding theme of perseverance and unity: “Our next chapter is right now, right here, right in front of us. We’re here to tell you our story writes on.”
As game day approaches, the weather forecast has added another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes clash. The Buckeyes, accustomed to colder conditions, are hosting a Tennessee team unaccustomed to playing in freezing temperatures. Many fans had hoped for snow to further challenge the Volunteers, but while the skies will remain clear, the cold will still be a factor.
According to the Weather Channel, temperatures will hover around 25 degrees at kickoff, with a wind chill making it feel like 20. By the end of the game, the temperature will drop to 23 degrees, with a “feels-like” temperature of 18 degrees. Ohio State has prepared for these conditions by practicing outdoors throughout the week, while Tennessee has opted for indoor practices, raising questions about their readiness for the elements.
Cold weather often favors teams with a strong ground game, a strength of the Volunteers. However, Ohio State’s balanced attack and familiarity with frigid conditions could tip the scales in their favor. The Buckeyes will look to exploit their passing game to gain an edge against Tennessee’s defense, setting the stage for an epic showdown under the lights of the Horseshoe.
The journey to the Rose Bowl begins tonight. The Buckeyes’ story continues, with their destiny firmly in their hands.
