The Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing to host the Tennessee Volunteers in a first-round College Football Playoff matchup this Saturday at Ohio Stadium. However, Tennessee fans are reportedly making plans to diminish Ohio State’s home-field advantage.
Rumors suggest a significant number of Volunteers fans intend to travel to Ohio Stadium, prompting Buckeyes athletic director Ross Bjork to urge Ohio State supporters not to sell their tickets to Tennessee fans. Despite Bjork’s plea, it seems Volunteers supporters are determined to make their presence felt.
In a bold act of trolling, someone renamed “Ohio State” on Apple Maps to “Neyland North,” referencing Neyland Stadium, Tennessee’s home field in Knoxville. The nickname plays on the geographical fact that Ohio is north of Tennessee.
Known for their passionate and boisterous fanbase, Tennessee supporters are expected to bring their energy to Columbus, potentially offsetting Ohio State’s home-field advantage.
On the field, the matchup promises to be challenging for the Buckeyes. Ohio State ended the regular season with a 10-2 record but showed vulnerabilities, particularly in their season-ending loss to rival Michigan. In contrast, Tennessee also went 10-2, recording impressive wins over Alabama, Oklahoma, and North Carolina State.
Tennessee’s stingy defense could prove problematic for the Buckeyes, who struggled to adapt offensively against Michigan. Ohio State will need to be creative to avoid a disappointing playoff exit.
The game’s intensity will likely extend to the stands as well, with Tennessee fans poised to make good on their plans to invade Columbus, potentially creating a hostile environment for the Buckeyes.
