Ohio State fans? Oh, they’re built differently. With the Buckeyes hosting Tennessee in the first round of the new 12-team playoff on December 21, these folks are out here acting like they’re the 12th man on the field. After that brutal loss to Michigan in Week 14—at home, no less—Buckeye Nation knows they gotta step it up. The mission is clear: pack The Shoe to the brim with scarlet and gray and make sure Tennessee fans feel like strangers in their house.

And let us tell you, these fans are going all in. Social media is popping off with posts rallying the troops. One fan page, Buckeyes Network, threw down the gauntlet with an IG story that screamed, “Tickets are CHEAP. Don’t let the Vols snag these seats 🙏.” Who needs a marketing team when your fanbase handles business like this? They know Ohio Stadium holds 102,780 rabid fans, and they’re making sure every single seat is spoken for. And also, tickets are actually low-key cheap, though; it’s around 120-150  max. So, it’s not a bad deal. 

But let’s not sugarcoat it—this ain’t just about tickets. This is a redemption tour for Ryan Day. 4 straight L’s to Michigan, and folks are already asking, “Is he the guy?” Yeah, that hot seat is more like a sauna right now. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Josh Heupel is over here looking to crash the party. Both teams are 10-2, but one coach is fighting for respect while the other is trying to prove his squad belongs on the big stage.

The fans? Oh, they’re wildin’. From scarlet-and-gray decked-out vans to Buckeye bars where the vibes are undefeated, Ohio State fans live and breathe this stuff. But let’s keep it real—cheering only gets you so far. At the end of the day, Ryan Day’s boys gotta show up and ball out because Tennessee ain’t coming to Columbus to play nice.

Can Josh Heupel’s Volunteers Win Against Ryan Day in Ohio Stadium?

Here’s the deal—Tennessee ain’t scared and, in fact, built to rumble, especially when it comes to running the rock. They rank ninth in the nation with 232 rushing yards per game. That’s not just good; that’s “we’re coming to snatch your soul” good. Ohio State? They’re chilling way back at 59th, averaging just 169.2 yards on the ground. It’s not exactly the blueprint for winning in cold, smash-mouth football weather.

Josh Pate summed it up perfectly: “The weather being in the 20s is supposed to benefit the northern team, and yet, based on style of play, Tennessee is the one that can ground and pound a little bit better here.” Translation: The Vols don’t care if it’s freezing—they’re coming to move the chains and break some spirits. And with Ohio State’s run defense looking shaky against Michigan, Tennessee might just run circles around them.

Now, we hear you—“But Ohio State’s used to the cold!” Cool story, but this ain’t about temps. It’s about who can dominate the trenches, and Tennessee’s got the tools to handle business. The Vols already flexed in bad weather with that gritty win over Vanderbilt. Ohio State better pray their passing game is on point because if Tennessee gets rolling on the ground, it’s curtains. Bottom line? This game is bigger than talent—it’s about heart. Ohio State has the home-field hype, but Tennessee’s got that dog in them. If Josh Heupel’s crew sticks to their smash-mouth style, don’t be in awe if the Vols walk out of Columbus with Ryan Day’s job security in their back pocket.