If anyone was wondering if Tennessee fans were making the trip in droves to Columbus today, the ESPN College GameDay set provided the answer.
Tennessee fans (unscientifically) comprised nearly half of the crowd between St. John Arena and the Horseshoe. That said, this is the 63rd time Ohio State has been showcased during the show and the fourth time this season.
The Buckeyes are 42-20 in the previous games, and the spotlight hasn't been a special occasion for Buckeye fans in quite some time who understandably aren't likely to leave home at 8 a.m. for an 8 p.m. kick in sub-freezing temps. By comparison, Tennessee has been a part of the show 27 times and has a 12-14 record to show for it.
29th year of doing @CollegeGameDay and this is by far the most fans from the visiting team Ive ever seen@KirkHerbstreit #GBO | @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/EtsdAgGA1N
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) December 21, 2024
Lee Corso, who chose Ohio State during the very first episode, did so again today for the 44th time in the history of the show.
"Buckeyes all the way!"
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 21, 2024
Coach Corso has his first love, Ohio State, taking down Tennessee in the CFP pic.twitter.com/IA3RWLSfC4
Renowned crowd instigator Pat McAfee got the Tennessee faithful riled up and led the crowd in singing Rocky Top as he was choosing tonight's winner ... which was Ohio State.
.@PatMcAfeeShow took the Buckeyes immediately after singing Rocky Top to the crowd pic.twitter.com/OWMbAjX9Az
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 21, 2024
Nick Saban, guest picker A.J. Hawk and even Desmond Howard also picked the Buckeyes, making Ohio State the unanimous choice of the GameDay crew.
The Buckeyes host the Volunteers tonight at 8 p.m. in Ohio Stadium. They have not faced each other since the 1996 Citrus Bowl, the programs’ only previous meeting – which was showcased during the broadcast with a special feature on how the Volunteers likely benefited from illegal equipment during that game.
The one and only meeting between Ohio State Football and Tennessee Football was at the 1996 Citrus Bowl Game
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 21, 2024
From Eddie George, to Peyton Manning, to controversial cleats, this game had it all.
(via @ESPNMcGee) pic.twitter.com/JyEMAZ0arH
Conditions tonight are expected to be dry with temperatures in the high 20s at kickoff.
