For the first time ever, the Ohio State Buckeyes are hosting playoff football at The Shoe, and let’s just say—it’s about to be a December to remember.
As the No. 8 seed in the brand-new 12-team College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes (10-2) are gearing up to face the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. Oh, and did we mention? This is the first December home game in Ohio State’s entire football history.
Coach Ryan Day is hyped, and honestly, same. “It’s going to be electric,” Day said about the playoff atmosphere. And with Buckeye Nation packing Ohio Stadium under the lights, it’s bound to be unforgettable.
Now, let’s talk matchups.
Tennessee is rolling into this game with a 10-2 record, thanks to wins over Alabama (ugh) and N.C. State. But the Vols also stumbled against Arkansas and Georgia, so they’re not exactly invincible. Ohio State and Tennessee have only played once before—way back in the 1996 Citrus Bowl—where Tennessee squeaked out a 20-14 win.
This year, though? The stakes are way higher.
Whoever wins this game heads to Pasadena for a quarterfinal clash with No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. From there, it’s a gauntlet of potential semifinal opponents, including Texas, Clemson, or Arizona State. And if the Buckeyes can keep the momentum going? The National Championship in Atlanta on Jan. 20 is the ultimate prize.
But first, the Buckeyes have to handle business at home. “Getting this first win will be critical at building momentum,” Day said. It’s been a bumpy road to get here, but Ohio State is locked in. Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like playoff football in Columbus.
So, Buckeye Nation, consider this your official call to action.
Get your tickets, start making your tailgating plans, grab your scarlet and gray, and get ready to make history at The Shoe.
