Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel, addressed concerns about his team playing in the cold weather at Ohio State, emphasizing that his squad is accustomed to chilly conditions. Kicker Max Gilbert even shared a picture from a snowy practice day, demonstrating the team’s readiness for cold climates. Notably, Tennessee recently overcame Vanderbilt in conditions that felt like winter, with temperatures dropping to the 30s during the game, but managed a 36-23 victory thanks to heated benches and warm clothing.
As the Volunteers prepare for their first-round matchup in the College Football Playoff in Columbus, Ohio, the forecast suggests temperatures might range from the high teens to low 20s, with a chance of snow. However, given the geographical similarities between the Tennessee and Ohio valleys, Heupel noted that the weather won’t feel drastically different for players traveling 350 miles north. He humorously remarked about the climate, suggesting it resembles a June day in South Dakota, ultimately downplaying any weather-related anxieties, stating, “at the end of the day, you get between the white lines, weather doesn’t matter.”
This year’s playoff introduces first-round games hosted on campus, adding uncertainty to weather conditions. The onset of winter comes as a change from the typically warm climates that Power Four teams are used to during postseason play. For many players, the idea of training for a bowl game in a pleasant environment signifies the reward for a long season. Those who win this weekend can expect warmer venues for the quarterfinals, but players generally embrace the chance to compete in wintry conditions, accepting the needed layers to combat the cold as part of the experience of striving for a national title.
SMU’s coach Rhett Lashlee highlighted that players’ dreams of playing at the professional level should include experiences of cold games, indicating that weather variations are manageable, saying, “the weather is only going to be an issue if we allow it.” Fans share this sentiment, despite the physical discomfort that frigid temperatures bring. Earl Brown, a devoted Tennessee season ticket holder, echoed enthusiasm for the game regardless of the weather. He has attended 355 consecutive games and plans to be at this one too, declaring that nothing would deter him from being present.
His wife, Judy, humorously noted they would bundle up in several layers to brace for the cold. Meanwhile, at Penn State, predictions suggest a similarly chilly matchup as they host SMU, with temperatures falling into the low teens. Lashlee acknowledged the stark contrast from the warm 70-degree weather in Dallas but feels confident in his team’s adjustment after playing in the cold recently.
In Indiana, there’s little difference expected between Bloomington and the upcoming game in South Bend. The weather forecast shows a significant chance of snow, which Notre Dame players are eager to embrace. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke has fond memories of playing in snowy conditions and is looking forward to the atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium, stating, “snow games are pretty fun.”
Overall, teams and fans alike are gearing up for a thrilling playoff experience, ready to face the elements in pursuit of glory on the football field.