No. 9 seed Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) is gearing up for a chilly game on Saturday, reminiscent of their 2019 matchup against Missouri in similarly cold conditions. The Vols are set to face off against No. 8 seed Ohio State (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) in the first round of the College Football Playoff, where below-freezing temperatures are expected at the game’s kickoff in Columbus, Ohio.
The last time Tennessee played in cold weather on the road was on November 23, 2019, when they faced Missouri in temperatures around 39°F with winds between 7-9 mph. Despite the freezing conditions, Tennessee managed to secure a 24-20 victory over the Tigers.
During that game, quarterback Jarrett Guarantano put on an impressive performance, completing 23 out of 40 passes for 415 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was particularly notable as it marked the first time since 2012 that a Tennessee quarterback had thrown for over 400 yards in a game, a feat previously achieved by Tyler Bray.
In addition to Guarantano’s standout performance, Tennessee saw three wide receivers surpass the 100-yard mark for the first time in school history. Josh Palmer finished with 124 yards, Jauan Jennings added 115 yards, and Marquez Callaway contributed 110 yards in the game.
As the Vols prepare for their cold-weather playoff game against Ohio State, Guarantano spoke with Vols Wire about the team’s readiness to face the elements and how their previous experiences in cold weather have helped them adapt. He emphasized that many analysts underestimate Tennessee’s ability to play in cold conditions, pointing out that Knoxville itself can experience frigid weather during winter months.
Guarantano explained that in addition to the Missouri game, the Vols have participated in several cold-weather games and practiced in similar conditions regularly. “What a lot of people don’t understand about Knoxville is how cold it can get,” Guarantano said. “We’ve played in a bunch of cold weather games, and we practice in cold weather all the time. It’s not much different from the North. I’m from New Jersey, so it’s not a big deal for me, and the team is used to it. The only real factor could be the travel, but it’s not really that far. If we were going to the Rose Bowl or something, then maybe, but for this game, it’s not that bad.”
Guarantano pointed out that the weather in Ohio won’t be much of an issue for the team, especially since it won’t involve snow or any extreme conditions. He stated, “The weather isn’t really an effect. It’s just a little colder than usual. We’ve got the Smoky Mountains and Rocky Top, so the guys are accustomed to colder temperatures.” He believes the main challenge the team may face is the mental aspect of playing in cold conditions, though he feels the excitement of the game will override any physical discomfort. “The only thing it can affect is the mental side of things,” he said. “It’s a little harder to get warm, a little harder to sweat, but for this game, everyone will be ready to go. The adrenaline will be flowing, and the cold won’t be an issue.”
Tennessee’s experience in cold weather games has certainly prepared them for the upcoming playoff challenge. While Ohio State may have a slight home-field advantage in terms of familiarity with the colder conditions, Guarantano’s confidence in the Vols’ ability to adapt is evident. Whether it’s the brisk temperatures of Missouri in 2019 or the freezing conditions expected at Ohio State, Tennessee seems poised to take on the challenge with determination and the mindset that they’ve faced tougher conditions before.
As both teams prepare for an intense and highly competitive matchup, Tennessee’s readiness to handle the elements will be put to the test. However, based on their previous experiences, the Vols are confident that the cold weather will not deter them from performing at their best. The combination of preparation, mental toughness, and the desire to win will likely play a significant role in Tennessee’s ability to succeed in the College Football Playoff, regardless of the weather.
