The Ohio State Buckeyes showcased their dominance with a stunning 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, effectively knocking the Vols out of contention for the College Football Playoffs. This matchup had been highly anticipated, with plenty of pre-game banter between the two storied programs, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown at The Horseshoe.
Leading up to this clash, the debate over the superiority of the SEC versus the Big Ten was rampant. Fans and analysts alike weighed in, eager to see which conference would assert its dominance. However, it was the Buckeyes who delivered a resounding statement on the field, leaving no doubt about their prowess. The performance was not just a win; it was a message.
After the game, Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard took to social media to send a powerful message to Tennessee, showcasing his knack for trash talk. “When people ask you what happened here, tell them the North remembers,” he posted, alongside images from the game. “Tell them Winter came for the Volunteers. See y’all in Pasadena.” This bold statement was reminiscent of Arya Stark’s chilling words from Game of Thrones, adding a cinematic flair to the rivalry.
Will Howard has become one of the biggest trash-talkers in the country. The star QB in Columbus is not afraid to taunt opponents, and so far he’s been able to walk the talk (except for The Game against Michigan). When Ohio State defeated Indiana earlier in the season, Howard mocked the Hoosiers by ‘putting out a cigarette’.
With this victory, the Buckeyes not only eliminated Tennessee but also secured their place in the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl. They will face the top-seeded Oregon Ducks on New Year’s Day, a rematch that has fans buzzing with excitement. Earlier this season, Ohio State suffered a narrow defeat to Oregon, losing 32-31 in a nail-biter that left a bitter taste in their mouths.
With their big win over Tennessee, the Buckeyes sent the Volunteers packing back to Knoxville. As for Ryan Day’s squad, Ohio State advanced to the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, where they will face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on New Year’s Day for a spot in the semifinal.
Howard, who delivered one of his best performances of the year against Oregon, is eager for redemption. He completed 28 passes for 326 yards and threw two touchdown passes in that earlier matchup. The anticipation is palpable as Howard prepares to lead his team against the Ducks once more.
A rivalry reignited
The rivalry between Ohio State and Tennessee has been reignited, with Howard’s social media post serving as a fitting conclusion to their recent encounters. His confidence and charisma have made him a fan favorite, and his ability to back up his words on the field only adds to his allure.
Howard’s impersonation of Arya Stark’s cold-blooded speech from Game of Thrones put a definitive full stop to the recent heated rivalry between the Buckeyes and Vols. It served as a fitting, cinematic ending to one of the most anticipated matchups in college football this season.
As the Buckeyes gear up for their clash with Oregon, Howard is brimming with excitement. “Yeah, I’m excited, man,” he said. “It’s going to be a heck of an opportunity for all of us. We’ve all been looking forward to this one and for another crack at [those] guys. The way that last one ended doesn’t sit right with me. It still bugs me.” This sentiment resonates with fans who are eager to see their team exact revenge.
Looking ahead to Pasadena
The upcoming Rose Bowl promises to be a spectacle, with both teams hungry for victory. It doesn’t get much bigger than a New Year’s Day matchup at this historic venue. The stakes are high, with only one team advancing to the CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, where they will face the winner of the Texas-Arizona State game.
Day and the Buckeyes offense are hoping for a repeat of their recent success, but they know the Ducks will be ready for a fight. The anticipation is building, and fans are counting down the days until they can witness this epic showdown.
It’s going to be a spectacle for sure. It doesn’t get any bigger than a New Year’s Day matchup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The Big Ten powerhouses will clash, with only one emerging to head to the CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, where they’ll face the winner of the Texas-Arizona State game.
As the Buckeyes prepare for this monumental challenge, one thing is clear: the passion for college football is alive and well. Will Howard and his teammates are ready to make their mark and show the world what Ohio State football is all about.
