Tennessee safety Andre Turrentine has added fuel to the pre-game buzz ahead of Ohio State’s upcoming playoff game against the Volunteers by questioning the atmosphere at Ohio State’s stadium, commonly known as “The Shoe.” Turrentine, who started his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Tennessee, made the statement, “The Shoe isn’t as loud as the SEC. It’s a different animal here,” suggesting that the intensity and noise levels in Ohio State’s home stadium are not on par with what he experienced in the SEC.
This remark has intensified the rivalry ahead of their first-round playoff clash. Ohio State fans, still reeling from the recent loss to Michigan, are eager to channel that frustration into a strong performance against Tennessee. The game will be played at Ohio Stadium, which hasn’t hosted a big home night game this season but is expected to provide a charged atmosphere now, potentially making it more intimidating for the Volunteers.
The stakes are high as the winner of this matchup will advance to face Oregon in the Rose Bowl, adding even more significance to the game. Both teams are looking to make a statement in the playoffs and secure a spot in a major bowl game, making this contest a critical opportunity for both sides.