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Ohio State’s decisive victory over Tennessee showcased how home field advantage can play a pivotal role in playoff performances. Northern teams like Ohio State are built to withstand frigid temperatures, often dealing with seasonal challenges that southern teams might find foreign. This factor created a significant imbalance in the performance of the teams on the field.
Meanwhile, the spirit of the game was amplified when Tennessee fans, despite witnessing their team struggle in frosty conditions, brought energy and enthusiasm into a cold stadium. Their commitment was a bright spot, even as they faced the harsh reality of the game, ultimately watching their team falter and feeling the impact of the cold as both a physical hurdle and a psychological one.