Ohio State vs Tennessee weather: ESPN updates forecast for matchup along with Nico Iamaleava, Will Howard’s familiarity with cold

On By Littum

It is set to be a cold evening with weather in Columbus when Ohio State hosts Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Temperatures at kickoff are set to be around 25 degrees, with wind chill making it feel several degrees colder.

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe offered an update on the conditions with a few hours until the game starts, also previewing how it will affect the Vols’ quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Buckeyes signal callers Will Howard.

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“Here in Columbus it’s 27 degrees, but it feels like 19,” Rowe said. “And I can tell you, this weather is going to be a challenge for both teams. I talked to quarterbacks Will Howard and Nico Iamaleava. Ohio State’s Will Howard said the last game he played before he moved here when he was in Kansas State, there was 6-8 inches of snow, so he doesn’t expect any problems.

“Nico Iamaleava is from California and he said, ‘I’ve played in cold weather before. It snowed in Knoxville this week.’ He said he played a 7-on-7 tournament in the nationals and threw a bunch of touchdowns, but they lost the game. That will be a factor for both teams as they try to navigate the extreme cold here in Columbus. But I’m told no precipitation. So we’re looking forward to a loud, exciting – if a bit chilly – football match.”

Besides growing up in a warmer climate, Iamaleava is also the less experienced of the two quarterbacks. The redshirt freshman is in his first season as a starter at Tennessee after throwing for 2,512 yards and 19 touchdowns to five interceptions.

Howard is from Pennsylvania and has a little more experience playing in the cold. He also has three seasons of starting experience, although this is his first time in the College Football Playoff.

Howard has had the best season of his career this year with the Buckeyes throwing for 2,860 yards and 27 touchdowns to eight interceptions. With weapons at receiver such as Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbukaexpect Ohio State to be aggressive through the air as it looks to advance to the quarterfinals Oregon.

Kickoff between Tennessee and Ohio State is set for 7 p.m. 8 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium.