Tennessee fans invade Ohio Stadium for CFP game against Ohio State football

On By Littum

The invasion was predicted.

On Saturday night, Ohio State kicked off against Tennessee in a College Football Playoff game. It marked Buckeyes‘ first home playoff game in school history, the product of the new 12-team field with the higher seeds hosting first-round games.

When the game started, the crowd—according to estimates by Dispatch reporters covering the game—was about 30% volunteer supporters. It was almost certainly the largest visiting contingent to ever enter Ohio Stadium.

That included Thom Campbell, a descendant of Davy Crockett, who traveled about eight hours to watch his team.

“We’re true Vols fans,” he said, pointing to his 7-year-old son Patrick, who was wearing a Squirrel White jersey. “I went to the ’98 championship in school and … I regret a few things about not going to Tempe and seeing them win the game. We were fortunate enough to have some Ohio State fans who gave us some tickets, so here we are.”

The Buckeyes promoted the game as a “scarlet out,” with fans asked to find winter coats in OSU colors and players donning scarlet jerseys and pants. But there were several signs that “The Shoe” would have large pockets of orange.

Earlier this week, SeatGeek shared that 42% of tickets sold on its platform had gone to Tennessee residents, while only 23% went to Ohioans. The out-of-towners had also scored a victory on StubHub, where — as of Tuesday morning — 37% of tickets had gone to Tennessee residents, while 34% were purchased by Ohioans.

University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd said he had been informed by his colleague at Ohio State, Ted Carter, that “the stadium might be 30% orange” on game day.

Ohio State Police had even vowed to prevent the Ohio Stadium goal posts from ending up in the Olentangy River.

It was already clear from Saturday morning that a number of Tennessee fans were making the trip to Columbus, it was not quite so obvious that these fans would be in the stadium. But they did make it through the gates.

That wouldn’t have shocked Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, who said Monday: “It’s a nice short drive up there (to Columbus, Ohio). Christmas is around the corner and (a CFP ticket) would be a great Christmas present.”

While Heupel described it as a “nice short drive,” Jennifer and Danny Rokisky said their ride was wet and snowy. Their journey was about six hours.

“We had heard some horror stories, but we’ve been treated pretty well,” Jennifer Rokisky. “Everyone has been really nice.”

“We’ve had a warm reception, except for the weather,” she added with a laugh.

“But let’s wait until after the game,” Danny Rokiksky chimed in, laughing as well.

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