ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit confirms suspicion about the role that Tennessee Vols fans played in Ohio State’s championship run

In the landscape of college football, where rivalries are fierce and allegiances run deep, stories of unexpected alliances or fan-driven impacts rarely go unnoticed. Recently, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, a respected voice in the sport, shed light on a fascinating narrative involving Tennessee Volunteers fans and their surprising role in aiding the Ohio State Buckeyes during their championship run. This revelation, while unexpected, underscores the intricate web of influences that define the college football ecosystem.

The Context of Ohio State’s Championship Run

To understand the significance of Herbstreit’s comments, one must revisit Ohio State’s storied 2014 season. Under the leadership of head coach Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes overcame adversity, including the loss of two starting quarterbacks, to secure a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff. The team’s journey culminated in a dominant 42-20 victory over the Oregon Ducks, earning Ohio State its eighth national championship.

However, the road to the playoff was anything but straightforward. The Buckeyes faced scrutiny from the selection committee, particularly after an early-season loss to Virginia Tech. Their eventual selection as the No. 4 seed hinged on a combination of factors, including their resounding 59-0 victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. Yet, as Herbstreit has now highlighted, another less obvious factor came into play—the influence of Tennessee Vols fans.

Kirk Herbstreit’s Revelation

In a recent discussion on ESPN, Herbstreit revealed that Tennessee’s passionate fan base inadvertently played a role in shaping the narrative around Ohio State during the 2014 season. According to Herbstreit, Vols fans were particularly vocal in their support of the Buckeyes’ playoff candidacy, primarily because they viewed Ohio State as a preferable alternative to the Alabama Crimson Tide, a long-time nemesis in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Herbstreit noted, “Tennessee fans had a vested interest in seeing Alabama kept out of the championship spotlight. Their vocal support for Ohio State—whether on social media, fan forums, or even during televised discussions—helped create a buzz that the selection committee couldn’t ignore.” This dynamic, while not the sole factor, added an intriguing layer to the Buckeyes’ case for inclusion in the playoff.

The Tennessee-Alabama Rivalry

To appreciate why Tennessee fans might support Ohio State over Alabama, one must consider the historic rivalry between the Volunteers and the Crimson Tide. Known as the “Third Saturday in October,” the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry dates back to 1901 and remains one of college football’s most storied matchups. Alabama has dominated the series in recent years, which has only fueled the animosity from Vols fans.

During the 2014 season, Alabama was once again a powerhouse, led by head coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide’s presence in the playoff race was a source of frustration for Tennessee fans, who were eager to see their rival’s dominance challenged. By supporting Ohio State, Vols fans found a way to align with a team that could potentially disrupt Alabama’s path to glory.

The Power of Fan Narratives

Herbstreit’s comments highlight the often-underestimated role that fan bases play in shaping college football narratives. While the College Football Playoff selection committee’s decisions are based on objective criteria such as strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and conference championships, public perception can also influence the process. Tennessee’s vocal fan base added to the chorus of voices advocating for Ohio State’s inclusion, amplifying the Buckeyes’ case on a national stage.

Social media platforms, in particular, have given fans unprecedented access to influence conversations about the sport. Hashtags, viral posts, and coordinated campaigns can sway public opinion and, by extension, the media coverage that shapes the narrative around playoff contenders. In 2014, Tennessee fans leveraged these tools to make their voices heard, contributing to the discourse surrounding Ohio State.

Ohio State’s Gratitude

While Herbstreit’s revelation may come as a surprise to some, it’s likely that Ohio State’s players and coaches would view the support from Tennessee fans as a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football. The Buckeyes’ championship run was a triumph of resilience and teamwork, but the external factors that aided their journey should not be overlooked.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, who led the team to victory after stepping in as the third-string starter, became an overnight sensation. His performance, along with standout contributions from players like Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa, captured the imagination of fans across the country. Tennessee fans, in their indirect way, were part of this broader wave of support that propelled the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of the sport.

The Broader Implications

Herbstreit’s comments serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of college football. While rivalries and regional loyalties often define the sport, moments like these reveal the unexpected alliances that can emerge. Tennessee’s support for Ohio State underscores the complexity of fandom, where rooting against a rival can be just as powerful as cheering for one’s own team.

This revelation also raises questions about the extent to which fan-driven narratives should influence decision-making in college football. While the selection committee’s primary responsibility is to evaluate teams based on their on-field performance, the impact of public opinion cannot be entirely discounted. Herbstreit’s insights suggest that the voices of fans, when amplified, can shape the landscape of the sport in meaningful ways.

The story of Tennessee Vols fans aiding Ohio State’s championship run is a testament to the unpredictable and deeply interconnected nature of college football. Kirk Herbstreit’s revelation adds a new dimension to the 2014 season, highlighting the power of fan narratives and the unique alliances that define the sport. For Tennessee fans, their role in this story may serve as a small but satisfying reminder of their ability to impact the game, even from the sidelines. For Ohio State, it’s a chapter in their history that underscores the multifaceted journey to a national championship. And for college football as a whole, it’s a story that reinforces why the sport continues to captivate millions with its drama, passion, and unpredictability.