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Eddie George Has Message For Ohio State Ahead Of Saturday's Playoff Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Dec 20, 2024 1:04 PM ET

When it comes to success at Ohio State, few have done better in the program's illustrious history than Eddie George. George won the Heisman trophy as a Buckeye, setting a then-program record by nearly reaching 2,000 rushing yards.

The Buckeyes have retired his No. 27 jersey, and George has been honored as an Ohio State legend on several occasions. George would go on to enjoy a successful NFL career, making four trips to the Pro Bowl and being selected as an All-Pro twice.

Ahead of Ohio State's huge first-round game in the College Football Playoff on Saturday evening, George had a message for the Buckeyes.

George actually played in the last game Ohio State met Tennessee, way back in the 1996 Citrus Bowl. George and his Buckeyes were against a Tennessee team led by a quarterback named Peyton Manning.

"All I'm hearing about is the '96 year and how this is Neyland Stadium North and that Tennessee is going to take over Ohio Stadium. If I'm Ohio State and a Buckeye fan I take that personally. That's personal," George said, noting that he played professionally in Tennessee with the Titans.

"I expect our fans to show up, be oud, be a major factor in the game this weekend ... Make it very uncomfortable for them to play in our stadium."

George also talked about what it was like playing for a team that didn't quite live up to expectations, something that the current Buckeye roster can relate to.

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: The Ohio State Buckeyes dance team and cheerleaders lead the Buckeyes on the the field prior to the college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes on November 26, 2022, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

"The expectations going in this year and having an opportunity to beat That Team Up North was very disappointing. I understand it because I lived it. So now they have to really shift gears and get their minds right. One goal was not met, but now they have the rest of the season to be able to end it beautifully," George said.

"They've had two or three weeks to hone in on what needs to get done. They're going to have to establish the line of scrimmage. Jeremiah Smith is going to have to get involved. Defensively, they're going to have their hands full. It's going to be a really great game to watch."

The Buckeyes are slightly favored as the hosts in Saturday's big matchup, and they'll look to assert themselves on home turf against a Tennessee team that's been tested by the SEC.

We'll see if George's words ring true on Saturday when these two elite college football squads face off.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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