Memphis to face West Virginia for the first time in Frisco Bowl showdown

In a significant college football event in the United States, Ohio State faced Tennessee in Columbus on December 21 to decide who would take on the undefeated Oregon Ducks in the upcoming Rose Bowl. This matchup was critical as Oregon, having an impressive season with a record of 13-0, was the top seed in the College Football Playoff, and the Rose Bowl represented a playoff quarterfinal. The anticipation around the game was heightened given the rich history and rivalry between the teams, as this encounter marked only the second time they were meeting on the field. Their previous clash occurred during the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 1996, where Tennessee narrowly defeated Ohio State 20-14. Ohio State's performance leading up to this moment was crucial, as they faced disappointment after losing to Michigan in a close 13-10 game, which cost them a spot in the Big Ten Championship. Consequently, they were determined to perform well at home against Tennessee, who also finished the regular season with a strong 10-2 record. The historical context added depth to the competition, with Ohio State having made 16 appearances in the Rose Bowl historically, while Tennessee had not played there since 1945. As preparations took place, both teams had strengths to leverage against each other, with Ohio State aiming to maintain its excellent home record while Tennessee sought to break its long-standing absence from Pasadena. The matchup held not only implications for those directly involved but also for the overall landscape of college football, especially with Oregon representing the front-running team in the playoffs. The significance of this game was palpable, as it would not only pave the way for Oregon’s next step in its championship quest but also showcase the intense competition nature of college football and serve as a thrilling prelude to the Rose Bowl festivities in Pasadena. As the Rose Bowl is traditionally associated with teams from the Big Ten and various West Coast conferences, Ohio State's chance to face Oregon in this historic game represented a return to the traditional ideals of college football’s biggest bowl day. The importance of this impending showdown during the holiday season would captivate fans, alumni, and students from both universities as they rallied behind their respective teams with hopes of a national championship title in sight.