It’s expected to be an icy evening in Columbus Ohio State host Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Temperatures at kick-off are expected to be around 25 degrees, although the cool wind will make it feel a few degrees colder.

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe offered an update on the conditions a few hours before the game began and also previewed how it will affect the Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Buckeyes signal caller Will Howard.

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

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

In addition to growing up in a warmer climate, Iamaleava is also the least experienced of the two quarterbacks. The redshirt freshman is in his first season as a starter at Tennessee and has thrown for 2,512 yards and 19 touchdowns with 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 had the best season of his career with the Buckeyes this year, throwing for 2,860 yards and 27 touchdowns with eight interceptions. With weapons on the receiver such as Jeremiah Smith And Emeka EgbukaExpect Ohio State to be aggressive in the air as they look to advance to the quarterfinals Oregon.

Kickoff between Tennessee and Ohio State is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium.