Ohio State vs Tennessee weather: ESPN updates forecast for matchup along with Nico Iamaleava, Will Howard familiarity with cold

It’s set to be a frigid evening of weather in Columbus when Ohio State hosts Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Temperatures at kickoff are set to be around 25 degrees, with the wind chill making it feel several degrees colder.

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe offered an update on the conditions with a couple of hours to go until the game starts, also previewing how it will affect Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Buckeyes signal caller Will Howard.

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“Here in Columbus, it is 27 degrees, but feels like 19,” Rowe said. “And I can tell you, this weather is going to be a challenge for both teams. I did speak with quarterbacks Will Howard and Nico Iamaleava. Will Howard of Ohio State said the last game he played before transferring here when he was at Kansas State, there was 6-8 inches of snow. So he’s not anticipating any problems.

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

In addition to growing up in a more warm weather are, Iamaleava is also the least experienced of the two quarterbacks. The redshirt freshman is in his first season as the starter at Tennessee, having thrown for 2,512 yards and 19 touchdowns to five interceptions.

Howard is from Pennsylvania and has a bit more experience playing in the cold. He also has three seasons of starting experience, though this is his first time in the College Football Playoff.

Howard has had the best season of his career this year with the Buckeyes to throw for 2,860 yards and 27 touchdowns to eight interceptions. With weapons at receiver such as Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, expect Ohio State to be aggressive through the air as it looks to advance to the quarterfinals to face Oregon.

Kickoff between Tennessee and Ohio State is set for 8 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium.