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Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson calls out Tennessee fans for ‘Neyland North’ moniker
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson did not appreciate Tennessee fans trying to take over and rename Ohio Stadium on Saturday night. However, the Buckeyes had the last laugh in the 42-17 win in the College Football Playoff.
Leading up to the game, it was reported that Tennessee fans had purchased up tickets for the road game in impressive numbers, and the Vol faithful did show out in droves. It was not a traditional home scene for the Buckeyes, and Jackson admitted after the win that the team was feeling a certain way after being booed during warm-ups.
He also called out a “lame” attempt of fans to refer to the Horseshoe as Neyland North.
“It made us feel some type of way coming out to warm-ups and we’re getting booed, like ‘wait a second.’ What did they call it, Neyland North or something? Yeah, that was lame,” said Jackson.
While Tennessee did have a strong contingent represented, the OSU faithful still made their presence felt against Josh Heupel and company during a lightning-fast start for the Buckeyes. A 21-0 first quarter proved to be too big of an early deficit for the Volunteers.
Jackson went on to say he’s heard all about the Tennessee fanbase from family, but he was glad to represent the Buckeyes on this day:
“It’s Playoff football. Both fanbases are very involved with their teams. My grandparents are from over there, so they tell me about that fanbase,” said Jackson. “But I’m a Buckeye through and through, I was very happy to represent the all scarlet today.”
Now, Ohio State will move on to face Oregon in the Rose Bowl with a shot to reach the semifinals while Tennessee wraps up its season.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
