Football Teams Embrace the Cold for College Playoffs

Football fans and players know that the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. This year's College Football Playoff is no exception. Coaches and players from Tennessee, Ohio State, SMU, and Penn State are all preparing for games in freezing temperatures, with some chances of snow. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel isn't worried, though. His team has experience playing in the cold. Last month, they faced Vanderbilt in 41-degree weather. Heupel jokes, "It's a June day in South Dakota. It's great football weather. " SMU coach Rhett Lashlee agrees. He believes that cold weather is just another challenge to overcome. "The weather is only going to be an issue if we allow it, " he says. Lashlee played football in Arkansas and knows that cold weather is part of the game. Even fans are excited about the cold weather. Earl Brown, a Tennessee season ticket holder, will be at the game against Ohio State. He says, "I don't think it really matters if it's snow, rain, and sleet or 85 degrees. I will be in the stadium. " The College Football Playoff this year is different because the first-round games are being held on campus. This means that teams might have to deal with cold weather. But for many players, this is just another part of the game. They grew up playing in the cold and are ready for the challenge.