COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 04: Ohio State University athletics director Gene Smith listens during a press conference at Ohio State University on December 4, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. At the press conference head coach Urban Meyer announced his retirement and offensive coordinator Ryan Day was announced as the next head coach. Meyer will continue to coach until after the Ohio State Buckeyes play in the Rose Bowl. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)Buckeyes fans didn’t exactly love what Gene Smith had to say on Wednesday. Per Ohio State beat writer Dan Hope, OSU’s AD wouldn’t want to play at Ohio Stadium if selected to host a College Football Playoff Game.
“Gene Smith said that if Ohio State is selected to host a [CFP] game in the future, he would recommend playing indoors in Indianapolis rather than playing in Ohio Stadium,” Hope tweeted. Adding, “Thinks it would be better for the team not to have to play in bad weather.”
Gene Smith said that if Ohio State is selected to host a College Football Playoff game in the future, he would recommend playing indoors in Indianapolis rather than playing in Ohio Stadium. Thinks it would be better for the team not to have to play in bad weather.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) February 16, 2022
Ohio State and Big Ten fans alike reacted to Smith’s remarks on social media.
“Gene Smith with the worst take of the day,” a Penn State alum tweeted. “God forbid an SEC team has to play in 30 degree weather. We know our B1G fans will be there regardless.”
Gene Smith with the worst take of the day. God forbid an SEC team has to play in 30 degree weather. We know our B1G fans will be there regardless. https://t.co/DrvcgVoAsT
— Hepner (@DanHep1) February 16, 2022
“Fans of B1G teams that have wanted the Alabama and Georgias of the world to have to travel north for a playoff game in the elements are screaming right now,” another user said.
Fans of B1G teams that have wanted the Alabama and Georgias of the world to have to travel north for a playoff game in the elements are screaming right now https://t.co/YgUEMzfPe1
— Kenny (@K1ngkennyyg) February 16, 2022
“Amazing,” replied USA Today‘s Dan Wolken. “Just amazing.”
Amazing. Just amazing. https://t.co/Wyq3xJzoV6
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) February 16, 2022
“What a horrible take.”
What a horrible take. https://t.co/LZrR3AyRKf
— CFB Playoff Edits (@CFBPlayoffEdits) February 16, 2022
“My goodness, Jim Harbaugh REALLY broke them didn’t he?!” laughed a Michigan fan.
My goodness, Jim Harbaugh REALLY broke them didn't he?!😂😂😂
42-27#GoBlue #BeatOhio https://t.co/9NHTJDpQzB
— 〽️Parker Jacobs 〽️ (@parkjac211) February 16, 2022
“Yes. By all means, let’s push all that business out of state,” tweeted The Athletic’s Andy Staples. “Also, I was told it was the SEC people who were afraid of cold.”
Yes. By all means, let’s push all that business out of state.
Also, I was told it was the SEC people who were afraid of cold. https://t.co/PRF6e0oXrN
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) February 16, 2022
“Big blow to the ‘home field cold weather advantage’ crowd,” tweeted the CFB subreddit. “Not quite the same situation as the Pats or Packers regularly playing in December snowstorms to gain familiarity before the playoffs.”
Big blow to the "home field cold weather advantage" crowd. Not quite the same situation as the Pats or Packers regularly playing in December snowstorms to gain familiarity before the playoffs https://t.co/Lk4Or9KhGt
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) February 16, 2022
Gene Smith may decide to change course if presented the opportunity to do so.
