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Gene Smith reverses course on potential to host on-campus CFP games at Ohio Stadium

Michael Costeines

By Michael Costeines

Published:

Gene Smith appears to have a change of heart. The Ohio State Athletic Director reversed previous comments on the potential of hosting a round-of-12 College Football Playoff game at Ohio Stadium.

Smith’s initial grievances included a litany of concerns. Issues such as weather in Ohio in December and player safety were among them. But after further discussions, Smith is more open to the idea.

“The more I’ve listened to my colleagues and considering all the issues everybody brought up, I’m fine with playing on a campus site,” Smith said via Bill Rabinowitz with The Columbus Dispatch.

What an advantage for Ohio State if this were to occur. The Buckeyes have dominated in the Horseshoe and overall under Ryan Day. The Ohio State head coach holds an impressive 44-4 record in 5 seasons in Columbus.

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And then you have the weather. Apparently, Smith is not concerned with the December temps in the Buckeye state. Or he works part-time at the weather channel.

“But when you look back at the (mid-December) weather over the last 10 years, it’s not that bad,” Smith said.

The average temperature in Ohio in December is 41 degrees, in case you’re wondering. With the way the Buckeye offense has been lately, maybe they can heat things up on their own.