Tennessee senior gets asked if the Vols will plant their flag if UT beats Ohio State in playoff matchup in Columbus…
As Tennessee prepares for a potential showdown with Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, a senior player from the Vols was recently asked a pointed question during a media session: If Tennessee beats Ohio State in a playoff matchup in Columbus, will the team plant its flag at midfield, similar to what the Buckeyes did in 2015 at the University of Michigan?
The question likely drew attention because of the famous moment in college football history, when Ohio State’s players, led by head coach Urban Meyer, planted a flag at Michigan’s 50-yard line after a dramatic 42-13 victory at the Big House. The moment became iconic for the Buckeyes and a symbol of their dominance and brash confidence. It’s also widely remembered as an assertion of Ohio State’s superiority over their in-state rival, as well as an unforgettable image of swagger that resonated with Buckeye fans but was seen as controversial by many.
Given that rivalry, and the importance of the Vols potentially facing Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, the question of flag planting carries extra weight. While some might expect a fiery response or a similar challenge from the Vols if they pull off a victory, the senior player took a more measured approach when asked about it.
“First, let me say that the focus is all about the game. It’s about execution and getting the win, not about anything that happens after. We respect every team we play, and we want to earn our success the right way,” the player responded thoughtfully.
The answer highlights a different perspective from Tennessee, emphasizing sportsmanship and a team-first mentality. The Vols understand the historic significance of their potential match against Ohio State, but they’re clearly focused on the outcome of the game and the goal of securing a spot in the national championship, not on creating a spectacle after the fact.
It’s a statement that resonates with many in the college football world, where showboating and excess sometimes overshadow the actual game. Teams that focus on the process—such as preparation, discipline, and teamwork—often find success not just on the field, but in building a positive and lasting legacy.
While Tennessee has every reason to be excited about the prospect of playing Ohio State in a high-stakes matchup, they’re not interested in making the game about anything other than football. This attitude reflects well on the program and speaks volumes about the culture that head coach Josh Heupel has fostered in Knoxville.
Should Tennessee manage to defeat Ohio State in the playoff, their celebrations would likely center around the team’s collective effort and the culmination of a season’s worth of hard work. Rather than a flashy, attention-grabbing move like planting a flag, the Vols would prefer to let their victory speak for itself.
In college football, it’s easy for emotions to get the best of players and teams, but it’s clear that Tennessee’s senior player values the game’s integrity and the importance of handling success with humility. Should they be victorious in Columbus, it seems the Vols’ celebrations will be as grounded and focused as their approach to the game itself.
