SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. —A swarm of Ohio State fans gathered and cheered at the Fiesta Bowl Buckeye Bash pep rally, despite the unusual rain in the desert ahead of Saturday’s game against Clemson.
- Buckeye fans attending the pep rally weren’t bothered by the unusual rain in the desert
- For these die-hard Buckeye fans, a pep rally like this was the perfect event to get ready for such a big game
- Many fans traveled all across the country to be there
“I think it’s just really fun to be with all your other Ohio State brethren, singing the song that we all know and love and just cheering on the team and getting ready for the big game,” said Melissa Harto, who traveled from D.C.
And fans travelled all across the country —from Florida to D.C.
One couple even drove all the way from Dayton to be there.
“We want to be at every game Ohio State’s in. We have season tickets and we try to make it to a lot of away games. I am such a big Ohio State fan,” said Tana Von Deylen, who traveled from Dayton.
“This is the best Buckeye team ever assembled. I got to see them play live,“ said Derek Sanders, who traveled from Florida.
But traveling this far for a college football playoff game has its risks.
Some fans said they’re nervous, but confident.
“I’m always worried as an Ohio State fan, honestly,” said Harto. “Every game is do or die for us. And I just think we have the whole team this year. I just think we have the whole package, we’re gonna put it together and beat Clemson.”
“I know the Buckeyes are gonna pull it out. If nothing else, they’ll pull it out in the second half. So I know they’re gonna do it. I have all the confidence in the world,” said Von Deylen.
“I’m a little nervous because of what Clemson has done to us in the past, but this is our year,“ said Sanders.
And for these die-hard OSU fans, they hope they can make it feel like a home game for their Buckeyes.
We will have your continuing Fiesta Bowl coverage all weekend long on Spectrum News 1.