This weekend will usher in the College Football Playoff’s new era. With 12 Division I universities still holding onto National Championship hopes, Ohio State vs. Tennessee will likely be the most thrilling contest of the opening postseason round. Upping the ante, Playboy has SEC specialist Sara Blake here to weigh in on the matchup!

Although Sara is a dedicated supporter of the Volunteers, she is plugged into college football wholeheartedly. She’s aware this upcoming game in Columbus (Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. ET) will be no slouch for Tennessee, as the Vols would much prefer this meeting at Rocky Top rather than Ohio Stadium.

It’s the SEC against the Big Ten, and that is always reason to be excited! A few days before kickoff, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Buckeyes as 7.5-point home favorites versus the Volunteers. Still, these programs have met only once over the past 30 years. Back in the 1996 Citrus Bowl, Peyton Manning and Tennessee edged out Ohio State by a score of 20-14.

Let’s see what insights Sara Blake has for Playboy’s Gabriel Santiago on Ohio State vs. Tennessee.

Playboy: Let’s start at the beginning—where were you born & raised?

Sara Blake: I was born in Wichita, Kansas. From there, I was raised just about everywhere. We moved around a lot. I lived in Arizona, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee: literally everywhere.

Playboy: CFB season is quickly intensifying and it’s been a great year for the Tennessee Volunteers. Who are your favorite players on this current team?

Sara Blake: I like Dylan Sampson. I also like Nico Iamaleava, but my absolute favorite player is defensive back Boo Carter. If I was a guy, Carter is who I would want to play like. He’s an animal! He’s so good, young and talented. I love to watch Boo Carter play.

Playboy: The Vols have a crucial playoff game upcoming versus Ohio State. Do you have any thoughts on that contest? Will you be traveling up to Columbus?

Sara Blake: I honestly think Ohio State had a weak conference this year. Yes, I’m an SEC girl, so I love the SEC. I think the SEC dominates everyone else and it’s just a tougher conference than the Big Ten right now.

The landscape of college football has completely and totally changed. Seeing the 12-team playoff is really exciting for me, especially that Tennessee is playing Ohio State. I feel like The Vols’ run game is a strong point that’s also the Buckeyes’ weak spot.

I change my mind every day if I’m going to Columbus for the game. A part of me wants to wait until Pasadena. Then, yesterday I thought, “My god, I’m going to plant the flag in the middle of Ohio Stadium. I’m going to do it even if I go to jail. I’m going to ride or die for my team!” So, I’m still undecided.

Playboy: Personally, are you one for offense or defense?

Sara Blake: Defense! I love the D. I’m feisty.

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Playboy: Let’s say Tennessee defeats the Buckeyes this weekend. Can UT take down No. 1 Oregon next?

Sara Blake: Yes, I 100% think so because in order to beat Oregon, you have to put pressure on their quarterback while rushing only four. That’s another one of Tennessee’s strong points! We’re really good at getting to the quarterback.

Playboy: I know you’re passionate about Tennessee football, but do you also make it out to the basketball games at Rocky Top?

Sara Blake: I actually went to Madison Square Garden when the Volunteers were in the Sweet 16. I’ve been to our basketball games and everything like that. We’re ranked No. 1 in the nation right now! It’s really exciting to see what head coach Rick Barnes has done. Overall, our athletic department is very supportive. You’re going to support each other if it’s bowling, volleyball or anything. We’re going to go out and support our teams, especially if they’re close to nationals and stuff like that.

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Playboy: Overall, what are some of the top qualities about Knoxville?

Sara Blake: Vol Navy! I mean, there’s not many CFB venues where you can show up to the game on a boat. And then we have this restaurant, Calhoun’s On The River, and that’s always fun. Market Square is so unique now. Really, I love Knoxville. It’s so family oriented. When I go to a game, everybody is like family and is so supportive. It’s a great atmosphere. We’re degenerates and we all kind of fit each other.

Playboy: What are some aspects of life that make you feel most beautiful?

Sara Blake: My girls! I have two daughters, and when they dress like me or when they do their makeup like me, I’m always thinking, “They love the way I look and they think I’m pretty.” Also, there’s my husband. This might be explicit, but I also feel really beautiful when I have mind-blowing sex with my husband.

Playboy: Going forward, what should Playboy readers be on the lookout for from you?

Sara Blake: Next year, I will do another college football tailgate tour. I’ll be going to different tailgates, but I want to hit up the University of Southern California to experience that environment. Either way, I’ll be at different places all season so they can see me, meet me and tailgate with me! It’s so fun to experience fandom with others.

From there, definitely look out for the evolution of ReelMe. It’s taking off and is something that I think people should follow along with!

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