After 40 years of being a fan and watching college football, a true multi-team playoff is in place to crown the national champion. The excitement level is high so let’s get started…
The Drive
1st Down: Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gets hired at the University of North Carolina. We talked about it last week on the pod. What’s each of your reaction to the news and the future of Tar Heel football and college football?
2nd Down: Travis Hunter wins the Heisman Trophy. Ashton Jeanty finishes second. No SEC player finishes in the Top 10! What’s the meaning behind that?
3rd Down: Transfer Portal News
Drew Allar to stay at Penn State. Beau Pribula announces his decision to leave Penn State, and will not participate in the CFP. Gary, can you name Allar’s new back-up?
Notable moves: Miller Moss (USC) moves to Louisville (ACC). Malik Murphy (Texas, Duke) moving to Auburn or Alabama?
Army’s bowl opponent, Marshall, withdraws from its game due to a mass exodus of players into portal, to transfer to the school the head coach has moved onto. What’s the best way for college football to fix the transfer portal, keeping in mind these guys need to be enrolled for classes at the school?
4th Down: Michael Vick announces he will be the new head coach at Norfolk State.
Watch Tailgators Setup Podcast on Substack:
College Football Playoff: First Round
Friday, December 20th
Indiana at Notre Dame, 8 p.m. ABC — Indiana faces its second test against a ranked team this season, while the Fighting Irish look to keep things rolling since their early season upset loss to Northern Illinois.
Indiana:
Notre Dame:
The Line: Notre Dame (-7.5)
Get In: Tickets starting at $489
Saturday, December 21st
SMU at Penn State, Noon, TNT — After a last-second loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship game, the Mustangs look to rebound. Penn State, meanwhile, deals with distractions from the transfer portal and questions whether head coach James Franklin can win a big game.
SMU:
Penn State:
The Line: Penn State (-8.5)
Get In: Tickets starting at $75
Clemson at Texas, 4 p.m. TNT — Head coach and two-time national champion Dabo Swinney has the Tigers in the first 12-team College Football Championship. Can Clemson compete against the vaunted offensive and defensive lines of the Longhorns?
Clemson:
Texas:
The Line: Texas (-11.5)
Get In: Tickets starting at $69
Tennessee at Ohio State, 8 p.m. ABC — Will the Horsehoe be filled with orange and white? Ryan Day faces mounting pressure from a rabid fan base who wants another national title.
Tennessee:
Ohio State:
The Line: Ohio State (-7)
Get In: Tickets starting at $156
Just For Men College Football Pick’em Challenge:
This portion of the show is (#notsponsored) by Just For Men, but just a reminder that the loser of this year’s college pick’em contest will need to dye their beard Ryan Day black for an episode of Tailgators Setup Podcast in the new year.
Last Week: Brian’s ship came in last week, as he was the only one who picked Navy against Army.
This Week: Brian now has a 2-game lead over Gary (167 to 165), while John still lurks close behind (161) in striking distance. In honor of the Hawaii Bowl, Brian breaks out the ukulele to help listeners experience a special island vibe.
Gary’s Cocktail of the Week:
Gary takes a week off from behind the bar, so each of the Tailgators offer their own favorite cocktail — or three — for the holiday season.
John: Bourbon (Buffalo Trace #notsponsored) mixed with ice.
Brian: Vodka, cranberry juice, ice and a lime wedge to garnish. (Flavored sparkling soda optional.)
Gary: Christmas Mojito or Christmas Mule or Dirty Sailor Santa.
Be sure to check out previous episodes for Gary’s Cocktails of the Week!
Be sure to check out SID Sports: The Tailgators were thrilled to be asked by
’ Griffin Olah to contribute their opinions to the 2024 Substack College Football Awards. Be sure to read it, subscribe and follow SID Sports, especially during the 2024 CFP.
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