Week 8: The SEC highlights the schedule with two big matchups — No. 5 Georgia at No. 1 Texas, No. 7 Alabama at No. 11 Tennessee.
1st Down: The commissioners, along with all 34 athletic directors from the SEC and Big Ten met this past week in Nashville. The guys discuss the likelihood of a super league/conference between the Big Ten and SEC, and what that might mean for other conferences and the future of the college football playoff.
2nd Down: The spotlight is on the SEC this week! Question: How much do these regular season games mean now that we have a conference championship game and a 12-team playoff? Is this game cheapened because of the CFP? Also, let’s talk Florida’s tough road to a bowl with its remaining schedule. And is Vandy is for real following their defeat of my ex, Kentucky?
3rd Down: Big Ten Week in Review. Oregon beats Ohio State 32-31. Penn State, 33-30, survives against USC in OT. No. 16 Indiana (6-0) remains undefeated. Wisconsin and Minnesota have a big wins. Iowa is an offensive juggernaut. Illinois outlasts Purdue in OT.
4th Down: Bad play this week: poor tackling; horrendous clock management; porous secondaries. Is the quality of play lacking, or is this a result of the playing field leveling out due to NIL?
John’s Game of the Week:
No. 5 Georgia at No. 1 Texas (7:30 p.m. ABC): ESPN’s College GameDay is in town for this new SEC showdown. The Longhorns have been the most impressive team this season. Georgia, after a frantic comeback against Bama that ultimately fell short, struggled against Mississippi State last week.
For Georgia: 36.8 ppg on Offense; 318 ypg passing; 134 ypg rushing
Carson Beck: 1,818 yards
T. Etienne: 335 yards
A. Smith: 412 yards receiving
For Texas: 44 ppg on Offense; 306 ypg passing; 188 ypg rushing
A. Manning: 901 yards; Q. Ewers: 890 yards
Q. Wisner: 278 yards; J. Blue: 268 yards; J. Gibson: 227 yards
I. Bond: 369 yards receiving; G. Helm (TE): 311 yards; R. Wingo: 296 yards
Sharps: Tex -3.5; O/U: 56.5 as of Sunday night.
Tickets: $372 as of Sunday night.
Watch Tailgators Setup Podcast on Substack:
The Just for Men (#notsponsored) Pick ‘em Challenge:
Brian and Gary tied last week with 9-4 records, while guest prognosticator
finished a game one game better (7-6) than our resident college football expert, John Crimella (6-7).For the season, Brian holds a two-game advantage over Gary 54-52, while John prepares to make his move this week to improve his 49 victories.
Week 8 Predictions:
Gary’s Cocktails of the Week:
Time to put on your boots and grab a partner, as our resident mixologist, Gary McDaniel, serves up a shot and drink to get you ready for another SEC showdown!
The Texas Two Step
1/2 oz crème de cacao liqueur
1/2 oz coffee liqueur
1/2 oz orange juice
Add the liqueurs and OJ in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into shot glass.
The Devil Went Down to Georgia
2 parts Bourbon
1 part Peach Schnapps Liqueur
3 parts ice tea
Garnish with lemon wedge
Add the liqueurs and iced tea in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a tall glass of ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Heisman Race Hopefuls:
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: 217 yards against Hawai’i last week.
Cam Ward, Miami: Was off in Week 7.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: Is it time to discuss Gabriel’s chances following a big win against Ohio State? Threw for 341 yards and 2 TDs, rushed for another TD in the Ducks’ 32-31 win.
Travis Hunter, Colorado: Hunter was injured during the first half of the Buffalos’ game against Kansas State. Is it ethical to have players going on each side of the ball in 2024?
Bryson Daily, Army: Totaled 248 yards and 5 TDs in Army’s 44-10 win over UAB last week.
Week 8: Showdowns in the SEC