Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Indiana and Curt Cignetti win again! Ohio State is still No. 1 — just Sayin. And the “Fire Franklin” chants are fulfilled. Meanwhile, in the Southeastern Conference, teams are gearing up for a show-me showdown weekend between Top 25 programs. It’s Tailgators on two…hut! hut!
The Opening Drive
1st Down: Franklin Fired: Penn State fired head coach James Franklin on Sunday, a day after losing to 20-point underdog Northwestern, and the team’s third straight loss. We get the reaction from Penn State homer Gary, Franklin antagonist Brian, and SEC John
.2nd Down: Best Job Available: In a nod to Mel Kiper’s best available board at the NFL draft, we discuss which of the currently available open jobs is the best available: Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Penn State, Stanford, UCLA and Virginia Tech. We also discuss how Penn State’s opening creates a sense of urgency for other schools contemplating coaching changes. “Florida, you’re on the air!”
3rd Down: Indiana Wins. Curt Cignetti, who only wins, led the Hoosiers to a road victory against No. 3 Oregon. Indiana is now the highest ranked it’s been in the program’s history.
4th Down: The AP and its SEC bias. For example: No. 10 LSU vs. No. 20 USC. Do you think the AP Poll has any influence on the CFP committee?
Watch the Tailgators Setup Podcast on Substack:
John’s Game of the Week:
No. 5 Ole Miss (6-0) at No. 9 Georgia (5-1), 3:30 p.m. ABC (Tickets starting at $202)
Can Lane Kiffin finally get over the hump? He is 4-15 against Top 10 teams in his coaching career. Sound familiar?
Does this equate to a playoff game for Georgia? Two losses in conference would essentially eliminate them from SEC Championship game contention. They have remaining games against Florida, Texas and Georgia Tech.
Other ‘sexy’ match-ups:
No. 11 Tennessee (5-1) at No. 6 Alabama (5-1), 7:30 p.m. ABC (Tickets starting at $57)
This is essentially another SEC playoff-elimination type game.
No. 20 USC (5-1) at No. 13 Notre Dame (4-2), 7:30 p.m. NBC/Peacock
Based on the Fighting Irish’s remaining schedule after Saturday, this is a must-win game. Meanwhile, USC can prove they are back in the big time with a road win.
No. 23 Utah (5-1) at No. 15 BYU (6-0), 8 p.m. on FOX
The Utes are coming off an impressive 42-10 win over Arizona St. BYU has yet to face a serious challenge.
The (#notsponsored) Hooters Pick’em Challenge:
Someone had a very, very bad week last week. Brian’s 10-11 mark was the worst week to date this season, but he’s got some more upsets picke for this week. Meanwhile, Gary pulls off another victory last week, and inches closer to the leader, John.
Last Week: Gary: 14-7, John: 13-8, Brian: 10-11
Year-To-Date: John: 119-37 Gary: 116-40 Brian: 105-51
Gary’s Cocktail of the Week/The Stadium Series:
Tonight, Gary brings us between the hedges on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia on the campus of the University of Georgia. According to Wikipedia, the 93,033-seat stadium is the ninth-largest American football stadium in the NCAA (and in the United States), and the 15th-largest such stadium in the world.
Between the Hedges
1 oz Whiskey or Bourbon
1 oz Peach Schnapps
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
3 slices peach
1 splash club soda
Fill shaker with crushed ice. Combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into glass. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with peach slices (and flowers if you’re feeling fancy)!
SweetWater Brewing
Located at: 195 Ottley Dr. NE Atlanta, GA
Gummies Fruit Punch IPA
9.5 % ABV
Heisman Watch:
Following last week’s road victory against Oregon, the new leader Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. On his tail are fellow quarterbacks Julian Sayin, Ohio State, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
