The Table is Set

 My plans this past weekend were altered, and thus I did not make the trek to Arlington, TX, for the Big 12 Championship Game.

And so, just like that, the 2023 college football regular season has come to an end. The die is cast, and there is one deserving team that’s left on the outside looking in. Many of us without a dog in the fight were looking for even more chaos than what ensued this past weekend. With Alabama knocking off two-time reigning national champion Georgia, this opened the door for some good old-fashioned controversy. 

Florida State went into the ACC Championship Game undefeated against a two-loss Louisville team. It was believed that they needed to win big and win pretty to secure their spot in the final four. The reason being that they would be without Heisman-hopeful quarterback Jordan Travis who broke his leg two weeks ago. They would be led by a freshman QB, as their number two was also out due to concussion protocol. The Seminole’s defense was up for the challenge as they shut down the Cardinal’s offense. However, the Nole’s offense was equally as inept as Louisville’s on the night. The Noles won, but didn’t win convincingly enough for the committee to not slide Alabama into the fourth playoff spot, which is exactly what happened.

The College Football Playoff will feature the aforementioned Alabama Crimson Tide taking on the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl on January 1. In the other semifinal, Texas will square off against the University of Washington in the New Orleans Sugar Bowl on January 1. Next year with the playoff expanding, we won’t have these controversies, right?

In conference championship news (that mattered), Michigan, Washington and Texas dispatched their opponents to secure their conference trophies and invites to the playoff. In the Big Ten final, Michigan shut out Iowon’t 26-0. The Texas Longhorns in their final Big 12 ship, playing in a sea of two shades of orange in Jerry World, annihilated the Cowpokes from Stillwater 49-21. And the Huskies of UW clawed out their second victory of the year over the Ducks from Eugene 34-31 to secure the final PAC 12 championship trophy.

Other conference champions:
AAC -. SMU
CONUSA -. Liberty, Liberty, Liberty ♯♯♯
MAC - Miami Ohio
MWC -  Boise State
Sun Belt - Troy

Bieber: FSU fans would say the 13-person CFP committee is well deserving this week — and they may very well be. But let me point out something even more bothersome to me: Have you noticed that “the rise” in football pants is analogous to the rise of mini skirts in the 1960s? Players' pants no longer have knee pads or material covering their knees. In fact, Mrs. Tailgate inquired the other day, ”Why are those players wearing shorts?” It is almost a contest now to see how high up they can wear their pants. Larry Bird in his short shorts of the 80s would be proud to endorse. However, with no knee pads, more bone bruises and other types of knee injuries are probably more prevalent now than they were before this latest fashion statement. So this week, we awarded the trophy for the first time ever to a clothing fad! Hey pants, stick the trophy in a pair of football pants, you won't be covering up much of it, so all can still enjoy.

He wears short shorts.......

Ginger: In a world of me, me, me, and “I am taking my talents to (insert your favorite school here),” it is refreshing to see a young man who is a contrarian to his generation. Utah State starting quarterback Levi Williams is walking away from college football to take a shot at becoming a Navy Seal to serve his country. After leading his team with a five-touchdown game two weeks ago, and making them bowl eligible, Levi made the surprising announcement. The 6’5, 230 pound QB had at least one more year of eligibility remaining. Instead, he stated that he felt it more important to serve his country that he loves deeply. We salute your move here Levi and wish you the best in your courageous endeavors. Ginger up, Sailor!

Next up: I hope to make at least one bowl game and possibly the FCS Natty in Frisco, TX. I will update you all here when I make the call.

Happy Tailgating!