Back to School: The Tailgate is Open, Folks
College football is back, bringing excitement and anticipation for fans across the country. While it’s Week 0 and the matchups may not be as high-profile, there are still plenty of storylines to follow. This season, the sport has undergone some significant changes, including the introduction of a 12-team Playoff, teams shifting conferences, and an increase in transfer players. To set the scene, we turned to Jayna Bardahl, a writer for Until Saturday, to get her insights on the teams generating the most national title hype.
According to Jayna, Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas are the teams receiving the most attention as potential national title contenders. However, she believes that Texas may be overrated, citing their reliance on one successful season and the loss of key players to injuries. Additionally, Texas will have to navigate its first season in the SEC, facing tough opponents like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas A&M. On the other hand, Jayna highlights Ole Miss as an under-the-radar contender, thanks to head coach Lane Kiffin’s aggressive approach to recruiting high-profile players.
One of the biggest changes this season is the expansion of the Playoff to a 12-team format. While some believe this may diminish the intensity of the regular season, Jayna is excited about the opportunities it presents. With more teams in the postseason conversation and additional incentives like hosting a first-round game on campus or earning a first-round bye, the stakes are higher for every team. The Group of 5 conference will also see increased drama, as the highest-ranked conference champion is guaranteed a spot in the Playoff.
Looking ahead to the first year of the expanded Playoff, Jayna envisions several chaos scenarios. From a Cinderella run by a Group of 5 team to upsets in the quarterfinals, the potential for unexpected outcomes adds to the excitement of the postseason. With the No. 1 seed historically having a strong advantage, a disruption in the status quo would make the rest of the Playoff wide open.
In other sports news, the Seattle Mariners have fired manager Scott Servais following a disappointing season. The team squandered a 10-game lead in the AL West and now sits several games behind the Astros in the division. Dan Wilson, a newcomer to the coaching staff, will take over as interim manager.
Shifting gears to college football, the Pulse Preseason Poll has revealed some intriguing results. Bo Nix, the quarterback for Auburn, garnered significant attention, finishing second in the poll behind Caleb Williams. This unexpected outcome has put Nix and the Broncos in the spotlight, with Payton Manning even expressing his admiration for the young quarterback. Only time will tell if Nix lives up to the hype.
As we eagerly await the start of the college football season, we can’t help but make some early predictions. Despite a slim schedule this weekend, there are still a few games worth watching. In the Georgia Tech vs. Florida State matchup, Georgia Tech may be the underdog, but their resilience from the previous season and the unique circumstances of an overseas kickoff could make for an interesting game. Additionally, the SMU vs. Nevada game is predicted to have a low-scoring affair, with Nevada’s offense expected to struggle.
While we wait for the games to begin, there are other sporting events to enjoy. In MLB, the Cardinals vs. Twins game promises high stakes as both teams fight for a spot in the playoffs. The NWSL is also back in action, with the Pride taking on the Dash in a game that could have implications for the top of the table.
In the Pulse Picks section, Connor Stalions, a central figure in Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal, is back in the spotlight. Austin Meek provides an intriguing report on Stalions’ controversial journey since the scandal. Additionally, Richard Deitsch raises important media questions for the upcoming NFL season, including how Tom Brady will fare in the broadcasting booth.
Lastly, there are several interesting stories to explore in The Athletic. From Caitlin Clark’s impressive rookie season in the WNBA to Joey Votto’s surprising retirement announcement, there is no shortage of captivating sports stories. The jersey worn by Babe Ruth during his famous “called shot” could also fetch a record price at auction, adding an element of mystery to the story.
As we gear up for the start of the college football season, it’s clear that there are many exciting storylines to follow. From the potential contenders for the national title to the impact of the expanded Playoff, this season promises to be filled with drama and unpredictability. So grab your tailgating gear and get ready for a thrilling ride.