Weekend Preview: Bowls, Bites + Big Buys
Heading into 2024 with brilliance.
Welcome to the Weekend Preview, where we've got a lineup that's as exciting as a touchdown in the final seconds. Here’s what everyone will be talking about on New Year’s Eve.
1. Bowl Bonanza: New Year's Six Showdowns
The "New Year's Six" bowls are set to dazzle us, featuring the creme de la creme of college football. Keep your eyes on:
Cotton Bowl Classic (Dec. 29, 8 p.m. ET): Ohio State squares off against Missouri.
Peach Bowl (Dec. 30, 12 p.m. ET): Penn State challenges Ole Miss.
Orange Bowl (Dec. 30, 4 p.m. ET): Florida State clashes with Georgia in the intriguing "snub bowl."
Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET): Oregon locks horns with Liberty.
Rose Bowl (Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET): Michigan takes on Alabama in a CFP semifinal.
Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET): Washington faces Texas in another CFP semifinal.
2. The "Snub Bowl": Georgia vs. Florida State
In a bowl dubbed the "Snub Bowl," Georgia and Florida State face off after being left out of the college football playoff. With Georgia having only one loss and Florida State being undefeated, the game raises questions about team motivation. But with 15 Florida State players out due to the NFL draft and transfers, the outcome is up in the air.
3. Timberwolves Takeover and Mavs sale
Get ready for a slam dunk in the business world. Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are set to acquire an 80% ownership stake in the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Lynx. The two are current owners but will purchase the final 40% of the NBA and WNBA franchises.
Meanwhile, the NBA approved the majority stake sale of the Dallas Mavericks from Mark Cuban to casino magnate Miriam Adelson for $3.5B.
4. Aussie Open Anticipation: Tennis Down Under
The road to the Australian Open begins with a bang at the Brisbane International. Tennis stars like Rafael Nadal, who is back after injury, and Naomi Osaka, who is back from welcoming a new baby, are in action, promising an exciting start to the season.
5. A RUFF HOLIDAY: Aaron Gordon Sidelined
In an unexpected twist, the Denver Nuggets' Aaron Gordon won't be hitting the court after suffering severe injuries from a dog bite on Christmas. Ouch! No timetable for his return has been set.
6. Lions vs. Cowboys: Clash of the Titans
When the Lions face the Cowboys (NFL) on Saturday night, it's not just a game — it's a chance at the #No. 1 seed. Sportsbooks predict a fireworks display with the highest point total of the year, currently at 53.5. It's the most anticipated NFL game of the season.
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What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/famousidahopotatobowl
GAME CHANGER
Football fans are jumping for joy with our guide to college football bowl game bliss. SO GOOD
Weekend Preview: French Fry Bath, Christmas Day Takeover + George Clooney
Talking sports > talking politics around the tree
Good morning, sunshine! As you gear up for the festive weekend, let's escape the typical family interrogations and embrace the joy of sports and entertainment. Dive into the flavorful excitement of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Saturday, where the winning coach between Georgia State and Utah State (seen above tubing ahead of the game) faces a french fry bath – a tasty twist on the traditional Gatorade shower.
The NFL (National Football League) takes center stage on Christmas Day, challenging the NBA's (National Basketball Association) holiday dominance. Catch three thrilling NFL games, including the Chiefs vs. Raiders with a Nickelodeon twist, featuring animated holiday characters and an exclusive halftime peek at Nick's new series, "Rock, Paper, Scissors."
In the NBA, enjoy a full slate of five games showcasing the league's top players, led by the ever-popular LeBron James.
Beyond the courts, add some cinematic flair to your holiday with "Iron Claw," a wrestling epic starring Zac Efron, and the much-anticipated George Clooney-directed film, "The Boys in the Boat," recounting the inspiring journey of the University of Washington's rowing team to the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
As you unwind with family and friends, savor these sports and entertainment delights, making your holiday weekend unforgettable. Join us next Wednesday for a nostalgic journey through the most memorable sports moments of 2023. Wishing you a joyful holiday and remember, check us out at lastnightsgame.com. Cheers to a fantastic weekend!
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/famousidahopotatobowl
GAME CHANGER
Football fans are jumping for joy with our guide to college football bowl game bliss. SO GOOD
Weekend Preview: The Gronk Bowl, NFL International Expansion, and Wingstop's Unlucky Streak
The best of the best for your weekend.
From the much-anticipated Gronk Bowl to the NFL's global expansion plans and the unexpected consequences of Wingstop's marketing strategy, we've got the scoop to keep you in the know.
College Bowl Game Season Kickoff
Get ready for the ultimate bro fest as bowl game season kicks off on Saturday, December 16th, featuring the Gronk Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Formerly known as the Jimmy Kimmel Bowl, this year's event promises a lively atmosphere, with Rob Gronkowski taking the stage to sing the national anthem. Will it be a memorable performance or rival infamous renditions like Roseanne Barr's? Tune in to find out!
NFL's Global Reach
In a groundbreaking move, the NFL (National Football League) is expanding its international footprint by introducing games in Brazil starting with the 2024 season. The NFL is making waves globally, with matches already occurring in England, Germany and Mexico. Additionally, as the regular college football season wraps up, the NFL fills the void with games scheduled for Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, and this week will add in Saturday games.
Wingstop's Clever Marketing Campaign
Shoutout to Wingstop and a playful nod to Detriot Pistons (NBA - National Basketball Association) fans who might not be as thrilled as expected. Wingstop's marketing campaign with the Detroit Pistons offered five free boneless chicken wings after every game the Pistons won. However, with a 21-game losing streak starting on October 28, it seems Wingstop's generosity has become a source of good-natured frustration for Pistons fans.
Transfer Portal Turmoil
The already messy transfer portal in college sports takes a legal turn. Over 1,500 football players have entered the transfer portal, and a federal judge in West Virginia issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA's transfer rule. The order is part of a larger lawsuit contesting the rule that restricts athletes from immediate eligibility after a second transfer, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.
Virginia's Sports Coup
Virginia is more than just for lovers; it makes a $2B steal – first the Wizards (NBA) and now the Washington Capitals (NHL - National Hockey League). In a surprising turn of events, Virginia secures the Capitals in a deal that reshapes the sports landscape in the region.
Whether you're tuning in for the Gronk Bowl, following the NFL's global expansion or pondering the consequences of clever marketing campaigns, there's something for every sports lover. Enjoy the weekend and the holiday parties, and don't forget to stay updated with us at lastnightsgame.com or on your favorite platforms at Last Night’s Game.
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/famousidahopotatobowl
GAME CHANGER
Football fans are jumping for joy with our guide to college football bowl game bliss. SO GOOD