Weekend Preview: It’s The Halley’s Comet Of College Football, Color Changing Cleats + So Long Playoffs
It’s rarified air up here.
Photos: Instagram/goducks
Get ready to plant yourself on the couch this Saturday because it will be a college football showdown. We have a lineup that'll keep fans glued to the screen, and trust me, you won't want to miss this one.
Saturday's College Football Extravaganza
This Saturday, college football fans are in for a treat. It's like the Halley's Comet of college football weekends. Why, you ask? Hold onto your helmets because we have more ranked teams facing off than we've seen in a long, long time. It's the most since 2006. So, if you're married to, work with, or have a college football-obsessed child, don't expect them to budge from that couch.
Color-Changing Cleats Steal the Show
Oregon, known for their flashy uniforms, is stepping up their game. They're going up against Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes and doing it in style. Oregon will be donning Nike cleats that are heat-activated and color-changing. You'll want to tune in to see these cleats in action.
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Showdown
It's not just about flashy cleats, though. We have some intense matchups on the field. Watch for the No. 6 Ohio State taking on No. 9 Notre Dame. Fun fact: Notre Dame is 0-2 all-time against Ohio State when "ESPN College GameDay" is in town. And speaking of "GameDay," the Sept. 23rd meeting between Notre Dame and Ohio State will mark the 35th time the Fighting Irish host college football's premier preview show.
WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Playoffs Heat Up
The WNBA playoffs are in full swing, and the top four seeded teams are battling for a shot at the championship. We have the No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, No. 2 NY Liberty, No. 3 Connecticut Sun, and No. 4 Dallas Wings all vying for that coveted title. The Aces and Sun have been semifinal regulars for five consecutive seasons, but the Liberty and Wings want to shake things up. Will the super teams prevail, or will the underdogs have their day?
Playoff Dreams and 0-3 Nightmares
Now, here's a little something for the stat geeks. It's only week 3, but for some NFL teams, the postseason dreams could slip away if they start 0-3. Since 1979, only six teams have defied the odds and made the playoffs after such a rough start. This week, we've got the Chargers taking on the Vikings, both sitting at 0-2. Other 0-2 teams facing pivotal matchups include the Bears against the Chiefs, the Bengals vs. the Rams, the Broncos taking on the Dolphins, the Cardinals facing off against the Cowboys, the Patriots battling the Jets, the Panthers in a showdown and the Texans going head-to-head with the Jaguars.
Here’s to the weekend!
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Our 5 Favorite College Football Traditions
Traditions - some make sense, and others don’t. Regardless, we can thank generations of fans for them.
Photo: Instagram/cubuffsralphie
When it comes to college football, it's not just about the game; it's about the traditions that make each school's experience unique. From pregame boatgating to postgame celebrations, here are the top five college football traditions that showcase the heart and soul of sports fandom.
1. Boatgating at Washington Huskies Games
Washington Huskies fans have been arriving at football games via boats for nearly a century, setting the stage for an unforgettable pregame tradition. Known as "boatgating," fans take to the water to relive their spring break memories, complete with ping pong tables, grills, TVs, and plenty to drink. It's a unique way to kick off the football festivities in style.
2. Script Ohio and the Dotting of the 'i' at Ohio State
The Ohio State Marching Band has been dazzling audiences since 1936 with its performance of Script Ohio. This iconic tradition involves band members spelling out the letters of "Ohio" through intricate formations. The highlight? "Dotting the i," where a senior sousaphone player is honored to be the dot atop the 'i.' Even celebrities like Bob Hope and Jack Nicklaus have graced this tradition.
3. In-Game Traditions: The Iowa Wave at Iowa Hawkeyes Games
The Iowa Wave is a heartwarming tradition that shows the power of sports to bring people together. At the end of the first quarter, fans at Iowa Hawkeyes games turn their attention to the nearby Stead Family Children's Hospital, waving to the young patients who watch from its windows. It's a poignant reminder of football's impact beyond the field.
4. In-Game Traditions: Ralphie the Buffalo at the University of Colorado
While many schools have student mascots, the University of Colorado stands out with Ralphie, a live bison. Handled by talented caretakers (who are quite athletic to keep up with Ralphie), Ralphie runs around Folsom Field before each half of Buffalo home games. It's a spectacle that adds extra excitement to the game-day experience.
5. Music During the Game: Enter Sandman at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech fans know how to create seismic energy. As the Hokies take the field, Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blares through the stadium, registering as seismic activity. It's a spine-tingling moment that sets the tone for an electrifying game.
Bonus Tradition: "Jump Around" at the University of Wisconsin
When the third quarter ends at the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium, fans get a workout. The entire stadium jumps in unison to the beat of "Jump Around" by House of Pain. It's a display of Badgers pride that's hard to match.
From boatgating to bison runs and heartfelt waves, these college football traditions define the essence of sports fandom. They showcase the passion, unity, and excitement that make college football games more than just contests; they're experiences filled with rich traditions and cherished memories.
Weekend Preview: Detroit Dons Blue Ski Masks, TV Trumps NBA All-Stars + The Ladies Of LSU
It’s all pumpkin spice lattes and blue ski masks
In this week's roundup, we've got intriguing stories from the world of sports that you won't want to miss.
Blue Ski Masks in Detroit
If you're tuning in to watch the Detroit Lions (NFL - National Football League) game this weekend, don't be surprised to see the entire crowd donning blue ski masks. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a player for the Lions, has called on his fans to wear these distinctive masks as a symbol of change in Detroit's football culture. It all started when Gardner-Johnson wore a blue ski mask in the locker room after a week one victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, declaring that this isn't the same old Detroit Lions. Gone are the days of fans wearing brown paper bags over their heads in frustration. The blue ski masks signify a new era for the team.
Pivotal Week for NFL Teams
It might only be week two of the NFL season, but it's crucial for teams that lost in week one. History shows that a 0-2 start significantly diminishes a team's chances of making the playoffs. Since 1970, only 9.5% of NFL teams have secured a playoff spot after beginning the season with two losses. The pressure is on for these teams to bounce back.
Joe Burrow's Lucky Haircut
After reading those harrowing stats about 0-2 teams, everyone's favorite quarterback, Joe Burrow, is changing things to alter his team's luck. Burrow showed up with a new haircut, and fans are curious to see if this change will bring better fortune to the Cincinnati Bengals. Remember, superstitions are only odd if they don’t work!
NBA's Tougher Resting Policy
The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved stricter rules and punishments for star players who sit out games, particularly those scheduled for national TV and in-season tournaments. This move is primarily driven by the desire to protect TV revenue. Teams can now face fines exceeding $1M for violating these resting rules, making it a costly decision for players and teams alike.
Spotlight on LSU's Women's Athletics
Sports Illustrated's latest issue features a cover story on LSU's Women's Athletics Program and its athletes cashing in on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. The story highlights Livvy Dunne and Angel Reese, two of the top NIL earners in the country. It's a testament to the changing landscape of college sports and the financial opportunities available to student-athletes.
Weekend Sports Extravaganza
In addition to the NFL and NBA news, watch for the WNBA playoffs, the Rugby World Cup and the culmination of Prince Harry's Invictus Games this weekend. There's no shortage of sporting action to enjoy.
Here’s to the 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: Unsplash
GAME CHANGER
Place your bets with confidence (or at least be prepared to talk shop) with our sports betting 101. THE MORE YOU KNOW