Monday Minute: College Football Playoff Semifinals Today, Hot Cocoa Trophy + When A Plan Goes Wrong
Small talk to start off your 2024.
Today marks the first Monday of 2024, and we're diving straight into the action-packed world of sports. From college football playoffs to outdoor NHL faceoffs and a bit of NFL controversy - here’s the small talk you need to start your year.
1. College Football Playoffs: Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl Showdowns
The Rose Bowl is a clash of titans as Michigan takes on Alabama in the college football playoffs semi-finals. Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines aim to overcome past setbacks, while Alabama, led by the legendary Nick Saban, is eying his eighth national championship. Meanwhile, the Sugar Bowl features Washington against Texas, with Heisman runner-up Michael Penix Jr. leading Washington. Quarterback Quinn Ewers leads the Longhorns, but all the focus seems to be on backup quarterback Arch Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. Manning is the fourth-highest NIL earner behind:
1. Bronny James, USC basketball
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
3. Livvy Dunne, LSU
4. Arch Manning, Texas
Fun Fact: Each participant in the CFP semi-finals pockets an astounding $6M for their conference.
2. NHL winter classic: Seattle Kraken vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Hockey fans, get ready for a chilly showdown. The Seattle Kraken and the Stanley Cup Champions Vegas Golden Knights (NHL - National Hockey League) will battle it out outdoors in the Seattle Mariners Stadium on New Year's Day. The MVP of the game will claim the new Hot Cocoa Trophy, and fans, who have clearly been watching too many bowl games, are clamoring for the winning coach to get a hot cocoa shower.
3. NFL Controversy: Lions vs. Cowboys Drama
Saturday night's Detriot Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys (NFL - National Football League) game delivered an edge-of-the-seat experience. A two-point conversion that could have sealed the Lions' victory was called back due to a controversial ruling. Allegedly, a lineman failed to report as an eligible receiver, but video evidence suggests otherwise. The Lions returned for two more attempts but fell short, losing by a single point. The plot thickens, and fans are eagerly awaiting how this controversy unfolds.
As we kick off the new year, sports enthusiasts are in for a treat with thrilling matchups, unexpected twists, and the promise of more exciting moments. Here's to a fantastic 2024 filled with sports spectacles and unforgettable moments.
Photo: Instagram/Balmain
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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.
Photo: Unsplash
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Photo: Instagram/famousidahopotatobowl
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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
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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
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