Monday Minute: NFL vs. Golden Globes, College Football National Championship Game Tonight + Rafael Nadal Is Out
A big week ahead.
We’re back with another edition of the Monday Minute. We’re more reliable at bringing you the best in sports small talk than your grandma predicting the weather based on her arthritis. Let’s do this Monday.
Golden Globes: Swift Shots and Barbie Dreams
Did you catch the Golden Globes last night? The Taylor Swift joke at the Globes landed flat, and her reaction became an instant meme. The punchline? The Globes have fewer shots of Taylor Swift than an NFL game. It seems even the world of glamorous award shows can't escape the allure of a dad joke.
College Football Showdown: Wolverines vs. Huskies
In the spirit of drama and competition, tonight's main event is the College Football National Championship Game – Michigan vs. Washington. Michigan is favored by 4 points.
The big question: Can Dubs, Washington's live husky pup mascot, continue the canine winning streak? UGA of Georgia won the previous two titles, and Dubs hopes for the trifecta. Meanwhile, Michigan's JJ McCarthy is hailed as the greatest QB in Michigan history by coach Jim Harbaugh. Sorry, Tom Brady.
Fresh off her Golden Globe nomination, Fantasia is singing the national anthem, and the school’s marching bands will perform at halftime.
NFL Bubble Trouble and Baker's Payout
The NFL's (National Football League) regular-season finale was like a pressure cooker, with teams on the bubble needing wins to secure a spot. The Titans upset the Jaguars, creating a ripple effect throughout the league.
Baker Mayfield, whose career was once written off, earned an incredible $1M bonus for leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs.
Stay tuned for our Weekend Preview Edition of the podcast on Friday, where we'll break down the upcoming matchups and probably make wildly inaccurate predictions. It's what we do best.
Why today is Black Monday?
Today, in the NFL, is Black Friday. It’s the Monday after the end of the regular season when many coaches will find out they have been fired (if it wasn’t already done on Sunday). This may be the most historic Black Monday, with the active coach with the most Super Bowl rings, Bill Belichick, likely to see his time with the New England Patriots end.
Tennis Drama and Golf Victories
In tennis, Rafael Nadal officially withdrew from the Australian Open. Fear not, tennis fans – we'll cover tennis season and the Australian Open in next week's podcast. Mark your calendars for the 17th and prepare for more dramatic ball smashes and court-side antics.
On the green, Chris Kirk wins The Sentry in Maui, but his most significant victory remains overcoming alcoholism and depression. His win also secures him a spot in the Masters.
Until next time, remember – it's just a game unless your team loses.
Photo: Instagram/Balmain
BADASS MOMS IN SPORTS
Never underestimate a girl. MORE
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Weekend Preview: NFL Playoff Scenarios, ESPN's Massive NCAA Deal, Shaq's Honor +An Act of Kindness In Montana
Weekend small talk ahead
As we gear up for the first weekend in 2024, we’re covering the final week of the NFL regular season, ESPN's groundbreaking NCAA deal, a long-overdue honor for Shaquille O'Neal, and a heartwarming act of kindness in college football.
NFL Playoff Scenarios
In the last week of the NFL (National Football League) regular season, teams are making critical decisions about resting key players and navigating playoff scenarios. With the 49ers and Ravens securing the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage, they'll rest their starting quarterbacks. This final week sees 20 teams in contention, with half of the division titles still up for grabs. The teams “on the bubble” need a win this weekend, including the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Minnesota Vikings.
ESPN's Massive NCAA Deal
ESPN has secured an eight-year, $920M deal to continue broadcasting the women's NCAA tournament and other events. This groundbreaking contract marks a three-fold increase over the previous agreement, ensuring the women's NCAA tournament remains a fixture on the network. Read more about the deal's significance here: Yahoo Sports | Sports Business Journal
Shaquille O'Neal's Jersey Retirement
NBA (National Basketball Association) legend Shaquille O'Neal receives a long-overdue honor as the Orlando Magic announces his jersey retirement. Watch the heartwarming surprise from the broadcast crew as they share the news with Shaq. This historic moment pays tribute to Shaq’s impact on the franchise.
FCS Championship Sunday
Before Monday night's eagerly anticipated College Football Playoff National Championship, football fans can catch the FCS Championship showdown between South Dakota State and Montana. The Jackrabbits and Grizzlies will vie for the crown in Frisco, Texas, in what promises to be a thrilling clash. Dive into the journey of these teams and the excitement building up to the championship game: NCAA.com | ESPN
Montana State's Act of Kindness
In a heartwarming gesture, Montana State, Montana's main rival, donated $3,000 to help send Montana's marching band to the FCS National Championship. Missoulian
Stay tuned for a weekend filled with excitement, heartwarming moments and the crowning of champions in the world of sports.
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
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
BADASS MOMS IN SPORTS
Never underestimate a girl. MORE
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY