On this episode, Kev and Ciarnan debate the value of hypothetical wins, especially for Notre Dame, and weigh in on whether Group of Five teams belong in the playoffs after blowouts by Tulane and JMU. Kev lashes out about Kalen DeBoer rumors and poke fun at Petrino to UNC.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl and its sprinkle-themed helmets get a shout-out, with the duo arguing why Notre Dame doesn’t deserve the fun. Johnny Manziel’s “fake narrative” is roasted, and they discuss the FCS playoff Cinderella run by Illinois State. Plus, it’s all bets and Christmas wishes as Ciarnan and Kevin hope for less chaos (and better betting luck) in the new year.

0:00:00 – No-intro episode, post-Christmas schedule change & college football bowl chaos

0:06:00 – Playoff first round reactions: Alabama comeback, Notre Dame hypotheticals, and “should-have-been-in” arguments

0:12:00 – Group of Five in the Playoff: Debating Tulane and JMU’s performances, legitimacy of CFB playoffs

0:18:00 – Booster money mysteries, wildest donors, and LSU payouts

0:24:00 – Coaching carousel: Kalen DeBoer to Michigan rumors, UNC hiring Bobby Petrino conspiracy

0:30:00 – Johnny Manziel GameDay guest picker fiasco & social media damage control

0:36:00 – Pop-Tarts Bowl mania: Helmet designs, Notre Dame “too serious,” and bowl game brand talk

0:42:00 – FCS Playoff update: Illinois State Cinderella run, coaching legends, and small-school dreams

0:48:00 – Cotton Bowl preview, NIL valuations shock, and off-topic CFB talk (wrestling, basketball, and broke betting records)

0:54:00 – This week’s bets, Christmas wishes for college football, and closing banter

This week, the boys dive into the shocking downfall of Michigan’s Sherrone Moore and the HR missteps that followed, as well as Brian Smith's firing at Ohio University. The two also break down the Heisman Trophy, and relish in the fact Diego Pavia had a bad weekend.

Finally, they tackle broader issues like college football media’s lack of coverage for FCS teams, Joel Klatt’s anti-Cinderella takes, and the ACC’s convoluted scheduling.

0:00:10 – Opening & Sherrone Moore Scandal

0:06:04 – Ohio University Coach Firing & Misconduct

0:10:00 – Heisman & Awards Season Recap

0:13:02 – Diego Pavia Meltdown & Finalists’ Reputations

0:17:20 – Fun with Heisman Personalities

0:20:08 – CFB Award Rundown & Big Ten Punting Controversy

0:23:20 – College Gameday, FCS Coverage & Media Bias Rant

0:32:47 – Joel Klatt “No Cinderellas” Debate & Playoff Expansion

0:38:47 – ACC Schedule Shenanigans & Notre Dame’s Independence

0:44:04 – CFP First Round Picks & Matchup Preview

0:48:28 – Betting Recap, Weather Report & Hawaii Trivia

0:55:53 – Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off

Chaos reigns in college football! In this episode, Kevin and Ciarnan dive into Notre Dame’s controversial decision to opt out of a bowl game after missing the playoff, sparking debates on whether ND is the most coddled brand in the sport. Hear a passionate Notre Dame fan’s defense and plenty of pushback from the hosts, including takes on conference membership, bowl opt-outs, and the lost shot at Pop-Tarts Bowl glory. The crew runs through playoff rankings, surprising bracket matchups, and analyzes Heisman finalists. Additionally, they break down major coaching changes at Penn State, Iowa State, and Kentucky, and react to Utah’s private equity move threatening the soul of college football. The episode rounds out with betting picks, FCS playoff shoutouts, and weather predictions for Army-Navy.

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0:00:09 - Cold Open & Introduction 0:00:55 - Notre Dame Opts Out of Bowl Games 0:14:35 - Playoff Expansion Debate 0:17:00 - Playoff Bracket Breakdown 0:24:22 - Teams Ranked by Likeability 0:30:08 - Heisman Trophy Finalists 0:34:49 - Matt Campbell to Penn State 0:39:38 - Iowa State & Kentucky Coaching News 0:43:56 - Utah’s Private Equity Partnership 0:49:56 - Weekly Bets & Army/Navy Weather 0:57:14 - Other Bowl Opt-Outs & FCS Playoff Shout Outs 0:59:39 - Outro and Final Thoughts