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

It’s conference championship week and chaos reigns on Tailgate on the Quad! Ciarnan returns and joins Kev to break down explosive coaching changes, with Lane Kiffin’s dramatic LSU move front and center. The episode dives deep into the ripple effects at Ole Miss and Penn State, the fast-paced coaching carousel, and which schools came out as winners and losers. The hosts dissect playoff rankings, debate Texas, Alabama, and Notre Dame's chances, and offer bold playoff predictions.

Check out our socials: https://linktr.ee/QuadGate

0:00:00 – Welcome, shoutouts, and conference championship week intro

0:06:00 – Lane Kiffin drama and NCAA chaos

0:12:00 – Ole Miss promotes Pete Golding; coaching stability talk

0:18:00 – Penn State’s coaching search struggles

0:24:00 – Coaching carousel: winners and losers

0:30:00 – Big-money contracts and Jimmy Sexton discussion

0:36:00 – Iron Bowl recap and Alabama’s issues

0:42:00 – College Football Playoff rankings breakdown

0:48:00 – Playoff predictions and bold takes

0:54:00 – Conference championship betting picks

1:00:00 – Mid team season wrap-ups and the “curse”

1:06:00 – Luke Fickell’s buyout list and episode close

This week, Kevin is joined by Kelcey from High Low Sports to break down James Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech, debate Lane Kiffin’s future at Ole Miss, and rank the best coaching jobs in the SEC. The Iron Bowl preview brings predictions and angst, while Alabama’s kicking struggles and Maryland’s commitment to Mike Locksley get their share of attention.

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0:00:10 Episode Introduction, Guest Introduction, James Franklin Coaching News Teased

0:06:45 James Franklin to Virginia Tech Discussion: Fit, Program Expectations, Recruiting Impact

0:13:08 Lane Kiffin & Ole Miss Coaching Drama, SEC Job Rankings, Lane’s Fit Speculation

0:19:10 Next Coaching Dominoes: Speculation on Brian Kelly, Ed Orgeron, and Jon Gruden

0:26:47 Auburn Coaching Scene: DJ Durkin Opinions, Auburn Booster Culture, Lane Kiffin at Auburn Hypothetical

0:29:54 Early Iron Bowl Preview & Alabama’s Recent Losses Breakdown (Oklahoma, Florida State)

0:38:15 Iron Bowl Emotional Fallout: Auburn Fan Perspective, Offensive Line Concerns, Auburn-Alabama Rivalry Realities

0:43:02 Maryland & Mike Locksley Segment: AD Endorsement, Program Culture, Recruiting, Coach Tier Reality

0:48:36 Week 12 Bets Recap and New Picks: Moneylines, Spreads, Miscellaneous, Weather Report, Luke Fickle Shopping List

0:57:40 Proof of Life from Ciarnan, His Take on Franklin Leaving, Closing Segment

1:00:22 Kelcey & Kevin Plugs, Show Outro, Socials, Final Thoughts

This week on Tailgate on the Quad, Kevin welcomes Jared from the Korner Booth for even more shenanigans than usual! They debate Miami’s fading playoff hopes, LSU’s messy Brian Kelly drama, Pat Narduzzi needs some confidence, and Lane Kiffin’s opinion on the end of CFB dynasties. The episode also covers the new playoff rankings, Deion Sanders’ rocky stretch at Colorado, and Missouri State’s quest for a bowl game.

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0:00:00 – Intro & Episode Topics

0:06:00 – Miami Hurricanes & Coaching Issues

0:12:00 – Pitt, Notre Dame, ACC Respect

0:18:00 – Florida State & Coaching Contracts

0:24:00 – Brian Kelly/LSU Firing Drama

0:30:00 – End of Dynasties & CFP Format Discussion

0:36:00 – Colorado, Missouri State, Bowl Eligibility

0:42:00 – CFP Top 25 Rankings Breakdown 0:48:00 – CFP Top 5 Teams Debate

0:54:00 – Bets, Weather, Luke Fickell Shopping List

1:00:00 – Closing Thoughts & Sign Off

Kev and special guest DJ unpack a wild week in college football — from Hugh Freeze’s sudden midseason exit at Auburn to the James Franklin sweepstakes heating up at Auburn and Virginia Tech. They debate which coaches are truly on the hot seat at Miami and Tennessee, question Notre Dame’s Top 10 ranking, and react to the latest AP and College Football Playoff polls.

10:09 James Franklin: Ideal Quick Fix Coach 13:18 Hokie Nation, ACC Shake-Up 20:21 Miami's Stadium & Fan Critique 27:57 Team's Peak and Decline Analysis 31:00 Playoff Potential Decline Concerns 33:51 Matt Rule's Year Four Potential 40:15 ACU Apologizes for Offensive Post 47:06 College Football Poll Rant 52:22 Uncertainty Surrounds Louisville's Success 59:07 Weekend Weather and Betting Update

Kev and Ciarnan dissect Brian Kelly's abrupt firing from LSU, examining the toxic culture and player testimonials that emerged post-termination. They analyze the coaching carousel's financial implications, with buyouts exceeding $168 million this season, and debate Lane Kiffin's leverage as top programs circle. The hosts explore the NCAA's reversed decision on player betting following FBI raids, discuss the SEC's unprecedented permanent suspension of referee Ken Williamson, and predict LSU's next hire, with John Sumrall and Lane Kiffin leading odds. Check out our socials: https://linktr.ee/QuadGate

0:00 Intro

0:58 Brian Kelly Fired from LSU

5:19 Players Celebrate Kelly's Departure

9:04 Winners and Losers of Coaching Changes

15:38 Lane Kiffin's Next Move Discussion

19:08 Deion Sanders on Coaching Patience

23:24 Massive Coaching Buyouts and Contracts

27:26 NCAA Betting Rules Put on Pause

30:09 SEC Permanently Suspends Referee Ken Williamson

34:26 AP Poll Rankings and Analysis

43:03 Week 9 Betting Results Review

45:07 Week 10 Betting Picks

50:06 Mid Teams Update: West Virginia Progress

53:08 UMass Continues Winless Season Struggles

56:50 Luke Fickle Shopping List Returns

1:01:07 Closing Remarks and Next Week Preview