Week 13: Tonight we welcome Griffin Olah to the tailgate. Griffin, who writes
on Substack, has worked in the sports information departments for three MAC schools and now shares his experience and expertise with readers via weekly columns such as Games of the Slot and CFB Bracketology.
One of the coolest and most unique projects on Substack, Griffin recently launched the University of Eastern Colorado Bighorns football dynasty to bring readers all the behind-the-scenes aspects of what SIDs do. Using the college football video game, NCAA 25, he shows everything that goes into covering a college sports program, from the media guide to compiling gameday stats and more.
Thanks to an idea from one of his readers — me — he invited other Substackers (11 in total) to assume the names and characteristics of players on the virtual team. And that is how Brian Lennon became the name of the Bighorns’ starting quarterback!
We also discuss Griffin’s affinity for #MACtion, his college football Saturday viewing habits, growing up an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, and a special knack he has for being in the same place as future NBA talent!
Watch Game 1 of the University of Eastern Colorado Bighorns:
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1st Down: SID Sports with Griffin Olah.
2nd Down: Scheduling: In light of Jake Paul’s creampuff bout against 58-year-old Mike Tyson, what do we think about Alabama scheduling mid-November games against the likes of Mercer? Should they be penalized by pollsters the way Penn State is when they’re idle?
3rd Down: The SEC 2-loss problem and the CFP. How many SEC teams can we realistically expect to make the playoff?
4th Down: Curt Cignetti Gets His Bag. The coach signed an 8-year $72 million contract Indiana announced on Saturday. The Hoosiers are 10-0 for the first time in school history. We give our reactions to the announcement.
Extra Point: This week on ESPN.com, there was a story about Nebraska exploring the idea of allowing fans to bury or spread ashes at Memorial Stadium. Would any of you be open to spreading your ashes at The Swamp or Beaver Stadium?
Watch Tailgators Setup Podcast on Substack:
John’s Game of the Week:
No. 5 Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State (-13.5) (Noon on FOX)
The Hoosiers and coach Curt Cignetti, with his fresh bag, invade the Horseshoe to battle the Buckeyes.
Indiana, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, looks to keep its undefeated record intact, while the Buckeyes look to avoid a second loss, which would put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
The Just For Men (#notsponsored) Pick’em Challenge:
We have a new leader in the clubhouse. Brian’s upset picks didn’t pan out so Gary (123-68) takes a one-game lead on Brian (122-69), with John (118-73) making positive gains, pulling within a few games as the weeks wind down.
Who will be dying their beard Ryan Day black? Stay tuned to find out.
Gary’s Cocktails of the Week:
Hoosier Daddy:
1/4 cup Knobb Creek Rye Whiskey
1/2 tbs Grenadine
1 tbls Absinthe
1/2 tsp Bitters
2 Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Rinse rocks glass with absinthe; discard the rest. Add whiskey, grenadine, and bitters to ice-filled shaker; shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into rocks glass with ice and garnish with cherries.
Brutus Daquiri Jell-O Shot:
1 Large box Strawberry Jello
1 small box Lemon Jello
2 cups boiling water
2 cups rum
Follow directions on the Jello box, add whipped cream on top if you like.
The Heisman Watch:
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: 159 yards, 3 TDs last week.
Travis Hunter, Colorado: Scored TD on reverse and hauls in an interception all while playing 66 plays on offense and and 66 plays on defense in the Buffs’ 49-24 win over Utah.
Cam Ward, Miami: IDLE
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: 218 yards, 1 INT (I think it’s safe to say he won’t win, but he’ll probably be invited.)
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana: Has the chance to make a Heisman statement against Ohio State this week. Has thrown 21 TDs against only 4 INTs this season.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State: Running back has 1,074 yards and 11 TDs on 198 carries for the Sun Devils, who still have a shot at a Big XII championship.
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee: Running back has 1,230 yards and 21 TDs on 220 carries for the seventh-ranked Volunteers.
