New Year Special Edition

2024 is upon us and despite the fact all our editors are traveling, we still are here to deliver you the top quality content you covet. Please enjoy a preview of the two CFP National Semifinal Games and our favorite Sports Moments of the Holiday Season.

1. Clash of Titans: Washington vs. Texas in CFP Sugar Bowl Semifinal

This highly anticipated College Football Playoff National Semifinal features a blockbuster matchup between No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas. As these football powerhouses prepare to battle it out in the CFP Sugar Bowl, the stakes are sky-high with a spot in the national championship game hanging in the balance.

Washington's Journey

• Undefeated in 13 games, the Huskies claimed the Pac-12 football title with the nation's top passing offense

• Michael Penix, Jr. spearheads a potent air attack, complemented by the rushing prowess of Dillon Johnson

• The heralded offensive line faces a formidable test against Texas' stout run defense

Texas' Quest

• With a 12-1 record, the Longhorns notched a pivotal road win against Alabama and closed the season with a Big 12 championship

• Despite a top-10 national offensive ranking, Texas grapples with red zone inefficiency, converting only 50% of chances into touchdowns

• Quarterback Quinn Ewers, with a completion rate of 70%, leads an offense aiming for ground control against Washington's defense

Key Matchups to Watch

• Battle at the Line: Washington's running game vs. Texas' 3rd-ranked run defense - a crucial battle at the line of scrimmage

• Red Zone Efficiency: Texas' struggles in the red zone offer an opportunity for Washington to capitalize on superior touchdown conversion rates

• Defensive Dynamics: Washington's dynamic coverage and edge pressure could pose challenges for Texas' offense

Game Details

• Date and Time: Mon., Jan. 1, 8:45p Eastern

• TV: ESPN network

• Stream: fuboTV (Try for free)

2024 Sugar Bowl Game Odds

• Line: Texas -4 (Translation: Texas is projected to win by 4)

• Total: 63.5 points (Translation: Both teams are expected score a combined 63.5 points)

• ESPN Analytics Pick: Texas 68.6% to win

Conversation Starter: Delve into the strategic elements that could prove decisive for Washington and Texas. Which team's strengths do you believe will play a more pivotal role in determining the outcome of this high-stakes semifinal clash?

2. College Football Playoff Showdown #2: Michigan vs. Alabama

In a clash of titans, the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (13-0) are set to face the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl, with the winner advancing to the National Championship. Anticipation is high as experts analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Let’s delve into why Michigan might emerge victorious and why Alabama could secure the win.

Why Michigan Will Beat Alabama

• J.J. McCarthy's Stellar Performance: Michigan's star quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, concluded an impressive season. McCarthy's exceptional stats, including 2,630 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a remarkable 74.2% completion rate, position him as a key player. His dual-threat ability, combining accurate passing with ground mobility, poses a significant challenge.

• Ground Dominance: Michigan's rushing attack, led by Blake Corum, has been a force to be reckoned with. Ranking No. 11 in time of possession, Michigan strategically controls the clock. Corum, with 24 rushing touchdowns and 1,028 yards, spearheads an offense that excels in crucial moments, exemplified by their run-heavy strategy against Penn State.

• Elite Defense: Michigan's defense has been outstanding throughout the season, boasting top rankings in various categories such as scoring defense, defensive touchdowns, total defense, and more. The Wolverines' defensive prowess could pose significant challenges for Alabama's offense.

Why Alabama Will Beat Michigan

• Saban's Legacy: Nick Saban, often hailed as the greatest of all time (GOAT), brings a wealth of experience and success to the table. Alabama's eighth College Football Playoff appearance, coupled with Saban's seven national championships and a 9-4 record in CFP games, gives the Crimson Tide a seasoned advantage. Saban's 1-0 record against Michigan's Jim Harbaugh adds another layer of complexity.

• Dynamic Quarterback - Jalen Milroe: Alabama's Jalen Milroe, finishing No. 6 in Heisman voting, presents a dynamic and multifaceted threat. With impressive passing and rushing statistics, Milroe's ability to exploit defenses both through the air and on the ground makes him a formidable adversary. Michigan will need a solid defensive strategy to contain Milroe's versatility.

• Formidable Alabama Defense: Alabama's defense, ranked No. 18 in total defense, No. 17 in scoring defense, and No. 23 in passing defense, stands out as one of the fastest and most formidable. This could pose challenges for Michigan's offense, particularly quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who faced struggles in the CFP last year.

Game Details

• Date and Time: Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m ET

• TV Network: ESPN

• Streaming: Sling TV

2024 Rose Bowl Game Odds

• Line: Michigan -2 (Translation: Michigan is projected to win by 2)

• Total: 45.0 points (Translation: Both teams are expected score a combined 45.0 points)

• ESPN Analytics Pick: Michigan 55.3% to win

Conversation Starter: Which team do you think has the edge in this highly anticipated matchup, and what key factors will influence the outcome?

“Sports” Moments of the Holidays

One thing we love about sports is the funny moments they deliver, here are some rapid fire viral memes, videos, and posts for your enjoyment!

The Death of a Pop-Tart

Every year, each Bowl Game has its own mascot related to its Corporate Sponsor, so, of course, the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando would feature a life sized Pop-Tart. The Pop-Tart got frisky, inspired millions, and ultimately sacrificed itself on live TV so that the winning team could enjoy the edible mascot. This little Pop-Tart took the internet by storm, here are some of our favorite tweets:

Other Top Moments

Marquette Coach Shaka Smart literally is the “sixth man” out there

I don’t know if that’s OSHA approved

We love the absurdity of bowl season

Give him this, it takes a lot of courage to go into there without a helmet on

Celtic FC fans (and one of our writers) took out their frustrations on poor Santa…

… So city rivals Rangers brought out Santa with their League Cup Trophy the next day

The peasants had it coming…

Get Others in the Game

Know someone else itching to up their sports convos easily? Share this with them! For every referral you send our way, we'll:

🌲 Plant a tree in your name! We choose to plant trees in developing nations to not only alleviate climate change, but to help end hunger and poverty by rebuilding local farming ecosystems.

💸Enter your name in for a chance to win a $500 Amazon Gift Card. We guarantee 1 in 1000 people in (and every referral gets you another entry)

Until next week,

-The Fastbreakk, including co-editor John Onderdonk who scored a career-best 88 (+17) on the golf course yesterday and is expected to announced his decision between PGA Tour and LIV Golf soon