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Starting Five

The five sports topics that will be discussed at water coolers across America

1. Playoff Controversy: Michigan, Washington, Texas, and… Alabama?

The Scoop: The College Football Playoff Committee sparked debate when it announced the four teams that will be represented in the Playoffs. Michigan and Washington finished ranked #1 and #2, both finishing as undefeated Conference champions. However the third 13-0 conference champion Florida State was left out, in favor of one-loss Texas and Alabama who finished 3rd and 4th seeds respectively. The matchups are set, with Texas facing Washington and Alabama taking on top-ranked Michigan. Committee chair Boo Corrigan claims to have identified the best four teams, but that decision is met with debate. See here the full rankings and Bowl Game schedule. 

Conversation Starter: Did the Committee get the rankings Correct?

2. Florida State’s Playoff Snub

The Scoop: “The consequences are destructive, far reaching, and permanent.” Florida State’s Athletic Director Michael Alford ripped the College Football Playoff Committee for leaving out the Seminoles, who finished 13-0 by beating two SEC teams (#13 LSU and Florida), winning the ACC Championship over #16 Louisville by two scores, and boasting the third best strength of record in the country. The loss of star Quarterback Jordan Travis to injury was the key factor in the decision, but FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell pointed out the unfairness of the situation, that despite the injury, FSU still shut down their opponents on defense. The decision sparked outrage and shock as FSU Alums, ESPN Analysts, and even the Michigan Wolverines team reacted to the news. Disgusted, unforgivable, infuriating, among other terms. 

FSU Coach Mike Norvell was not happy in the press conference for the Orange Bowl—where his team will face the Georgia Bulldogs, coached by also-not-happy-looking Kirby Smart.

Conversation Starter: Should context like key injuries be considered in team rankings?

3. The Future of College Football

The Scoop: This College Football season has been a catastrophe for the NCAA. The current Number 1 team in the country is under active investigation for cheating. Media members from across the country are claiming the playoff system is broken and unfair. Historic conferences are dissolving in pursuit of more lucrative TV contracts. Next year, the SEC and Big 10 will add some of the best teams in the country, including 12 of the current top 13 teams. The question is: what does the future hold?

With the precedent set that a 13-0 champion from the ACC can be left out of the playoff, this can only signal the disparity will increase. Will Clemson, North Carolina, and FSU move next? Will the sport change as we know it? Will the media influence overreach even the rule of the NCAA? The game so many football fans grew up with will look very different in the next few years, and this season will be one that fans point to that turned the tide. 

Conversation Starter: Is there a way to preserve the history and tradition of college football when big money power players have all the control?

4. The Most Dangerous Game: Injuries On and Off the Field

The Scoop: Football is inherently a violent and dangerous game. Sunday was no different, from starting quarterbacks, to agile receivers, to sideline officials. Before every season fans expect injuries, just hoping it won’t be their favorite players missing. NFL rule changes in the past years have prevented the use of a helmet as an initial point of contact with another player, sports scientists have found new technologies in mouth pieces, helmet design, and advanced analytics to monitor potential injuries. Youth football participation is at its lowest point since 2000, a downward trend that has continued constantly for the past 5 years. 

Conversation Starter: What are ways to remove the risks of football while still keeping the pageantry and essence of the game?

5. Stanford and FSU Women’s Soccer

The Scoop: The Stanford Ladies scored two golazos in the first 10 minutes of the semi-final vs top-seeded BYU, and cruised to victory from there. Now they plan to bring that same goal-scoring threat against an FSU team that dismantled Clemson and looks to secure their fourth National Title since 2014. Both teams, like FSU’s football team, are undefeated, making FSU (21-0-1) and Stanford (20-0-4) the first Division 1 Women’s Championship Game between two unbeaten teams in history. The two forces meet Monday Night at 6:00 ET, and it looks to be a great battle for the title. 

Conversation Starter: Is it fair that Football and Basketball receive more money in NIL than Soccer, especially at a school like Stanford, where the Soccer teams are significantly better?

“Sports” Moments of the Weekend

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!

Electric on the field, electric in the post-game interview

Harbaugh evades the Gatorade bath better than NCAA investigations

Missouri Coach Eli Drinkwitz looks to use the phone-a-friend option to get OSU’s signals

Rumors are there were no survivors

If he just has the courage!

It didn’t count, but what a rollercoaster for Will Levis

Michigan State reminded they’re little brother

Buddy really celebrated like this while getting blown out by the 2-10 Cardinals

What We’re Watching this Week

If you're at a bar, they might be showing these games. Here's what you should know:

Monday Night Football

Cincinnati Bengals (5-6) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3) - Monday Night at 8:15 ET: Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the number one player in America coming out of high school and is living up to that hype this year, leading the Jaguars offense to a string of big wins, and they’ll look for another in primetime against a struggling Bengals team.

NCAAM Basketball

#17 North Carolina vs #4 UConn (Tuesday 9:00 ET): The resilient Tar Heels put up 100 points on Tennessee, then came from behind to beat Florida State, improving to 7-1. Defending champs UConn started 7-0 and now look to rebound from a 4-point loss to #5 Kansas on Friday. The Huskies are the favorite, but both offenses can score in bunches and it should be an exciting match up

#16 Texas vs #3 Marquette (Wednesday 8:00 ET): Marquette came into the season with legitimate National Championship buzz, but two losses to Purdue and Wisconsin has shown holes in this team, mainly that they don’t have a number 1 scoring option. Texas lost their only test of the season by 10 to UConn, and look to make a statement against a vulnerable foe. 

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Until next week,

The Fastbreakk