Josh Pate's College Football Show Surprise Playoff Contenders + Winter Storm Survival & ESPN’s CFP Monopoly
Jan 28, 2026
Tampering drama and who should step in to stop it get heated attention. Surprising College Football Playoff contenders like Auburn and Penn State are debated. A look at whether Georgia is slipping under Kirby Smart and how ESPN’s CFP control affects the sport. Winter storm prep and a lighthearted hair feud add color to the conversation.
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Two First-Year Coaches To Watch
- Consider Alex Golesh at Auburn as a first-year coach who can quickly fit and win in the SEC due to scheme familiarity and roster fit.
- Also monitor Matt Campbell at Penn State because he brings a chunk of his Iowa State roster and existing culture that reduces transition shock.
Fix Tiebreakers To Protect Auto-Bids
- Auto-bids for Power Four champions can work if conferences fix tiebreakers so highly ranked teams play in title games.
- Proper tiebreaker rules (head-to-head, then playoff rankings) prevent anomalous, low-quality champions from taking guaranteed spots.
Call Out Tampering To Deter It
- University presidents and conference commissioners can enforce anti-tampering, but public calling-out by coaches also deters the behavior.
- When coaches like Dabo Swinney name names publicly, it pressures programs and can reduce tampering incidents.