Off Sides College Football Top 25+5: The Committee’s "Falsity," The Notre Dame Snub, and The Legend of the Golf Course Goose

In this holiday edition of Off Sides, host John "The Swami" Kalin and his comedic counterpart Michael break down a week of college football marked by controversy, questionable hardware, and bowl game chaos. The guys don't hold back on the "committee of fat cats," tearing into the logic behind the College Football Awards and the final CFP rankings.

From the injustice served to Notre Dame to the puzzling inclusion of Alabama, the duo debates the need for a 16 or 32-team playoff expansion to restore meritocracy to the sport. They also dive into the coaching carousel, rumors surrounding Ohio State’s staff, and why some teams are already "packing for the couch" before kickoff.

Key Topics & Debates

• Awards Controversy: A heated debate over the Biletnikoff and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Did Jeremiah Smith get snubbed because "winners win," or did the committee simply get it wrong?

• The CFP Robbery: The guys discuss why Notre Dame was "mugged without a gun" by being left out of the playoffs, and why the "join a conference" argument is fueled by greed rather than football logic.

• Bowl Game Bonanza: A look at the early bowl results (South Carolina State’s OT win, South Florida’s turnover fest) and predictions for the upcoming slate, including Miami vs. Texas A&M and the "Slaughter Fest" awaiting James Madison against Oregon.

• The Goose Attack: Michael recounts a hilarious, true story about John’s terrifying encounter with a 100lb "velociraptor" goose on the golf course that had him begging for help.

The "Off Sides" Picks

The crew updates their bowl pick standings (Michael is currently 3-2 with a smirk).

• Lock of the Week: Arguments for Texas A&M over Miami.

• Upset Alert: Can Hawaii hold off Cal on Christmas Eve?

• The "Stay Home" Bowl: Why Tulane and James Madison are facing insurmountable odds.

Schedule Note

Off Sides will be taking a break for Christmas. The team returns on Wednesday, January 1st (or potentially the Wednesday prior) to recap the carnage and preview the Quarterfinals.