By Scott Miller
As I sit here watching Florida St. vs. Clemson, 14-0 Clemson winning so far, I am reminded of why college football is so special. Just listen to the crowd. Just listen to the crowd’s passion at any given college campus stadium each and every Saturday. The passion and excitement can be seen and felt everywhere. Team Jerseys worn by fans everywhere you look, war paint, flags, banners, you name it. College football fans are not a shy or quiet bunch. We are quite the opposite.
New players each year, new coaches in many cases, yet the same passion and excitement is exuded from college football’s frenzied fan base. You’ve just got to love it!
So here we are, it’s November already and the playoffs are taking shape. Who will make the top four and earn a spot in the playoffs this year?
As of this printing, unofficially, it shapes up like this:
Number 1 is Alabama and that’s undisputed.
Number 2 is Clemson, also unofficially official.
Then for 3 and 4 we could go either way.
Notre Dame – LSU or LSU – Notre Dame
Number 5 is Michigan.
Number 6 is Georgia.
It will be interesting to see how that list changes during this final month, as we come down the home stretch of the 2018 season.
There are definitely some interesting matchups yet to be played in November and as we have seen in the past, anything is possible. Perhaps not likely, but possible, you might even say, probable.
Somewhere along the way, an upset or two is just waiting to happen. And if history has anything to do with it, well we will just have to wait and see.
November will not disappoint fans. Want the highlights?
We have LSU vs. Alabama, which speaks for itself.
Florida vs. Florida St. is always fun to watch.
Georgia vs. Auburn…there’s revenge on the minds of the War Eagle faithful in this one. Although these two schools went 1-1 against each other last year, Georgia won the game that mattered most.
Michigan has Penn State and Ohio State yet to play, with huge challenges to overcome if they wish to hang on to a playoff spot.
Ohio State, on the playoff bubble, also has Michigan St. yet to tangle with.
Clemson probably has the easiest path forward but just saying that will probably jinx them—we shall see. Let’s not forget about the Irish; Notre Dame is enjoying a quiet yet undefeated season so far with match ups against Syracuse and USC left on the regular season schedule.
SEC powerhouse Georgia, hanging onto a playoff spot by a thread, has several key divisional opponents yet to play highlighted by a road trip to Kentucky and a tough and tenacious Auburn squad.
So, it’s anyone’s guess who will rise to the top this year and vie for a chance to play in the National Championship Game. Is your team still in the hunt? Mine are not, but as a faithful fan, I will keep watching and cheering until the end.
All this talk of college football is making me hungry. Football, fans, fun and food. Right now food has my attention. We suggest a few local places to go eat, drink and watch the games all month long. Or if you are hosting the game, be sure to order take out from our partners; you can’t go wrong.
Tequila’s Sports Bar & Grill in Miramar Beach is a fun festive environment with game day specials and Big Screen TV’s everywhere. Huge portions, delicious food and 2-for-1 Margaritas make this a great choice.
11225 US-98 W Miramar Beach
(850) 279-6402
Jim ‘n Nick’s in Destin has everything you need, great family atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing BBQ, plus a full bar and daily specials. Be sure to add Jim ‘n Nick’s to your plans. It’s also a great choice for take out—finger-lickin’ delicious ribs will make any party even better.
14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin
(850) 424-5895
Landshark’s Pizza is what a true sports bar should be. You won’t miss one second of the action in this fun football fan club. The pizza and wings are delicious and go perfectly with the games so even if you aren’t watching there, be sure to get take out for wherever you go.
300 Harbor Blvd. Destin
(850) 424-6743
Island Wing Co Grill & Bar touts crispy baked wings, mahi tacos, burgers and more. Voted “Best Wings” three years running with 58 beers on tap, 30 TVs, game day specials. This is a can’t miss game day place to be. And if you just can’t be there, catering and take out is the next best thing.
981 US Hwy. 98, Destin
(850) 837-2999
Tailfins Entertainment Complex beckons you to join for game day and brunch starting at 10am. Bottomless mimosas & Bloody Mary specials. Pitcher and bucket specials. Amazing food. Live music every Friday and Saturday night and the best views in Destin. And if all that doesn’t get you there, take out is available. So, keep Tailfins in the plans wherever you are watching.
On the Harbor in Destin
(850) 650-1200
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