Bowl Preview Pt. 3

Good morning and welcome to 4th & Forever, Rand & Tate’s College Football Newsletter. In this edition we discuss destroying the Amazon, Tate’s newfound interest in French politics, introduce you to our dear friend Spuddy Buddy, and prophesize the real reason George Washington crossed the Delaware. We’ve got a lot of bowl games to get to so without further ado, let’s get to it. 

Housekeeping

As we’ve mentioned ad nauseam this month, there is so much to keep up with in college football right now. The head coaching carousel looks like it’s cooled down with no FBS jobs currently open, but with National Early Signing Day occurring yesterday, the assistant coaching carousel is about to start spinning. Heck, the LA Chargers just fired their coach and a certain former NFL coach will undoubtedly be interested especially considering he just got served with more Level 1 violations from the NCAA. It’d be a fool’s errand to write anything definitive on the transfer portal because every day it seems a hot new bombshell enters the villa - that’s a Love Island reference for the uncultured. Just yesterday, star Texas A&M WR Evan Stewart entered the portal and there are still a ton of QB dominoes left to fall. All of that to say, once the national championship is over on January 8th, there will be ample opportunity for us to give our thoughts on the transfer portal, coaching changes, high school recruiting, and whatever inevitably dumb stuff happens in this sport. In the meantime, let’s prepare for landing as we close out the 2023 college football season.

Bowl Previews

In Monday’s newsletter, we promised you would not be hearing from us between Christmas and the New Year. Well, we’re big fat liars and decided we are going to send out a New Year’s Six and Playoff Preview sometime before January 1. It’s inhumane and criminal to allow the most exciting and consequential four-team playoff to date to share the same space, nay, breathe the same air as the 68 Ventures and Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Consider it our Christmas present to you. In the meantime, enjoy a rational, no-nonsense preview of the remaining 27 non-NY6 bowl games.

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: USF (6-6) v Syracuse (6-6): SYR -3.0, O/U 60.5 - Thursday 8:00pm ET ESPN

Location: FAU Stadium in - you guessed it - Boca Raton, FL.

One reason to watch: USF quarterback Byrum Brown is one of the most exciting players in the country, and the Bulls are fighting back from the purgatory they have been in for the past few years. Syracuse will be without starting QB Garrett Schrader and will be coached by an interim coach, so, I don’t know, maybe these teams start brawling or something?

Who’s the sponsor: RoofClaim is a national roofing company providing roof inspections, roof repair, & roof replacement backed by a Million Dollar Guarantee. As mentioned above, there better be an all-out brawl here because this sponsor is a snooze fest. 

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Georgia Tech (6-6) v UCF (6-6): UCF -4.5, O/U 64.5 - Friday 12/22 6:30pm ET ESPN

Location: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL where the Bucs play. 

One reason to watch: If you like high-scoring affairs with little-to-no defense being played, this one is for you. GT QB Haynes King was very good down the stretch of this season, and UCF QB John Rhys-Plumlee is one of the most dynamic athletes in the sport. We expect both to be making big plays in this one.

Who’s the sponsor: Union Home Mortgage, which, according to our research, seems to be somewhere between the 15th and 25th largest non-bank mortgage lender in the United States. If that doesn’t get you pumped to watch two 6-6 teams play three days before Christmas, we’re not sure what will.

76 Birmingham Bowl: Troy (11-2) v Duke (7-5): Troy -7.5, O/U 44.5 - Saturday 12/23 12:00pm ET ABC

Location: UAB’s Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL. Thank god they moved this game and UAB football out of Legion Field because that place needed to be condemned 30 years ago and launched to Neptune. When Georgia football legend Jamie Newman led the Deacs to the 2018 Jared Birmingham Bowl, Rand went with his roommate, Dave Peljovich, and it was like watching a game in Chernobyl. 

One reason to watch: This game is going to be an offensive catastrophe and what more could you want to kick off your Saturday afternoon? Both head coaches left for greener pa$ture$ with Jon Sumrall taking over at Tulane and Mike Elko leaving Duke for Texas A&M. Duke QB Riley Leonard is already in South Bend which significantly hampers their offense while Troy never had an offense to begin with. 

Who’s the sponsor: 76 is under the Chevron umbrella aside from their parent company’s malfeasance on every continent not named Antarctica, whenever you pull into a 76 you’re making the conscious decision that getting gas is worth potentially getting mugged.

Camellia Bowl: Arkansas State (6-6) v Northern Illinois (6-6): ARST -3.5, O/U 53.5 - Saturday 12/23 12:00pm ET ESPN

Location: The Historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL. Some old dude back in the 1920’s donated his landfill to the city and then built this stadium on it. Thanks, man. 

One reason to watch: Arkansas State QB Jaylen Raynor is one of the more fun QBs in the country to watch. Outside of that… uhh, perhaps you have some money on this game?

Who’s the sponsor: No official sponsor? Who does the Camellia Bowl think they are? Even the Rose Bowl is presented by Prudential. Corporate greed and excess are what make college football great and we will not stand for this decency & individuality by the Camellia Bowl.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: James Madison (11-1) v Air Force (8-4): JMU -3.0, O/U 41.5 - Saturday 12/23 3:30pm ET ABC

Location: TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX.

One reason to watch: James Madison did a lot of whining to the NCAA about how they weren’t eligible for postseason competition. They got on GameDay and conjured up a media storm about how unfair the NCAA’s policies were which they agreed to and signed up for. Even though the NCAA told them to kick rocks, they backed into the bowl game because there weren’t enough 6-6 teams to fill the bowl slots - also why 5-7 Minnesota is in a bowl game. Well, since your loss to App State, your head coach left for Indiana, and you’re only here on a technicality, so let’s see how much you really want to be here Dukes.

Who’s the sponsor: Lockheed Martin which provides advanced systems for global naval forces. That’s kickass and we hope they planned a flyover for every media timeout. We here at 4th & Forever can’t come up with one solid criticism of the military industrial complex.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Georgia State (6-6) v Utah State (6-6): USU -1.0, O/U 61.5 - Saturday 12/23 3:30pm ET ESPN

Location: Where else but the Smurf Turf in Boise?

One reason to watch: We’ll give you two: the winning coach gets a bucket of french fries dumped on him and there’s a creepy, massive potato mascot named ‘Spuddy Buddy’ running around the whole time. Never listen to anyone who tells you there are too many bowls.

Who’s the sponsor: The title sponsor is the Idaho Potato Commission and with the marketing and branding this game produces, it should be as revered as the Rose Bowl.

68 Ventures Bowl: South Alabama (6-6) v Eastern Michigan (8-4): USA -16.5, O/U 46.5 - Saturday 12/23 7:00pm ET ESPN

Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, AL. Home to South Alabama.

One reason to watch: You should watch this because South Alabama is everything that is right about college football. It’s a new program (its first season was in 2009), it rose from being a bottom feeder in a bad league to one of the better teams in an extremely competitive league, its head coach is a rising star, and it is located in the southeastern United States. Its fans care deeply about the team despite being a newer program in a lower-level league. The University of South Alabama (USA! USA!) is truly America’s team (according to Tate Smillie). Also, Eastern Michigan plays in this game. They have dozens of football players who will be competing in this contest, which is… cool I guess? Go Jags.

Who’s the sponsor: Let’s play a game - there’s a super small real estate investment company named 68 Ventures located in Daphne, Alabama that’s sponsoring a low-tier bowl game. Their Managing Director’s name is Hansen Babington and their company manifesto references the Bible. Would you be willing to bet your mortgage payment that their company photo is 75-100 Vera Bradley-toting & Vineyard Vines-wearing adults standing in front of the Gulf of Mexico? You’d be white, er, right. 

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Utah (8-4) v Northwestern (7-5): UTAH -7.0, O/U 41.5 - Saturday 12/23 7:30pm ET ABC

Location: Al Davis’ Death Star Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. 

One reason to watch: Northwestern’s preseason win total dwindled down to 1.5 on some books before the Wildcats rattled off a shocking 7 wins this season. It may not seem like a big deal on paper, but a win against the 2021 and 2022 PAC 12 champions would be a groundbreaking accomplishment for the Northwestern program. Outside of that, we sure hope you like defensive, low-scoring affairs.

Who’s the sponsor: SRS Distribution is the fastest-growing distributor of building products in the United States and delivers more than building products. We’re sure you do, SRS, but just focus on getting my Brazilian Rosewood delivered so I can get started building my octagon double-roof gazebo, please. I didn’t destroy the Amazon for nothing!

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl: Coastal Carolina (7-5) v San Jose State (7-5): SJSU -3.0, O/U 43.5 - Saturday 12/23 10:30pm ET ESPN

Location: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI.

One reason to watch: According to at least one transfer portal website, Coastal Carolina has had at least 20 players enter the portal including their starting QB Grayson McCall, six safeties, four cornerbacks, four wide receivers, their backup QB, and the only punter on the roster. The roster attrition doesn’t seem to bother Coastal head coach Tim Beck who was last seen shirtless on the beach with the entire bikini-wearing Coastal dance team.

Who’s the sponsor: EasyPost essentially allows small businesses to get commercial rates for UPS and USPS. Very handy, but does not solve the issue of USPS workers launching fragile boxes at our houses like a football.

Quick Lane Bowl: Bowling Green (7-5) v Minnesota (5-7): MINN -3.5, O/U 38.5 - Tuesday 12/26 2:00pm ET ESPN

Location: Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

One reason to watch: There might not be a worse collective color combination than Minnesota & Bowling Green. Any uniform combination is sure to break the trillions of pixels in your TV. There was an inside joke amongst ACC fans on Twitter and legitimate lobbying by ADs pleading with the ACC to not send their team to this bowl game. No one wants to go to Detroit ever, much less the day after Christmas.

Who’s the sponsor: Quick Lane is a Tire & Auto Center and impressively one of the most logical bowl sponsors given the location of this game.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: Texas State (7-5) v Rice (6-6): TXST -4.0, O/U 60.5 - Tuesday 12/26 5:30pm ET ESPN

Location: SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX.

One reason to watch: It’s a battle of Texas teams, in Texas! Texas State’s offense is one of the most aggressive and high-flying attacks in the country with former SEC quarterback (LSU and Auburn) TJ Finley leading the way. Rice QB and Georgia legend JT Daniels will not be playing after retiring from football due to concussions which is sad, but hope he finds success as he pursues a career in coaching.

Who’s the sponsor: SERVPRO is a fire and water cleanup franchisor that also does disaster relief. We applaud them for their smart marketing and brand association with the First Responders Bowl. Maybe Rice could call them to clean up their disaster of a football program. 

Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Kanas (8-4) v UNLV (9-4): KU -12.5, O/U 64.5 - Tuesday 12/26 9:00pm ET ESPN

Location: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.

One reason to watch: Kansas was the ultimate fun surprise team in 2022 starting the season 5-0 and hosting College Gameday in week 6, while UNLV was this year’s fun surprise as it won 9 games for the first time since 1984. Both of these teams run unique offenses, and unlike many of the teams we’re writing about here, both have a lot of motivation to win this game, because bowl games come only so often for these programs. There are few bowl games that 4th & Forever endorses more than this one.

Who’s the sponsor: Guaranteed Rate is a mortgage company blah blah blah. More importantly, their logo is a massive red arrow pointing down and after they bought the naming rights to the Chicago White Sox Stadium for over $20 million, the Sox courageously asked them not to include their logo on any branding given it’s a massive red down arrow. Thankfully, this noble and venerable company told the Sox to shove it, and we’re all better for it. Go Cubs.

Military Bowl Presented by GoBowling.com: Virginia Tech (6-6) v Tulane (11-2): VT -8.0, O/U 46.5 - Wednesday 12/27 2:00pm ET ESPN

Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD.

One reason to watch: While the best player for either team, Tulane QB Michael Pratt, has already opted out of this game, these are two proud programs that want to win this game for different reasons. Tulane head coach Willie Fritz has already left for Houston, but the Green Wave want to carry their recent success into the future. Virginia Tech is working its way out of a recent hellish existence, and this game could mean a lot to them moving forward. This is another bowl game in which you can expect max effort from both teams, which is a beautiful thing in the year of our lord (Johnny Manziel) 2023.

Who’s the sponsor: Hats off to GoBowling.com the most sensical and ingenious bowl sponsorship of the year. They’re simply a website that helps you learn how to bowl and find a bowling lane near you. The only thing that’d make this partnership better is if Bowling Green were playing Tulane instead. 

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: UNC (8-4) v West Virginia (8-4): WVU -6.5, O/U 55.5 - Wednesday 12/27 5:30pm ET ESPN

Location: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

One reason to watch: The winning coach gets the most average and whitest condiment dumped on their head in the most average and whitest city on the eastern seaboard, between two of the whitest fanbases in America. The storylines white themselves.

Who’s the sponsor: Duke’s Mayo. At some point in this game, there will be a mayonnaise eating contest between one fan of each team. Please don’t watch this occur on a full stomach, and for the love of God, please don’t ever buy Hellmann’s or Kraft.

DIRECTV Holiday Bowl: #15 Louisville (10-3) v USC (7-5): UL -7.5, O/U 57.5 - Wednesday 12/27 8:00pm ET FOX

Location: Petco Park in San Diego, CA.

One reason to watch: How about three? Up to this point, we’ve previewed over 20 bowls and this is our first one with a ranked team so that’s a bonus. USC’s had so many guys enter the transfer portal we don’t see how they have enough players to field a team. Additionally, when Oregon beat UNC here last year, the field was borderline unplayable. This game is going to be awesome.

Who’s the sponsor: DIRECTV. Want a big-ass, expensive white saucer on your roof that doesn’t work unless it’s 75 and sunny out? Call DIRECTV and sit on hold for at least an hour. 

TaxAct Texas Bowl: Texas A&M (7-5) v #20 Oklahoma State (9-4): TAMU -2.5, O/U 53.5 - Wednesday 12/27 9:00pm ET ESPN

Location: NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

One reason to watch: Texas A&M fired its coach over a month ago, seemingly all of its players have entered the transfer portal and/or opted out, and is favored against the Big 12 runners up who seemingly want to finish this season with a 10th win. This is a classic old Big 12 matchup, a great uniform game, and we don’t know what Vegas is thinking. We can’t think of a better reason to attempt to stay awake at 12:32am on a Wednesday night.

Who’s the sponsor: If the college football offseason wasn’t bad enough, we get reminded tax season is upon us. Tough bid for TaxAct drawing Texas A&M and Oklahoma State because these two fanbases will be pelted with tax commercials all game but might even learn something new because their oil money boosters definitely don’t pay all of their taxes.

Wasabi Fenway Bowl: #24 SMU (11-2) v Boston College (6-6): SMU -11, O/U 50.5 - Thursday 12/28 11:00pm ET ESPN

Location: Fenway Park in Boston, MA.

One reason to watch: If SMU didn’t lose to Tulane in the AAC Championship Game they would’ve been sent to the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon. Now they get to play a 6-6 Boston College team, at 11am in Boston, who has had half of their team opt-out or transfer. Enjoy, Ponies!

Who’s the sponsor: No, not Big Wasabi the sushi condiment; it’s fast, affordable cloud storage & data security, you idiot! 

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers (6-6) v Miami (7-5): MIA -1.0, O/U 40.5 - Thursday 12/28 2:15pm ET ESPN

Location: Yankee Stadium. 

One reason to watch: You have a severe mental illness. Miami will be on its 3rd string QB and has seen multiple players opt out, and Rutgers is… Rutgers. This is a sick, twisted, disgusting game. It doesn’t get any better.

Who’s the sponsor: A Lou Gehrig tip of the cap to Bad Boy Mowers for partnering with the Pinstripe Bowl. The future suburban dad in me will certainly take pride in his lawn which will look phenomenal for all of 30 seconds until my sweet puppy Lottie poo’s and pee’s all over it.

Pop-Tarts Bowl: #18 NC State (9-3) v #25 Kansas State (8-4): KSU -2.5, O/U 47.5 - Thursday 12/28 5:45pm ET ESPN

Location: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL.

One reason to watch: Almost 250 years ago to the day, George Washington and his men braved the frozen Delaware River and marched 9 miles through a winter storm to fight the British. If he doesn’t do this, it’s possible we wouldn’t be afforded the opportunity to watch the winning team in the Pop-Tarts Bowl take a bite out of the edible Pop-Tarts mascot. We’re not kidding. Thank you, George. This is what America was meant to be.

Who’s the sponsor: Pop-Tarts. If you eat the fruit-flavored ones, go nibble on your toaster strudel in the corner. We only accept brown sugar cinnamon and chocolate fudge ‘round these parts. 

Valero Alamo Bowl: #14 Arizona (9-3) v #12 Oklahoma (10-2): ARIZ -3.0, O/U 62.5 - Thursday 12/28 9:15pm ET ESPN

Location: Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.

One reason to watch: Simply put, this game is a banger. Arizona has been one of the most excitingly-surprising teams of the season, with freshman QB Noah Fifita transforming himself from an unknown to a possible Heisman candidate in 2024. Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel has already transferred out to Oregon, but their backup is 5-star freshman Jackson Arnold who has looked really good in limited action so far this year. We’re interested in seeing how he does in his first real opportunity, and we both plan on being locked into this one.

Who’s the sponsor: Another energy company that we are sure operates above the board. Scratch that. A cursory Google search uncovers lawsuits of price gouging, violating the Clean Air Act, and air quality violations. Shocking!

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: #22 Clemson (8-4) v Kentucky (7-5): CLEM -4.0, O/U 46.5 - Friday 12/29 12:00pm ET ESPN

Location: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL.

One reason to watch: Wouldn’t be a normal college football week without a PR firestorm for Dabo. Safe to say Clemson safety Jaden Kinard, who is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Terry Kinard, won’t be participating after Dabo allegedly bullied and belittled Jaden during practice after he announced his intentions to transfer. As for the actual football game, both Cade Klubnik and Devin Leary will be playing in what should be a competitive matchup.

Who’s the sponsor: Another energy company followed up with another tax company. Can we get some diversity around here, please? Speaking of diversity, we’re guessing we will not be finding a hint of diversity in the stands of this game. Tough break for Tax Slayer who also draws two fanbases who regularly commit tax fraud. 

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: #19 Oregon State (8-4) v #19 Notre Dame (9-3): ND -6.5, O/U 41.5 - Friday 12/29 2:00pm ET CBS

Location: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX.

One reason to watch: The Sun Bowl is the 2nd oldest bowl game in all the land, it is played on the side of a mountain, and is home to some legendary partying stories such as Lane Kiffin being unquestionably hungover at this game in 2012. Both teams will be without their starting quarterbacks and Oregon State will be without its head coach, but both teams would love to have this win heading into next season so we expect them both to be playing hard, which is about all you can ask for in this day and age of bowl games.

Who’s the sponsor: Yes, you read that right. Frosted Flakes isn’t sponsoring this bowl, but rather their mascot is. Here is the worst possible Tony the Tiger meme we could find, because if bowl sponsors are this unserious, why shouldn’t we be, too.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Memphis (9-3) v Iowa State (7-5): ISU -9.5, O/U 57.5 - Friday 12/29 3:30pm ET ESPN

Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium: Memphis, TN.

One reason to watch: To be honest, this one will be watchable because for the life of us, we can’t figure out why Iowa State is favored by nearly 10 points here. There don’t appear to be any major opt-outs on either side, and this game is literally being played in Memphis. There’s no way Vegas knows anything more than those two facts, so we’ll smartly be all over Memphis here. 0% chance that fails.

Who’s the sponsor: Not to be confused with the aforementioned Quick Lane Bowl, AutoZone is a car parts retailer which should also not be confused with Advance Auto Parts.

TransPerfect Music City Bowl: Auburn (6-6) v Maryland (7-5): AUB -7.0, O/U 45.5 - Saturday 12/30 2:00pm ET ESPN

Location: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.

One reason to watch: This is going to be a depraved game of football. Auburn’s last two games were a three-score loss to New Mexico State and a near win over #4 Alabama, so who the hell knows what that’s supposed to mean. Maryland looked like the 4th best team in the Big Ten starting 5-0… before losing 5 of their next 6 games. There’s no way either team wants to be playing this game, which could lead to some entertaining, absolute nonsense. Count us in.

Who’s the sponsor: TransPerfect is a translation company servicing businesses around the world. Well, if their software is so good, translate this: Hough Freize is a shittee ass coach, skumbag, and youses Christianity as a sheild for his morale transgreshuns. Bleep him. 

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl: Toledo (11-2) v Wyoming (8-4): WYO -3.5, O/U 44.5 - Saturday 12/30 4:30pm ET CW

Location: Arizona Stadium in Tucson, AZ. 

One reason to watch: Toledo was probably the best team in the MAC despite losing in the championship game, but will be without its best player in QB Dequan Finn, who has already transferred to Baylor. Wyoming is a 4th & Forever favorite, but who the hell are we kidding, we know you’ll be watching UGA/FSU at this time.

Who’s the sponsor: Barstool Sports, which means if you’re a white male between the ages of 23 and 32, you’re in for a great time. We’re sure that this broadcast will be filled with funny quips and riveting insight from some of the chubbiest bearded guys in America. We are certain that it won’t be remarkably irritating, and that nobody involved will come off as the dumbest asshole you’ve ever seen in your life. We know that everyone will be very professional and not make it about themselves at all times, and we’re pretty sure there’s no way a TV broadcast can actually smell like cheap domestic beer. Remember, if you don’t like Barstool Sports, it’s just because you’re a fun-hating loser snowflake who loves to be offended by everything. No other reason.

ReliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin (7-5) v #13 LSU (9-3): LSU -10.0, O/U 54.5 - Monday 1/1 12:00pm ET ESPN2

Location: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

One reason to watch: The last time these alcoholic fanbases got together was in 2016 in Lambeau Field. 16 people were arrested and there were 24 ejections. These two fanbases are 1A and 1B in which fanbases can collectively put down more alcohol. Cheers!

Who’s the sponsor: RealiaQuest is a cybersecurity company based in Tampa. Congratulations! They officially take the cake as the most mundane and irrelevant bowl game sponsor. 

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: #17 Iowa (10-3) v #21 Tennessee (8-4): TENN -8.5, O/U 36.5 - Monday 1/1 1:00pm ET ABC

Location: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL.

One reason to watch: One of the most fast-paced, aggressive offenses in the country is matched up against the offensive version of this video of lemmings committing mass suicide. That may seem like a huge disadvantage for Iowa, but Tennessee QB Joe Milton has a habit of making terrible decisions and errant passes, so Iowa might actually have a shot here if they can get a few turnovers. Regardless, bet the under.

Who’s the sponsor: Cheez-It. We’ve spent the last week and a half making fun of all of these random bowl sponsors, but Cheez-It is exactly the type of company that should be sponsoring a bowl. They’re fun and delicious with a hint of silliness - a perfect representation of this sport. We have no further notes and hope Cheez-It continues sponsoring bowl games until we are old, old men.

Where in the World Are We?

Rand: If you think there’s a worse interstate section in America other than I-85 between Greenville & Gaffney, you’re wrong. Tonight I will be traversing the eternally under-construction stretch of hell on my way back to Winston for Christmas. Post-Christmas I’ll be in Park City, Utah for a skiing trip before returning to ATL for New Year’s Eve. With the playoff being on Jan 1, Tate & I actually might be able to watch a football game together for the first time all season that isn’t a midweek CUSA game.

Tate: C’mon man, we watched the first half of the Iron Bowl together. Anyway, I’ll be at home this weekend playing some golf and hanging with family. Exhilarating, I know. But it sounds like I may be headed to Paris for a quick trip late next week, so I’m going to spend some time researching whatever the hell the French are currently protesting because I’ve really wanted to light something on fire since the SEC Championship. Joyeux Noël, sales animaux.

Hope you have a great holiday season with your friends & family, and we will talk to you again soon.

Thanks for reading 4th & Forever. Feel free to forward this to friends & family and if you have comments or suggestions on the newsletter, please let us know. We really appreciate any and all feedback on this project.

Check out our website by going to 4thandforevercfb.com where you can drop us suggestions, read and comment on previous newsletters, and argue with us and other readers. If you’d like to update your subscription settings, please do so using the following link: 4th & Forever Subscription Settings

Rand Fisher & Tate Smillie met a few years ago through their good buddy Dave Peljovich who went to college with Rand and high school with Tate. Tate went to Georgia and has spent the last two years collecting championship rings while traveling to watch the Dawgs. Rand went to known CFB powerhouse Wake Forest and currently pays rent in Atlanta but is rarely found there with all the work & CFB travel he does.