For the first time in history, the Memphis Tigers football team are champions of the American Athletic Conference, having handed Cincinnati a second straight loss, 29-24. The Tigers will most certainly finish in the rankings as the highest Group of 5 team and will receive an invite to the Cotton Bowl.
The CFP committee will announces its final rankings, and the top four teams, today around 11:15. At 2 the selections for the non-playoff New Year’s Six bowls (including Cotton) will be announced, followed by the matchups for the rest of the bowls. The CFP rankings will be streamed live on the ESPN app.
Mike Norvell is headed out to Florida State, exactly the kind of program I predicted he’d be drawn to. The Seminoles have a rich football tradition but have not been a top-tier team the past few years, partly due to the dominance of Clemson. Norvell is the man who can guide FSU back to the top of the ACC.
Lane Kiffin to Ole Miss? I like Kif but he’s not going to be successful in a conference where you have to play Alabama, Auburn, and LSU every year. Kiffin was the favorite at Arkansas but he chose Ole Miss instead. I hope this doesn’t lead to Arkansas hiring Butch Jones.
Let’s get on to the news: Kansas City becomes the first major city to make public transportation free. Memphis, if you want to become a world-class city, this is the way.
Well crap… the Memphis vs. Tennessee basketball game is at 2 next Saturday. That conflicts with the Beale Street Christmas parade. Going to have to figure that one out.
WREG reports that a man was detained after driving a car through St. Jude Marathon barricades. What is wrong with people?
The Peabody is serving up some holiday drinks at both the lobby bar and the Corner Bar. Choices include a Snowflake Martini, The Grinch, Milk & Cookies, and a Winter Bourbon Smash.
Back tomorrow or Tuesday with more news.