Football
StubHub: Ohio State Playoff Ticket Sales 34% Higher Than Notre Dame
2024-12-09
The College Football Playoff's first round is set to be a spectacle, with the Indiana vs. Notre Dame matchup holding the title of the most expensive ticket on StubHub. However, it's the Tennessee vs. Ohio State game that's making waves in terms of ticket sales speed. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli shed some light on this phenomenon on Monday. He revealed that the game hosted in Columbus, Ohio, on December 21 has already sold 34% more tickets compared to the one in South Bend, Indiana, on December 20. This early high demand for the expanded college football playoffs is quite remarkable, especially as new teams enter the competition for the first time.

StubHub's Ticket Marketplace Insights

StubHub not only lists tickets for sale from official event organizers but also offers a significant number of tickets from the resale market. This diverse range of tickets gives fans more options to choose from. As of Monday evening, here are the average CFP first-round prices:

Indiana at Notre Dame - $733

The Indiana vs. Notre Dame game is commanding a high price tag, which indicates the intense interest and anticipation surrounding this matchup. Both teams have a rich football history and a large fan base. The high ticket price reflects the value that fans place on witnessing this classic rivalry. It's not just about the game itself but also the tradition and bragging rights that come with it.

Many fans are willing to pay a premium to be part of this historic encounter. The atmosphere in the stadium on December 20 is expected to be electric, with fans from both sides coming together to support their teams. This game is not just a football game; it's a cultural event that brings the community together.

Clemson at Texas - $518

The Clemson vs. Texas game also attracts a significant number of fans. Clemson is a powerhouse in college football, known for its strong defense and explosive offense. Texas, on the other hand, has a long history of football success and a passionate fan base. The combination of these two teams makes for an exciting matchup that is sure to draw a large crowd.

The ticket price for this game is slightly lower than the Indiana vs. Notre Dame game, but it still represents a significant investment for fans. It shows that while the Indiana vs. Notre Dame game may have more hype, there is still a lot of interest in other matchups as well. Each game in the College Football Playoff has its own unique story and appeal.

Tennessee at Ohio State - $413

The Tennessee vs. Ohio State game is selling the fastest among the first-round matchups. Ohio State is a perennial powerhouse in college football, with a long history of success and a talented roster. Tennessee, on the other hand, has been making a name for itself in recent years and has a passionate fan base.

The fast-selling tickets for this game highlight the excitement and anticipation surrounding Tennessee's first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Fans are eager to see how Tennessee will perform against one of the top teams in the country. It's a chance for Tennessee to make a statement and leave a lasting impression on the college football world.

SMU at Penn State - $271

The SMU vs. Penn State game may have a lower ticket price compared to the other matchups, but it still has its own charm. SMU has been on an upward trajectory in recent years and has a talented team. Penn State, on the other hand, is a traditional football power with a strong fan base.

This matchup offers fans the opportunity to see two teams with different playing styles and histories come together. It's a chance for underdog SMU to showcase their skills and potentially cause an upset. Penn State, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their status as a top football program.

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Brett Thorson's Georgia Football Season Ends; New Punter's Offer
2024-12-09
Brett Thorson, a name that often goes unnoticed among Georgia football's stars, has now been dealt a significant blow as he will miss the College Football Playoff. The school made this announcement after Thorson's non-kicking leg was injured during Saturday's SEC Championship Game victory over Texas. This setback not only affects Thorson personally but also has implications for the team's performance in the upcoming CFP.

Georgia's SEC Title Celebration with Exclusive Keepsakes

Georgia's SEC championship is a moment to be celebrated, and along with it comes the opportunity to acquire exclusive keepsakes. These mementos serve as a tangible reminder of the team's hard-fought victory and add to the excitement surrounding the program.

Thorson's Impact on the Team

Thorson, hailing from Australia, has been one of the team's most valuable players. This season, he has been averaging an impressive 47.6 yards per punt. His consistent punting has given the Georgia defense a crucial weapon, often pinning the opposing team deep in their own territory. His absence will be felt on the field, as the team will need to adjust their strategies without his reliable punting.

During the SEC Championship Game, Thorson's injury occurred when he was in the middle of his game. His determination and skill were on full display until that fateful moment. The team will surely miss his presence both on and off the field.

Georgia used Duke transfer and backup kicker Charlie Ham in a successful fake punt after Thorson's injury. Ham stepped up in a big way and contributed to the team's victory. However, with Thorson out, freshman Drew Miller is set to make his debut in the CFP quarterfinal game in the Sugar Bowl. Miller is a highly recruited player with a lot of potential.

Introducing Drew Miller

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Miller is from Mediapolis, Iowa, and was rated the No. 1 punter in the last recruiting cycle by the 247Sports Composite. His high school coach attests to his exceptional talent.

As a senior, Miller averaged 49.5 yards per punt on 30 punts, with nine of them downed inside the 10-yard line. His ability to control the ball and place it accurately gives the Georgia team a new dimension. He also played quarterback in high school, adding to his versatility.

Coach Kirby Smart has high hopes for Miller. "That's the kid we signed last year," Smart said. "He would be our punter, and we think he's really talented. He does a great job, and he's worked really hard to get the opportunity. And he punts every day in practice and does a tremendous job. He's a very highly recruited kid who we've got a lot of confidence in."

Thorson's Eligibility and Future

Thorson still has eligibility remaining and could potentially return to the Bulldogs next season. This gives the team and fans hope that they may see him back on the field in the future. His injury is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and shine.

The Georgia football program will continue to move forward, with or without Thorson. The team will rely on the collective efforts of all its players to achieve success in the CFP and beyond.

As the team prepares for the Sugar Bowl, they will be looking to make the most of this opportunity. With new players like Miller stepping up and the support of the coaching staff, Georgia is determined to make a strong showing in the postseason.

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Monday Night Football's Simpsons Broadcast Jabs at Arizona State
2024-12-10
In the midst of the alternate Simpsons-themed Monday Night Football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys, an unexpected event took place. Arizona State found itself in the spotlight as a "stray" during this unique broadcast. The network, in an effort to recreate the player introductions of the regular broadcast, had Simpsons characters state their names and colleges. When Krusty the Clown appeared on screen, he couldn't resist taking a shot at the Sun Devils as he described his own education.

"The Joke and Its Implications"

"Hershel Krustofsky, clown college, also known as ASU," the character said with a laugh. This seemingly lighthearted jab at Arizona State sparked some discussion. Although it may seem like a minor moment, it highlighted the importance of how a school is perceived. While Arizona State may not be on the same level as some of the more prestigious institutions like Stanford, it is still a respectable school with a rich history and a competitive football program.

ASU's Big 12 Championship Victory

This year has been a great one for the Sun Devils. Over the weekend, they won the Big 12 Championship, punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff. This is a significant achievement that showcases the team's talent and determination. They will now have a first-round bye and will either play Clemson or Texas in the quarterfinals. Behind running back Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils have won six straight games, with Skattebo rushing for at least 100 yards in each of the past three games. This consistent performance has been a key factor in their success.

The Impact on Football Fans

The joke from the Simpsons broadcast may have initially caused some concern among Arizona State fans, but it seems that everyone has been able to take it in good fun. Football fans as a whole have shown that they can appreciate the humor in such situations and continue to support their teams. Arizona State's journey in the College Football Playoff will be closely watched, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for the Sun Devils.
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