Best Remaining Bowl Games and TJ Finley Drops by for Big Van on Campus

Summary

Ringer Tailgate Podcast Summary

Episode: Best Remaining Bowl Games and TJ Finley Drops by for Big Van on Campus
Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: Tate Frazier (A), Van Lathan (B), Joel Anderson (C), Billy Gill (D; occasional contributor)

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Episode Overview

This holiday edition of Ringer Tailgate blends hallmark chaos and sharp analysis, focusing on:

• The best remaining college football bowl games (outside the CFP)
• Reactions to the first round of the playoff
• Candid, in-depth interview with well-traveled quarterback TJ Finley about the realities of transfer-heavy careers in CFB, NIL, and the sport’s shifting culture

The hosts mix insightful takes, irreverent banter, and moments of genuine reflection, making this an episode both entertaining and revealing for all levels of college football fans.

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Key Segments & Discussion Points

Opening Banter & Holiday Spirit (00:00–10:44)

• Christmas Chaos: Playful opener on missing Santa hats, a stolen PlayStation, and holiday greetings, setting a light, festive tone.
• Energy Check: The crew jokingly processes some underlying tensions about guest booking mishaps, teeing up the topic of podcast “family” dynamics.
• Holiday Traditions: Warm riffing on Christmas family rituals, including Tate’s (A) family’s UNC connection and prized Michael Jordan memorabilia.
• Holiday Movies & Candy: Tongue-in-cheek debate about ranking “Elf” vs. older Christmas classics; analogy to how new traditions rarely surpass the old.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “Crowning Elf as the number one Christmas movie of all time is hard for me…How can you be better than It’s a Wonderful Life?”
    – Van (09:36)

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CFP Round One Reactions & G5 Respect (10:45–17:54)

• Small School Shoutouts:
  • JMU’s Playoff Performance: Van and Joel praise JMU for creativity and grit against Oregon, arguing it validates G5 inclusion—despite being outgunned.
    • Van (12:02):
      “JMU showed there are creative minds that can execute and get things done at all levels of college football…It was vindication for a lot of the smaller schools.”
• Why We Love CFB:
  • Joel (13:07) expands: Real fans love the sport for its regional quirks and rivalries, not “just the playoffs.”
• Celebration Bowl Snub:
  • Candid discussion about not covering the HBCU championship, with a mix of accountability (“It’s a fair criticism to say…you should have”) and playful rebellion (“At the same time, f*** you! Don’t tell me what to do. But I love you.” – Van, 17:05)
    • Notable Exchange:
      “Hating is a form of d*** riding.”
      “The barbershop rule: go f*** yourself. But also, I heard what you said.” – Van (17:54)

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The Texas A&M Dilemma & Conference Debates (18:00–32:26)

• A&M’s Near Misses:
  • Both hosts see “steps forward” for the Aggies, but highlight the program’s inability to win big games as a cultural failing:
    • “If you really look at it, Texas A&M won nothing this year. The battle they’re talking about winning is a cultural battle within themselves.” – Van (22:26)
• SEC vs. Big 12 Banter:
  • Extended, tongue-in-cheek sparring between Joel and Van about the merits of the SEC, Big 12, and Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M.
  • Joel (26:59):
    “A&M would be excited about beating the heavyweights like LSU and South Carolina…Like, that’s a big deal.”

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Best Remaining Bowl Matchups (32:27–46:27)

• Host Picks for Top Bowls:
  • Van:
    • Citrus Bowl: Texas vs. Michigan (“So many storylines—who shows up, who cares, who’s coaching?” – 32:27)
    • Texas Bowl: LSU in Houston (“LSU might be in hell, man. They gotta play the Cougs in Houston.” – Joel, 34:01)
  • Joel:
    • Alamo Bowl: TCU vs. USC (“Biggest win in TCU history…This would officially be the biggest win in the history of the program.” – Van, 35:20)
• Golden Era Tangents:
  • Long, self-deprecating breakdown of TCU’s “golden era” vs. LSU’s—full of stats, jabs, and nostalgia.
• Rapid Bowl Shoutouts:
  • Pinstripe Bowl (Penn State-Clemson), Pop Tarts Bowl (Georgia Tech-BYU), Gator Bowl (Virginia-Missouri), and others.

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Big Van on Campus: TJ Finley Interview (47:33–87:43)

A centerpiece of the episode—raw, revealing, and highly relevant to ongoing college football debates.

TJ Finley's Candid Story:

• Seven Schools in Seven Years:
  • TJ traces his journey: LSU → Auburn → Texas State → Western Kentucky → (briefly) Tulane → Georgia State, detailing why each transfer happened (injuries, family, disrespect, lack of NIL support).
    • Quote:
      “A lot of the decisions to go from school to school were very calculated and for a specific reason…The memes and stuff, that’s cool and all, but when you sit down and evaluate everything…I’m a warrior and I don’t give up.” – TJ (59:03)
• The Age of College Football as Business:
  • Explains NIL impact: “We’re basically being paid for play now…It’s different now…My name will kind of be cemented. You feel like you’re a trailblazer?” (61:50)
• Balancing Dreams, Money, and Family:
  • “Would you rather…play the game you love…and make six figures, or box Amazon packages?” – TJ (68:09)
  • On fatherhood and degrees: “The smartest thing you could have done after all those headlines was to do what you’re doing right now, do interviews on it…” – Van (81:08)
• Future Outlook and NFL Hopes:
  • Admits NFL dream is still alive but not nearly guaranteed; open to CFL/UFL if NCAA denies him another year
  • “If you are not granted this extra year to go and play college football…what will you do?” – Van (82:47)
    • “I’d have to declare for the NFL and hope for the best.” – TJ (82:47)
• Coaching as a Plan B:
  • Candid about not wanting the grind of college coaching, prioritizing his kids.
    • “My boys and my family means everything to me…Being in the office, that’s just not something I'm interested in.” – TJ (80:14)
• Hosts Reflect:
  • Van: “Honestly, it takes a lot of balls…to face the music, tell your story. All the best to you, man.” (85:55)
  • Joel: “If you want to come back and announce your college, we’ll do a whole commitment ceremony.” (86:01)

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Closing Reflections: The Changing College Football Landscape (88:01–end)

• Tradition vs. Change:
  • Van offers heartfelt praise for TJ, but reiterates concern for the sport’s tradition:
    • “We have a major, major problem…There’s an issue that has to be addressed.” (88:36)
  • Joel parodies the “it’s not the same anymore” refrain, ribbing Van for being a “college football originalist.”
  • Van: “For the continuation of the sport…there’s going to have to be some structure to it, or else what you’re going to have is 26, 27-year-old athletes…chicken hawking 18, 19-year-old athletes.” (89:19)
• Light-hearted End:
  • Banter about Joel allegedly calling Tate “dad” and the recurring theme of holiday gratitude, camaraderie, and looking ahead to 2026.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The value of college football is insane—so much more than just the games and conferences. It’s the tradition and the culture.” – Van (11:49)
• “Hating is a form of dick-riding…The barbershop rule: Go fuck yourself. But also, I heard what you said.” – Van (17:54)
• “If you really look at it, Texas A&M won nothing this year. The battle they’re talking about winning is a cultural battle within themselves.” – Van (22:26)
• “JMU showed…creative minds can execute and get things done at all levels…It was vindication for a lot of the smaller schools.” – Van (12:02)
• “I think you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable…We’re transitioning into pro football.” – TJ Finley (61:50)
• “Would you rather play the game you love and make six figures, or box Amazon packages?” – TJ Finley (68:09)

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Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00–10:44 – Opening/holiday banter
• 10:45–17:54 – CFP round one reactions and G5 conversation
• 18:00–32:26 – Texas A&M’s season and general conference debates
• 32:27–46:27 – Bowl game picks, golden era discourse
• 47:33–87:43 – Extended TJ Finley interview
• 88:01–end – Reflections on CFB’s future and closing camaraderie

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a lively, multi-layered listen—a smart hangout for college football obsessives and casuals alike. The TJ Finley conversation is a rare, honest look at how NIL and the portal era is transforming not just careers, but the identity of the sport. The hosts remain as thoughtful as they are irreverent, celebrating college football’s weirdness while openly wrestling with its future.

Transcript

[A]

This episode is brought to you by McAfee. Checking scores or posting from the tailgate. McAfee's safe browsing extends its protection to catch risky sites wherever you are, even within social media apps. If you tap a risky link in a DM social post or text, McAfee blocks it and alerts you instantly so you can browse with confidence. Visit mcafee.com online protection to get award winning protection for just 39.99 your first year, cancel anytime terms apply. Welcome back to Ringer Tailgate, the Wednesday edition of the show. I'm your host, Tate Frazier. We have a lot to get to and one of the first things we have to get to is that it's Tuesday, not Wednesday. We have Christmas this week. We hope everybody's having a happy holidays. Let's say we. What's up to the guys? First and foremost, Van Lathan. What's up, Van?

[B]

What's up, guys? Merry Christmas. Happy holidays. There was a. There was a Santa hat around here somewhere, but they snatched it. I was gonna wear it today. I wore it on Higher Learning, but it's something. They took it out of here. They snatched it out of the ringer. It's crazy.

[A]

Who stole the Santa hat? That's a good question. We can ask on the show and figure out.

[B]

Speaking of who stole the Santa hat, I don't know if you guys know this, but did you guys know that there was a PlayStation that was stolen from. From the ringer Spotify? Did you guys know this? Have you heard about it?

[C]

No, I heard it on Higher Learning.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Joel Anderson here as well?

[B]

Yes, Joel's here as well. Joel, if not for the fact that you hadn't been in the office, you would have been my number one suspect for the guy.

[A]

Oh, my goodness.

[C]

Because of internalized racism.

[B]

Yeah, like internalized racism. Anti black feelings from inside of the community. I'm gonna make sure that I get the thought off me by putting another brother in that situation. Yeah.

[C]

Where's the problem? The community needs to talk about because obviously that's how we hurt each other.

[A]

Yeah. Van's pointing the finger here early. Hopefully we find the Christmas or the Santa hat and we find the PlayStation at some point before we get into today's show. We got a lot to get to. We're gonna talk about bowl games.

[C]

You didn't ask me about my. You didn't ask me. You didn't welcome me, Tate.

[A]

I did. I. I said also, Joel Anderson's here. As you chimed in. Yeah. Do you want to.

[C]

All right, let Me.

[A]

Take a step back. Also in the TCU sweatshirt, Joel Anderson. Joel, how you doing?

[C]

Thank you. What's up, man? How are you doing? It's good for raise the roof for the crew. You know, let's get out on a good.

[A]

We can't.

[B]

We can't start the show without raising the roof, so. Joe, I get what you're saying.

[A]

Ringer Tailgate is presented by fanduel. Fanduel's got it all. Same game parlays, quick bets for jumping in live and your way so you can build the bet that fits your play. Plus, you don't want to miss out on holiday offers and surprises all month long. Download the FanDuel app and head to FanDuel.com tailgate to get started. Must be 21 or older and President select states or 18 and older and President D.C. kentucky, or Wyoming. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- gambler or visit RG D health.com call 1-887-897-777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut. Yeah, we're live.

[B]

I will say this before we move on, Joel, you coming in and saying, you know, you didn't say what's up? To me, that is kind of what sunk woke. Cause woke was going fine when they went too far, like, you know what I'm saying? They went too far. And then it was like, hey, why don't we have a McDonald's value meal named after Travis Scott? And then that was a bridge too far for America, and now look at where shit at. So next time, just deal with the disappointment.

[C]

That's right. They went to.

[A]

Sweetie.

[C]

That's right. Don't take up too much space.

[B]

That was a DEI ask.

[C]

It was. Well, I just wanted to. I wanted my shot, you know, to say something. I felt like I wasn't ready until Tate turned to me. But you know what? We really did have some tense energy among this. Just like, not even at each other, but just as there's a lot of tense energy before we came into the show today, to be honest.

[B]

Why?

[A]

Why? What's going on?

[C]

I mean, you all know. You all know. Why y' all tense.

[B]

Why am I tense?

[C]

All right, we don't have to talk about it.

[B]

You can say whatever. You can bring it up. Why? Why are we tense for real?

[C]

Well, guests.

[B]

Guests on the podcast. Yeah, yeah. Like, no, no, no, no, no. I mean, look, you guys, you know, we're still working through the processes on the podcast, and sometimes there are guests that come on that we think are great, and then we have to talk about it and all of that stuff. But then maybe some of those guests didn't even want. Really want to come on. So it's like, whatever, whatever, whatever, whatever.

[D]

So.

[B]

But I'm going to do. Just let everybody out there know. I'm going to do whatever I can do to have people that I think are interested on the pod and however that is perceived by people, that's cool. So whatever. Don't kill me.

[A]

Van's fighting the good fight. We also did promise two special guests. We ended up with one special guest, TJ Finley. And by the way, on the show.

[B]

We'Re not saying that these are people that were dying to come on the pod and then they didn't come on the pod. Cuz, like, that's not the case. So I'm saying it's just like, you know, we're here as a podcast. Family is the deal.

[C]

We were going to have Barry Weiss to come on, guys. That's who it's going to be, I guess.

[A]

But you did that for the press box, Joel.

[B]

But then she watched the. She watched what we were going to do and then she canceled it.

[C]

Yeah, she canceled it.

[B]

That joke. Whatever politics, we get political already. Hey, I want to say something.

[A]

Yeah, please.

[B]

You're back in the Christmas miracle room again.

[A]

Yeah, I'm downstairs. I'm in the basement, so.

[B]

Do you know that, like, you're terrible.

[A]

Lighting down here, but you know, it's actually not.

[B]

You look like a frame from Home Alone right now.

[A]

Yeah, they're calling me Tayden Callister.

[C]

You really do. Oh, my God.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Look at you right now. You got Christmas over the left shoulder, Christmas over the right shoulder. Y' all got a Christmas blanket. You got the fire back there like this. I actually, this is what I think people want when people are saying, yeah, where's the American dream gone? Like, who has achieved the American dream? I think it's the Frazier family, one of the last remaining American dream type families, bro.

[C]

Yeah, man.

[A]

We're just small town North Carolina and connected to unc.

[C]

Like, I don't know. This is something very special that you all have a connection all to the same college. I don't know, I just found that, like, really moving in some way that you all can share.

[A]

We got a signed Michael Jordan basketball that my mom got from college when she was in class with us. Right over here, by the way. Yeah, she was very upset I didn't show that to you guys. So.

[B]

Give her the basketball.

[A]

She actually got it later in life. But she. She likes telling the story that she got in college, but. Yeah, sounds better. Okay, sounds better.

[B]

You know, Stop, stop, stop.

[A]

Speaking of, by the way, you mentioned the family. My. My mom did want me. Before we get into. Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the show, my mom did want me to figure out a way to get you a Christmas tree. She was very upset that you were talking about two tree, Tate, how there's two trees in this house. Joel was talking about, he's going to have two trees. And then she was like, there's no world we should live in where Joel has two trees, Tate has two trees, Billy's going to get two trees, and then Van has no trees. So she has reached out to me to reach out to people in LA to get you a tree. I told her that you had every available avenue to get a tree. And I don't need to do any sort of facilitating here, but I wanted to get your thoughts on this. Do you want a tree? And is my mom correct? Because she thinks that you want a tree.

[C]

Do you?

[B]

Your mom is a very, very sweet lady. And this reminds me of the Blind side. Right?

[A]

So she's not Sandra Bullock.

[C]

This is the first time you ever had a bed, Your own bed.

[B]

Yes, she is. Big Mike. Big Mike is walking around the neighborhood. Y' all know how I feel about this. If Big Mike would have been five, three, he'd have lived his whole life homeless, right?

[C]

Yeah, for sure, he would have. Yeah, for sure.

[B]

But I appreciate it. But no, the tree hasn't ever become a thing for me. It hasn't become a thing. I haven't gotten a tree as an adult, but if I wanted the tree, I definitely could get the tree. But the tree feels like a lot of work, and I wonder. And I also don't have a family, so I wonder what the purpose of the tree actually is, huh?

[C]

Well, you know, it's just internal holiday spirit, man. You know, before we had kids, we would get a little tree and put it in the room. I think actually one of the biggest fights we ever had was when we got that damn tree that day.

[A]

There you go.

[C]

We were mad in Walmart together, but, you know. Yeah. So, man, we got that little tree, and now that tree. You know, every year, you know, we just add more and more decorations to it and everything got kids. It's a start, you know, it's just kind of a. I don't know, it just gives you something to look forward to. Even if we hadn't had kids, I would have liked it. Well, I would Be listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks today on my own if. Even if I didn't have kids.

[B]

The Christmas album on Christmas. Yes.

[D]

Is.

[B]

That's pretty clutch.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. I introduced it to my son today. He was in. He fell in love with it, man. He loved it.

[A]

What's the last Christmas album? Yeah, yeah, it's a good one. What's the last Christmas album that came out that actually kind of cut through where everybody knows about it? That's a good question right there. You know, I don't really think there is one.

[B]

Maybe because it's Christmas. Christmas songs are like. Like candy. We talked about this before. All the best ones came out. Way, way before. They only invent new candy that people really. With the last candy that they invented. With that they invented. That people.

[A]

Nerds. Gummy Clusters.

[B]

Gummy Clusters. High Chew is a new candy. But most of the candy that we're eating right now is the same candy we've been eating for decades.

[C]

That's true.

[A]

Repackaged, man.

[C]

Do you, man. Like Twix? When do you think Twix came out, man?

[A]

I mean, 74.

[B]

74. 70. Like, candy has tradition.

[C]

Christmas songs, 1967. You're close.

[B]

It's like that is kind of the way most holiday traditions are, which, once again, I talked about it, which is why crowning Elf as the number one Christmas movie of all time is hard for me. It's hard for me to crown Elf because how can you be better than It's a Wonderful Life? How can you be better than Miracle on 34th Street? How can you be better than the Christmas Story? How can you be better than all of these other movies that came out for a long time?

[A]

Especially when it kind of, like, takes the claymation from Rudolph, you know what I mean? It kind of piggybacks off a classic. So that also helps, you know.

[C]

Do you all think of When Harry Met Sally as a holiday movie?

[A]

I think. I think you could talk yourself into it.

[B]

Why not? Yeah. That's a tough one to bring up right now, but so.

[C]

So it's a great movie.

[B]

Yeah, it's tough.

[A]

It is a great movie.

[B]

It is. It is. It is a great movie. But, like, I. I personally look at movies, they're Christmas movies. And then there are movies that you watch during the holidays with your family. Like, to me, Trading Places is a movie that we will watch every holiday season. See Trading Places.

[A]

That's a good one.

[C]

That's right. It also kind of happens during the holidays, too.

[B]

Happens during the holidays.

[A]

It's got Holiday vibes.

[B]

Yeah, holiday vibes with all of that stuff like that. Look at us talking about general pop culture on the college football podcast.

[A]

I love it. Let's get to some college football. We got reactions that we want to get to. We're going to talk round one a little bit because we talked about it on Saturday, but now we've had some time to marina think about what we saw, give our one big reaction from Saturday. We're also going to talk about some of the bowl games that have happened. All right. And there's games happening right now as we're recording. We got the Boca Raton bowl happening in the background, Toledo taking on Louisville, which is a fascinating game. Van, I'll go to you first. One big reaction. Obviously, there were two great games JMU covered. I had a lot of people reaching out to us, saying that we were disrespectful to the G5. JMU backdoor covered that game. They should be celebrating that fact. So maybe you can talk about jmu. Give them some credit. But one big reaction for round one, now that we've had some time to think about those games, My one big.

[B]

Reaction is just how entertaining the JMU Oregon game ended up becoming.

[A]

Okay, there you go. I like it.

[B]

Never threatened Oregon in any real way, but they did show ingenuity. JMU showed why the to me, first of all, let me couch this. The value of college football is insane. So much more than just the actual teams and the games and the conferences and stuff like that. It's the tradition and the culture and all of that stuff. But JMU showed that there are creative minds that can execute and get things done at all levels of college football. Obviously, their head guys headed over to ucla. We'll see how much of that he can bring over to the west coast with him. But as I watch the game, I watch them continuously find ways and find answers to make that game watchable and competitive and really kind of keep Oregon on their heels a little bit. They never gave up. They never lost their spirit. They were there to play and have a good time and compete, and they did. It was, to me, in a lot of ways, vindication for a lot of the smaller schools that are going to find themselves in the playoff. I agree with that.

[A]

Yeah, we got to clip that shout out to the Dukes. I agree. They showed a lot of fortitude in that game. And Bob Chesney, that was encouraging if you're a UCLA fan, to see that team keep competing. I remember earlier in the season we kept giving Billy Napier that Treatment where, like, hey, you know, they're losing these games, but at least they're playing hard. The whole time, I felt like that team kept playing, kept fighting. So shout out to the Dukes. Joel, one big reaction from round one for you.

[C]

Yeah, I think the thing is, because I'm. I. I'll piggyback a little bit off what Van was saying there, okay. Is that I watched college football for, like, all 14 or 15 weeks. For those 14 or 15 weeks. I don't watch college football because I love the playoffs, right? Like, I love college football when there was a bcs, when it was a boy coalition, before there was any of that, right? Like, where voters would vote for a poll. Like, I watch college football for Texas and ou, tsu, pv, tcu, smu, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. So the point is, is that all.

[A]

The way back to the Iran Contra scandal, you were watching all the way.

[C]

Back to the Iran Contra scandal, and strangely enough, one of the first bowl games, the first football game I. I literally can remember going to, was TCU against West Virginia in the 1984 Blue Bonnet Bowl. At that, in Houston Astrodome. Shout out. Kenneth Davis.

[B]

So I thought he was about to bring up the Iran Contra Bowl. I was about to see. He's like, no, like.

[C]

Like, no, no, no, no. But, I mean, y' all go back, man. Ollie North. Shout out. So the whole point of this, though, is that I just don't. There was a lot of complaint about those last two bowl games, right? The ones involved in Tulane, Tulane and James Madison. And I get it. Like, it's frustrating to wait all year to watch a playoff game and it not be competitive. But you know what? It just happens. And it happens. A lot of times, it happens when there's not a James Madison involved at all. I like. I like that they have a chance to be in these games, and I like to have a chance, even if they don't. They're not particularly competitive. And it's because. And I hope that everybody else that's with college football feels this way. I want to preserve what's so great about the regular season, man. And it's great when all those other schools in the Sun Belt and in the American and in the Mountain west feel like they have a chance to someday play in that game. Like, this is just a platform for the sport that we love and we cover all year long. I don't get my kicks out of playoff. I just get my kicks out of college football. And so I just hope people can just learn to like, hey, we Got to blow out in a couple of the playoff games. It happens. It happens almost every year. And we're going to get some great games this coming week, you know, on the 31st. So, I mean, like, that's the. That's what I'm. I'm more concerned about than being upset that, you know, James Madison got ran out of there. Tulane was a competitive again, and so miss. Because it just happens sometimes.

[B]

Do you want to address the slight of the. The celebration Bowl? You who.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Joel was very upset about this.

[C]

I don't wanna. So I appreciate that people want us to talk about things. That's great. It's amazing. You know, that's a real privilege in this media environment. But so many people got mad at us about not talking about the celebration bowl, and I'm like, why don't y' all ask cover 3? Why don't you ask Andy?

[A]

You felt profiled by the ass.

[C]

Yeah, ask Andy and Ari about the celebration bowl. What did Rhys Davis think about the celebration Bowl? A Joel Klatt?

[A]

What about Kirk Herbstream?

[C]

What about Kirk Herbstreet? What do you think he thought about the celebration Bowl? Right. I watched it, and I was disappointed because Prairie View is close to my hometown, and a lot of people I love have graduated from there, and I thought they were gonna win, and that was gonna totally change perceptions of that football program. It would almost have been a break from the time when they were the losingest college football program in America.

[A]

And you gave Prairie View a shout out a couple weeks ago, by the way.

[C]

Yeah, and I did. I did.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Man, I love the Panthers, man. And so, you know, it was very disappointing when they coughed up that lead loss like that. And so I didn't want to necessarily talk about it. Not that I was avoiding it, but I was just like, it just didn't come up. But hold them. Hold those other podcasts accountable, too. Cause, you know, I love to talk HBCU football. You know that we could do that all day around here, but, you know, we just skipped it that week. I'm sorry.

[A]

Yeah, hold experts accountable, dammit. We've been championing that cause from day one. So, Van, how do you feel about that? The people calling us out for not talking about the celebration bowl?

[B]

I mean, look, I think that there's probably. With all of our HBCU bonafides, I went to one. Joel is into one or into a couple of them, I think. You know, I think it's a fair criticism to be like, why didn't you guys bring up the Black college national championship, and there's a different expectation, but at the same time, fuck you. So it's like, I don't like to be told what to do. So I understand. And I think that it's, like, probably, like, it's fair criticism to say, hey, you guys talked about HBCUs. You guys are two prominent Negro Americans that have the opportunity to discuss this. You should have. But at the same time, don't tell me what to do. Go fuck yourself. But I love you at the same time. Like, that's the way I do it. The barbershop rule. Go fuck yourself. But also, I heard what you said.

[A]

Yeah, with love. Yeah, that's really. That's the way to do it. I like that. I like that.

[B]

Get off my dick.

[C]

With love.

[A]

Yeah, with love. I think if you just say a little caveat, you know, a little with love, at the end, it all sounds better. Can we talk about the losers in the first round just a little bit? I feel like we talked about on Saturday, obviously, the teams that won. We talked about Alabama quite a bit. We mentioned, you know, Ole Miss and Oregon at the end of the show as they were winning those games, and obviously gave Miami a lot of credit. But I want to talk about Texas A and M in particular. Like, how do you. What is the takeaway of your Texas A and M from this season? Because there was a time where everything was finally going great for Texas A and M. They weren't, you know, hitting the skid as they had in the past. They had turned a new leaf. Mike Elko was different. And then they end up back in the same spot talking about the two worst words in football next year. Joel, your thoughts on Texas A and M and kind of where they stand right now?

[C]

Well, I mean, I think the thing is that they showed that they can do it right, that they don't have to be a punchline for a whole season, that they can have expectations, look like a really good team, and then when it comes time to play another really good team, they're still. They're just right there. Right. Like, any of those games could have gone either way. Like going back to Notre Dame, that games could have gone either way. When they play against Texas, I don't think Texas will beat them eight times out of 10. I think they're fairly equal teams. And the same with Miami. They easily could have won that game. They just didn't. And that's what happens when you get up to this level.

[A]

And that's the curse of Texas A and M. That's what I'm saying.

[C]

But see, I feel like. I feel like this was kind of a year that showed me that maybe the Aggies were beyond that. The one thing that I kept coming back to, and I got a little bit scared off of this opinion after the second half of the South Carolina game. And I said, man, A&M's gonna have to pass that way back in this game. That's too bad. And he. And then Marcial, Marcel Reed did it. But I really, I really think that they're going to have to. Marcel Reed is going to. They're going to have to. They're really going to have to upgrade. And I don't know if he just means he's going to get better. I hope he gets better. I don't think they're going to move to another quarterback, but I think that that's going to be the thing that they're going to need to have a consistent passing game, something where they can always depend on it and have a healthy running back room and like. But those are the two. I think those are the two things that really kept them from going further this year. But hey, man, it's year two at Elko, man. Like I. If you had told them, the Aggies fans when he got hired two years ago, how would you feel about being a top in the, in the College Football Playoff? And to go into the playoff with an 111 record, they would accept that. And so I think they're. They're right on time. Okay.

[A]

I like it.

[B]

Yeah, I agree. For the most part, I think I learned something. I learned something during. I think it was game one of the Lakers versus Celtics, the first championship series that they played during the 2010s. I think it's 07 when it was Lakers versus Celtics, game one. I went to the Staples center to watch it on the big screen.

[A]

The game was in Boston 0808.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, wait. I went to the Staples center to watch it. The game was in Boston. Things were going well for the Lakers for a little while. Then it looked like Paul Pierce was hurt in the game and he gets willed off and everybody is. I just be honest with you. The Laker fans were cheering this, right?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

And I told them. I was like, hey, don't cheer. He's from right here. Like, don't cheer for an injury. Whatever. He gets wheeled off. It looked like the Lakers were going to maybe steal game one. He comes back, bust ass. Everybody. Long faces one of the worst championship series in my career as a sports fan. Right. The Lakers going to get bludgeoned. Basically got their hearts took by the Celtics. I learned something that day. Be excited while it's happening, but don't talk about it until it happens. That's the Texas A and M thing. While it's happening, this change, be excited about it. Be excited that it's happening. Be excited that you feel differently about your football program, the trajectory of your football program with Mike Elko, but don't talk about the fact that you're there until it happens. And I think that's what happened with Texas A and M. If you really look at it, Texas A and M won nothing this year. All they won was a battle with themselves. They didn't win a conference championship. They didn't win a national championship. They didn't win a ton of national awards. They didn't take away the Heisman or anything like that.

[A]

They didn't win a state championship. Right.

[B]

Losing to Texas, they didn't win any of that stuff. They didn't win the rivalry game that they have. They didn't really win anything. The battle that they're talking about winning is a cultural battle between themselves. They came away with nothing, right?

[C]

They went 7 and 1 in the big, bad SEC, man. I mean, nobody.

[B]

I didn't interrupt you while you were talking and talking all your shit, but you want to jump in there? Can I say something about this whole thing?

[D]

Come on, man.

[B]

This whole thing, like, Joel is champion at the bit to do the. The SEC thing. Do you know what? I want to let y' all know Joel talked about dick licking earlier this year with the sec. I'll tell y' all something right now. You know what underserved form of dick riding is?

[C]

Hating.

[B]

Hating. Shout out to my. My homie, My homie Charlamagne. Tha God. One of my closest friends, he told me one time, he was like, people never say this, but hating is a form of dick riding. Nobody was talking about the big, bad sec. Anytime you get the opportunity to bring it up, I'm talking about Texas A.

[C]

And M. There's a narrative out there.

[B]

And I feel like it's an accomplishment to go 7:1 in the SEC, then lose in the first round of the playoffs. Not win the league. Right? Not win your rivalry. That's just a tab radio, not saying them. Be excited that something's happening, but don't start talking about where you are until it actually happens.

[C]

I think that is actually an Aggie thing. I don't. I don't feel like. I feel like. They probably feel like, oh, it happened to us again. And my few A and M friends that I have, and they were hitting me up like, oh, man, I can't believe. It's. Like. It wasn't. Like they were shocked that I talked to him. No, I don't. I don't know Roland Martin, man. I'm not famous, you know, I'm not like you. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Not yet.

[C]

Yeah, no.

[B]

You're on your way, Joe.

[C]

I don't know. Rolling money.

[B]

You know, Bo. You know, people in media like, I've worked with Bo.

[C]

Bo is my coworker first, and that's why I know him.

[B]

The fact that you never crossed paths with Roland, that's on you, man. You.

[C]

I feel like Roland blocked me. I feel like Roland may have blocked me. He got mad at me. I'm talking.

[B]

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

[C]

Hold on. Roland, stop rolling.

[B]

Why would Roland have blocked you?

[C]

I probably cursed.

[B]

Why would Martin have blocked you on Twitter?

[C]

I probably cursed at rolling.

[B]

I don't.

[C]

You know how it is, man. He may have said something I didn't agree with, and I. You know, you shot, quote, tweeted him.

[A]

And Billy is saying that Joel knows the story. He won't share the story. I don't know.

[B]

The story happened with you and Roland Martin.

[C]

Nothing happened. Because I don't have beef with Roland, because I like Roland, man. I think he's great. He's a Houstonian, you know, went to Yates High School.

[B]

So why would. Okay, do me a favor. Go to your Twitter right now and see if Roland Martin has you blocked.

[C]

Okay? Hold on. You really want me to do this?

[A]

He knows. I think Billy.

[D]

I don't think he.

[C]

I don't think he has me blocked. I don't. I don't think he has me blocked.

[A]

This could be a Herb street situation where.

[C]

Yeah, I don't think he has blocked anymore. Hold on. Rolling. He doesn't f. He doesn't follow me, though.

[D]

He doesn't.

[A]

So what?

[B]

He doesn't. He doesn't follow you?

[C]

Well, that's what I'm saying. I'm. No, I'm nobody that roll.

[B]

He don't. He don't.

[C]

I'm not somebody worth following. He's famous.

[B]

If you guys don't know. Roland Martin is a very prominent and respected black journalist. He's been on CNN a bunch of different places. He has his own independent network. Like, over a million. 2 million subscribers on YouTube.

[A]

He's doing shout Out.

[B]

He's doing all. For some reason, him and Joel have some sort of A thing.

[C]

I don't have a thing. I'm just saying I just. I don't remember exactly what it was that happens, despite what Billy says. And. And there was a thing. I said, something to him that probably, in all fairness, wasn't kind.

[A]

You irked him.

[C]

Yeah, I'm sure I did. Yeah. I mean, you know, man, when you're first on social media, and maybe this is what people will say as being a hater or whatever, but every now and again, people don't engage with you, and you never think anybody's paying attention to what you say. So early on, when nobody knew who I was, I might, quote, tweet a celebrity or, quote, tweet somebody, and if I thought they said something stupid, I would basically say that, you know, and that's. But, you know, but then after a while, you know, I pick my. My little bit of followers picked up, and that ain't. I still. It still ain't like it ain't. You know, that's under 70,000.

[A]

Go follow Joel. If you're listening right now, don't follow me on Twitter.

[B]

Joel seems to have a big.

[C]

Follow me on blue sky. Follow me on blue sky, Joel.

[B]

On blue sky. Joel.

[C]

Follow me on blue sky. Don't follow me on Twitter.

[B]

Joel has an issue with who is following him or not following him or. We can talk about that again at the end of the show with Joe getting mad about people following us and not following us, but let's. Let's try to get back to the games with Joe. You going crazy, bruh. You going crazy these days?

[C]

No, I mean.

[D]

Oh.

[C]

The whole point of this was that you got all worked up because I wanted to bring up the. A and M went 7 and 1 in the mighty SEC. They were 1. They were 1 half away from playing in the SEC championship game as the top seed. And so I think that that is worth something. And I think A and M would be excited about beating the heavyweights like LSU and. And South Carolina and Kentucky and stuff like that. Like, you know, that's a big deal.

[B]

What I'm saying is for A and M to become a power team in the conference, I'm saying this year was a great step forward. It was. For sure. They played great football, but particularly out of conference. They had their biggest wins out of conference. Right. So they played Notre Dame. They played great football. But as far as what's going on and what's going to be lasting for them as far as establishing SEC dominance, hasn't happened yet. National dominance hasn't happened. Yet. So when it happens, celebrate it then. Until then, go back to work. And they will.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

The biggest.

[A]

The biggest thing they did this year is keep Notre Dame out of the playoff, right? That's probably the biggest thing they can hang their hat on, which that's not really the best thing, because, again, it's about someone else's failure more so than your own success.

[C]

I feel like A and M also had a great season for a school with a wealthy booster populace because, like, they did so well that the. The boosters are like, oh, yeah, man, we're right there. We're right there. But they're also at a level like, well, man, if we pitch in a few more million, we can finally get there. You know, like, it was just. It's one of those seasons. It's, like, perfect. If you're asking for money, it's like, look, man, we just need a little bit more. We'll get Marcel more help, get some more help on those lines. Like, it seems like you could really build off of this with that. That fan base that is really excited about eventually getting to the places, you know, like the championship game and winning a game in the playoffs.

[A]

Joel, I don't know Texas dynamics as well as you do, so I wanted to ask, are they looking at Texas Tech saying, and same with Texas, I guess, too. Do they look at Texas Tech and say to themselves, how are they doing this and not us? You know, like, how do they have a buy game? How are they in a position that's better than us out there in Lubbock?

[B]

What.

[C]

I guarantee you what they would say is that that would be us if we were in the Big 12. That. That would. That would be their argument. Texas, Texas. Texas would think that that is supposed to be us. Like, because. And understandably, they'll be like, very few times in the history of these programs has Texas Tech ever been better than us. And same with A M and Tech and Texas and Texas A and M probably would have been like. And if. Oh, you was there still, too, they'd be like, oh, yeah, that would be us. Because ou, they went to the SEC, you know, they won the league, like, 15 times and, you know, like, half the titles in the time of its existence. So they think that they would be Texas Tech. And that's.

[B]

Let me ask you something. Right now. You line up Texas Tech and Texas A and M right now. Play a game, neutral field. Who wins the game?

[C]

Shit. Texas Tech. I think Texas Tech would be favored by about, like, three points.

[B]

I'm asking you. I can deal with that. Who do you think wins the game? A and M. Texas? Chip, you think Texas Tech? Texas Tech beats A and M neutral field right now.

[C]

Yeah, they got that defense, man. I don't think A and M could deal with that defense.

[A]

I would take A and M. I.

[B]

Would take A and M for sure.

[C]

Y' all take A and M. Why?

[B]

I think A and M was gonna win the game. Yeah, I think. All right, get fucked. If they pick 12 again, we up. I would definitely take that. Okay.

[C]

Yeah, sure. I went by the Mighty Sec. Hell y mighty sec, man.

[A]

All right, we're gonna take a quick break. When we come back, we're gonna do favorable matchups and then we're gonna have TJ Finley joining us for a very special big van on campus where we debate whether TJ Finley should keep playing college football. We'll be right back after the break. Ringer Tailgate is brought to you by FanDuel. Tis the season to be boosting on FanDuel because this year you're getting seven straight days of holiday rewards, each one waiting in the app for you to unwrap. Every day brings a new way to play, so keep checking in to see what drops next. And it all leads to the Christmas Day special where you can get something extra special. Right now, my favorite bet is looking at the futures here. You got a national championship futures bet. Georgia, the Bulldogs. I'm in. Plus 500. It's moving and trending in the other direction, so get it while you can. Seven days of gifts, one big finale. Head to FanDuel.comtailgate to get in the holiday spirit. FanDuel play. Your game must be 21 or older in President select states or 18 and older in President D.C. kentucky or Wyoming. Optin required bonus issued as non withdrawable profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including any token expiration and max wager amount. See terms@sportsbook fanduel.com gambling problem. Call 1-800-gambling- gambler or visit rg-help.com call 1-887-897777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut. All right, we're back. We're your tailgate. We're talking favorite bowl matchups. Obviously, everything's about the CFP these days, but we do want to highlight just some of our favorite bowls that are in the future something to look forward to. Also, if there's a bowl that you've watched so far, you know that you've been moved by. I watch the, you know, Idaho famous potato bowl wazoo. Nice win for that team. So it was good to see them win without a head coach. That was nice. VAN I'll go to you first. Favorite bowl matchup on the board or favorite bowl game that you've watched so far?

[B]

Citrus. I want to see Texas versus Michigan. The Cheez It Citrus bowl is what I want to see. I want to see if Biff can get the kids to play. I want to see if white women are allowed at the game or if they're too much of a temptation. I want to see what goes on when two teams with these types of storylines meet up. Texas, which is asking the question of what could have been this year if they had made the playoff or, you know, played better in different spots, how Arch responds in his first big bowl start. And then what happens at Michigan? Michigan is so embattled right now. We haven't talked about Michigan football in a long time, although we've talked a lot about Michigan. That by far. Obviously, I got to watch the Texas Bowl, LSU and Houston, but that by far is going to be my favorite as a fan college football matchup to watch.

[A]

And they're saying Biff Poggi might be. He's interviewing for the head coaching job. So there's a little bit of smoke that maybe he wants to be the next head coach at Michigan. He said they need to clean things up, so maybe this is his job interview. That will be a fascinating game. We'll see what happens in that one. Joel, do you. Do you suspect that you're going to watch that game, or is there another bowl game on the board for you?

[C]

Oh, yeah, I'll watch that. I'm going to be grazing the whole time. This LSU Houston game is fascinating to me because I'd forgotten that LSU was bowl eligible and was going to be.

[A]

Playing a bowl disrespectful.

[C]

Well, y'. All. And I'm just like, well, who's. How's this coaching breaking? Is it still just the Frank Wilson staff or like. Or is Frank already an Ole Miss? Like, who's. Who's left to make this happen? That's what I'm just sort of curious about because I just, I'd forgotten about them when it was over. It's just such a, you know, LSU might be in hell, man. They got to play the Cougs in Houston. That. That's a, that's a real game. Yeah, that's going to be a real good showcase for the Cougars, I think.

[B]

I don't think LSU's going to win the ball game. I also think Though, that they got. They got people, nigga, like.

[C]

Okay, okay. All right.

[D]

They do.

[C]

Who's gonna be the quarterback?

[B]

You know what Joel is doing? Is it gonna be the family Fake care. I hate fake care. Anything Fake care. Fake hustle. Fake. I hope LSU is going. I hope LSU is gonna be our heights. Nah, Ellis, we gonna be fine. Don't worry about us. Which ball is TCU playing in? Let's hate on them.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

TCU's in the Alamo Bowl. USC.

[C]

Who? They got USC.

[A]

Us.

[C]

TCU. Yeah. Hey, we lost our quarterback. We lost our quarterback. Josh Hoover is in the portal now, man.

[B]

Yeah, he won. He left. He didn't want to play for Sonny Dykes no more. I saw that. This is a big game. So this is a big game in the history of tcu. If TCU won this game, this would officially be the biggest win in the history of the program.

[C]

You know what?

[B]

So tcu.

[C]

Nah.

[B]

Tcu.

[C]

I bet. Man, I wish TCU had played lsu, man.

[B]

I wish they would have played. And the Alamo Dome. This is the biggest. This is the biggest game in TCU history.

[C]

TCU went undefeated and won a rose bowl in 2010.

[B]

Right. So this is. But this is bigger than that because this is tcu. This is the opportunity to prove who they are. So I can't wait. I can't wait for this game. What is this?

[A]

This is the, you know, Alamo Bowl, December 30th.

[B]

Alamo Bowl.

[C]

Alamo bowl, actually.

[B]

Remember the Alamo?

[C]

Actually, a TCU victory over USC is. Which you could argue, kick started a golden generation.

[B]

What was the golden generation of TCU?

[C]

I mean, I don't know, like, 98 till 2014. That's probably. That's. That's. That's the golden era of TCU.

[B]

Okay, so what happened? What they. What, they win during that time?

[C]

Well, let's see. I just told you. They were undefeated. Won a Rose Bowl. They played in, like, three or four BCS games.

[B]

I can't remember. Yeah, right.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. And so in the golden era of TCU football, TCU golden era. Hold on.

[C]

That's right.

[D]

They were.

[C]

They. Right.

[B]

TCU golden era. Let's see what they accomplished. So in the golden era of TCU football. Domin.

[A]

Can't wait for this clip.

[B]

They were so they. Like, what did they win? Like, what numbers did they put on the board?

[C]

Okay. Do you want me to look it up? Okay.

[A]

I thought you were looking it up right now.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I'm trying to sit.

[C]

I didn't know I had to do a Wikipedia entry.

[B]

Okay. I'm trying to see what they did. Like, okay, so they did win the Big 12. They won the Big 12. Oh, my God.

[C]

We won the Big 12 several times.

[B]

But yeah, in 20. 20. 2021, 2024. Yeah. Undefeated.

[A]

The golden era, though.

[B]

Yeah, but okay, what's the golden era?

[A]

Billy, he said 2014 was the capper. I'm just like. As the golden era of your school that you're a prestigious love from. How do you not know what they've accomplished in the gold?

[C]

I know because I can't remember because it was so many BCS games and stuff like that. I couldn't.

[B]

That was the golden era.

[C]

Okay. All right.

[B]

Here you go.

[C]

You ready? Do you want to hear the golden era?

[A]

All right, give it to us.

[C]

Okay, so 99, they go 8 and 4. Started 2000, 10 and 2, they tied for first in the. In the conference. Gary Patterson. It's rough. Six and six. That's first year they end up in the Gallery Furniture Bowl. I was at that game.

[A]

Everybody remembers the first.

[C]

They went 10 and 2, finished first in Conference USA and won the Liberty Bowl. 2003, they go 11 and 2 and finish second in Conference USA. 2004, they go 5 and 6. 2005, 11 and 1. Finished first in the Mountain West. 2006, 11 and 2, finished second. Win the Poinsettia Bowl. 2007, 8 and 5, won the Texas Bowl. 2008, 11 and 2, win the Poinsettia bowl again. Now here we go, 2009, 12 and 1. Losing the Fiesta.

[B]

2002, just so we know.

[C]

Who was. It was Boise State. It was Boise State. Yeah.

[A]

That's worse.

[B]

Boise State got Oklahoma, too. Boise State was. Was.

[C]

That was. That was the boys.

[A]

That was 07.

[B]

That was the height of Boise State. Boise State.

[C]

That was the height of Boise State. We got some of them. Yeah. And then 2011, 11 and 2, they first in Mountain west. And they got sent to the Poinsettia bowl again. They got sent to the point set because, you know, the segregation in college football.

[B]

Okay, just keep on. They in the Mountain west. Just like.

[C]

All right, so far, they've won three. Now we're in the Big 12. Now we're in the Big12. They're 7 and 6. They lost the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. No, 2013, they going 4 and 8. They were tied for seventh. 2014, 12 and 1, tied for first. They should have gone to the playoff that year, but they elevated Ohio State over us on the last week. Even though we be Iowa State 55 to 3. Pretty much Notre Dame is going through right now. That's what TCU went through, except they were number three in the country at the time.

[B]

So anyway, who they play that year in the bowl game?

[C]

Oh, they played Ole Miss. They played Ole Miss in the Peach bowl and they dogged the SEC out.

[B]

Beat them Ole Miss record that year. I don't remember. They're pretty good. They were pretty good.

[C]

Yeah. They were 9 and 3.

[B]

That was 9 and 3. So that's like.

[C]

So they were 9 and 2 going into the bowl.

[B]

So they were probably.

[A]

That was Hugh Freeze and they were.

[C]

They were top 10 team. They were. They were top 10 team at the time.

[B]

Okay, cool.

[C]

So.

[B]

Okay, what else? This is the golden era of football.

[C]

That's it. That's it. I told you. I gave it to you. I went to the golden era of football without. And you know what? And it even. It's crazy because that's our golden era. And it doesn't even include our national championship appearance.

[B]

So that's how the national championship appearance. So the golden era.

[A]

That was the post golden era.

[C]

Yeah, that was post golden era hit. That's right.

[A]

The golden era started with an 8 and 4. Then you had a 7 and 5.

[B]

I was building. It was building.

[C]

It was building. But those were the run of important bowl victories when TC was part of the national conversation. TCU is the reason that we have so many schools in FBS right now, because so many people looked at TCU and they said, man, look what they built at that school. That had really had no tradition. They were one of the few schools that played their way off of JV into a power conference. And it's like. So a lot of schools have fooled themselves into believing that they can do what TCU did. But what TCU did is a miracle. And they still didn't really get all the chances they deserved along the way. They still got denied an opportunity to play in the playoff enduring year when they clearly deserved it.

[B]

That's all I'm saying. Obviously. Obviously, it would be ridiculous to compare TCU's golden era to LSU's golden era. But I'm gonna tell you something right now. It would be stupid. That would make. That makes no sense.

[C]

It'd be what happened in the 50s. Realizing those golden era.

[B]

Okay, Realize that.

[C]

Let's go there.

[D]

Let's see.

[C]

Let's see the LSU golden era. What's that? Give me their.

[B]

Give me their great generation 2019. So that's three national championships. That's playing for a fourth. Okay, that's six SEC championships.

[C]

Y' all played for a fourth?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, the one that's right where you got. Oh, that's right. We got 2011.

[B]

So that. That's six. Okay, that's. That. That's. That's. That's three national championships. That's playing.

[D]

There's no point.

[A]

Set a bowl, that's for sure.

[B]

Six SEC championships. This is in the whole Alabama, like, era of dominance, particularly in the 19. And. And that's also fielding what some people believe is the greatest season in college football history. Not the greatest team. The Miami team got that. But the greatest season and the greatest run in college football history, with all the NFL play. Obviously, there's no comparison, but I just want to know what TCU 2008, during this.

[C]

During this great run, y' all went 8 and 5. 2009 went 9 and 4. Hey, 2012. 10 and 3. 10 and 3. 8 and 5. 10 and 3. 8 and 4. 9 and 4. I mean, again, there were a lot of. There were a lot of three and four lost seasons during this great run.

[B]

I didn't say sustained every year. Not the way LSU does it. But I would say if you were comparing the golden eras, I mean, LSU is a better.

[C]

LSU is a better football program than tcu. Yes. That's what. We have figured that out. That is a week we needed to go through a whole thing. That's all right. TC. Again, TCU's been in the playoffs more recently than LSU, but that's neither here nor there.

[A]

Yeah, I think next time, Joel, when you do the golden area, I don't.

[C]

Care about what we lost by. We were there. Y' all were at home, right? Y' all were at home.

[B]

You were there.

[C]

You were there.

[B]

What was the score? Give me the score.

[C]

It doesn't matter.

[B]

Just tell me.

[C]

They beat. They beat. They beat the team that won the national championship.

[B]

Just humor me. Just humor me with the final score.

[C]

No, you can't look, you can't kill.

[B]

No, I can't go to Grapedia. Go to.

[A]

I was at that game.

[B]

Just humor me with the final score.

[C]

I'm not going to do it.

[B]

No. All right, my bad, my bad. I respect tcu, though, cuz I like what's his name. Not. Not. What was the quarterback that they had?

[C]

Andy Dalton.

[B]

Nah, not Andy Dalton.

[C]

Bon.

[B]

Max Dugan.

[C]

Max Dug.

[B]

That's a rugged name. Over the quarterback. Max Dugan.

[A]

Quinton Johnson. Great player.

[B]

The other guy that they had, the. The receiver that teams made the mistake of drafting him over Jordan Jefferson. What was his name? Didn't he go to tcu?

[C]

I'm looking at you, Josh Dotson.

[B]

No, no, no, no, no, no. What was the. No, no. Rager didn't go to tcu, did he?

[C]

Oh, Monte Rager.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Well, yeah, that's right, man.

[A]

Rager. Jayen Rager.

[C]

Rager is his dad. That's.

[B]

So Jaylen Rager went to TCU and then people thought it would be a good idea to draft him over Jordan Jefferson. And then that's the Eagle.

[C]

Jalen Rager was. I mean, I don't know how to explain people, but it's cool.

[B]

He was cold at the time.

[C]

I thought. I thought he was. Nobody was still position player, post post. Ladanian Thomason. I was like, okay, like that kid in terms of his change of direction, all that stuff. And he played with some quarterbacks that really did not. He, he. He dealt with a lot of shit in his time at tcu, man. So anyway, he was the man.

[B]

And then he came to the. Is he in the. I think he's in the league. He played for the, for the Chargers last year. I. I want to hate on him.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Why would.

[A]

He's a good player.

[C]

Why would.

[B]

He was. He was a good player at tc.

[C]

He was. He was a great player. Tcu. That's right.

[A]

A few more bowl games I want to shout out, just cuz they're interesting matchups. Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State, Clemson. Two teams that were supposed to be in the national championship game playing in the Pinstripe Bowl. Who would have saw that coming? Pretty crazy Pop Tarts Bowl. Georgia Tech, byu, they got the little Pop Tart fun fetty on the helmets. That'll be fun this year to see that.

[C]

Could have been there. You could have enjoy. You could have had that fun.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

They didn't even want to go to the Pop Tarts Bowl. They don't care about college football like that.

[A]

They don't love the grind. They don't love the game. We got Virginia, Missouri, Gator Bowl. That should be a good game. Music City Bowl, Tennessee, Illinois, which I feel like is a little bit under the radar. Two teams in the SEC and the Big Ten that had good starts to the year should be an interesting game. The Reliaquest Bowl, Iowa, Vanderbilt. So we'll see Pavia for the last time.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

On December 31st. So that should be a good game.

[C]

You gonna play in that game, huh?

[A]

Yeah, apparently so will.

[B]

Will Diego Pavia be able to recover mentally from his Heisman disappointment? And will Vanderbilt be Able to recover from their disappointment of not making a playoff to come up and win that game. It would be a very embarrassing loss for Vanderbilt if they lost the game.

[A]

I think they beat. I think they beat them bad. I, I think it's a statement game. Clark Lee's kind of had them focused. Yeah, I, I would lean in on Vanderbilt trying to send a message through that game, if I had to guess. Yeah. Diego Pavia. I like that one.

[C]

And again, Vanderbilt, man. I mean, it's a. It's maybe the great. It's the greatest season in school history. Yeah.

[A]

Gotta finish it right?

[C]

You gotta go. You gotta finish it right.

[B]

Is there a golden era?

[C]

It's that golden era.

[B]

Is there a golden era?

[C]

It's their golden era. That's right.

[A]

Yeah. A couple other games after the new year, we have Wake Forest, Mississippi State and the Dukes Mayo Bowl. New Dukes Mayo Bowl. And then we have the Holiday Bowl. Arizona smu. No, Duke's Mayo. That's where they eat the mayonnaise after they win in Charlotte. Terrible bowl game, man.

[C]

Wake Forest, Mississippi State, man.

[A]

Tough one, tough one. But there you have it. There's bowl season. Let's get to it. Big van on campus. A very special one. We got TJ Finley joining us now. Let's turn it over to tj.

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[B]

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[A]

With new tournaments and live events. The club is yours. Give the gift of football with EA Sports FC 26. All right, as promised, big van on campus. Very special follow up. Big van on campus. Joining us now, we've got a college football name that we all know. TJ Finley in the place to be. Tj, how's it going, man?

[D]

It's going good. I appreciate you guys having me on.

[A]

Yeah. I'll turn it over to you, Van. This is you. You talked about TJ a couple of Weeks ago. And we want to kind of hear your story first, T.J. and then we'll. We'll talk about what's happening in college football. But, Van, I'll turn it over to you, man.

[B]

Yeah. So, TJ before. Before we get into the conversation around players like yourself and extended college football careers, I read an article in the Advocate about you down from down there. I'm from Baton Rouge, and I just want to hear your story as you tell it. Tell your college football story to people who have an opinion, like myself, on your college football journey. Tell your story.

[D]

Yeah, man. It's been a whirlwind of events.

[B]

And.

[D]

If you were to tell me three or four years ago that my college career would look like this, I would say you're full of shi.

[B]

You know, you can say it, T.J. just let it fly, brother.

[D]

Yeah, so. So, but. But, you know, you know, I've matured into a very well spoken, you know, understanding young man. And. And I have a responsibility now with my three young, you know, younger boys to help them understand what their father went through. Right. Don't shy away from the truth and to kind of live in it. Right. So I'll take you back to 2020, LSU, Covid year. You know, wanted to stay close to the family. Was a good opportunity to be solidified as the backup. You know, me and Max Johnson were battling for that backup spot with Miles Brennan being the known starter. Miles goes down, gets hurt. I play five, six games that year. Do pretty well.

[A]

Three touchdowns in your first game, T.J. if I remember correctly.

[D]

Yeah, absolutely. Very promising. You know, first couple games and then, you know, season as a freshman, I believe. And then, you know, got some insight on what the next season will look like. So I made a decision for myself to be able to transfer to Auburn knowing that, you know, Coacho would only have one year left if we weren't to win that year, and knowing that Jamar Chase and all those guys were opting out and we didn't have a lot of, you know, we were going to be young. So as you can tell, in 2021 season, they were very young, right? They had Kayshawn Boote, they had Brian Thomas Jr. They had Malik Neighbors and all of those guys, but they were all freshmen and sophomores, right? So very young team, but a very talented team. Didn't do so well. I kind of saw that before it happened. Ended up going to Auburn. Brian Harson, we all know how that went. And then from that point on, it was kind of like, you know, I Need to put myself in a position where I'm playing, I'm on the field 24, 7. I'm not having to split reps, I'm not having to do, you know, and, and I'm also in a, an explosive offense, right. So decided to go to Texas State. You know, those coaches that came over from uaw, they led the, you know, their league in passing yards and total offense, stuff like that. So that was a great decision, you know, in my opinion, to go there and submit myself in Texas State history and to get back on the draft board, right? Just to be able to let everybody know that, you know, this kid can do it, he can spin it, he can come to the next level and be a secure backup and possibly fight for a job to be a starter in NFL. So this is where stuff gets a little rocky. So I have my twins in October of that year, right. 20, 23. And so now nil has started to pick up a little bit. You know, my last year at Auburn, then Texas State was kind of the start of the NIL type of deal.

[B]

So the NIL money wasn't really coming in for you until that third school.

[D]

No. So I was getting Nil from, I was getting Nil from Auburn my second year. All right, right. The year, the year that I won the job. And that's when, you know, I signed the Amazon deal. I had the, the Autosports deal with the, with the company down in Alabama and stuff like that. So I was getting an IL there for sure. And then, you know, but at the time, the G5 schools didn't really have anything, right? So go to Texas State, have that year. I asked the coaches, you know, coming back, if I were to come back, you know, would you guys be able to financially help me take care of my boys, Right? You know, I can't really do that off $2,500 a month, $3,000 a month. That's just, it's not feasible, right? I, I, My rent is $1,500 a month on top of gas and car note, all type of things, right? So I was genuinely deciding on either coming back or declaring for the NFL draft and just trying to make a roster, right? Because I'd rather go be a practice squad guy making, you know, you know, 12, five a week for 18 weeks. You know, you just doing the math, right? So I make that decision to come back, right? I announce it, I tell the coaches, look, I'm coming back. You know, we'll figure out the finances later, however that looks. Well, two days Later I find out that they signed the Jaden Delore kid, right? A kid that has one year left, right? And to, to put this out there as well. Nothing was communicated with me. You know, look, tj, we're gonna bring in another guy to either have you compete with him or he's gonna be the guy, or he's gonna be your backup. Just none of the three was communicated to me at all. So I found out through social media. I'm not a, I'm not a guy that likes to tolerate disrespect. To me, that's disrespectful, right? For a guy that comes into your program, sets records, first bowl game in 20 plus years. So I'm kind of, you know, I feel disrespected. So I have that conversation with them, no hard feelings or anything. And I just like, listen, this is my decision that I'm gonna make. I feel disrespected. And you're not bringing a guy that only has one year left for no reason. So I made the decision to get in a portal, then go to Western Kentucky with Tyson, with Coach Hilton. Tyson Hilton, he's the head coach over there. Amazing decision in my opinion, right? A guy that has three or four quarterbacks, that's on active NFL rosters to this day. He's had high powered offenses since the first day he stepped foot at Western Kentucky campus, right? So I feel like that was a good decision going there. And then unfortunately tear every, you know, the second game of the third game of the season that year, I tear every ligament in my ankle fracture, my fibula. So season ending injury, right? So at this point, you know, my boys are close to being one year or they had turned one years old right around the time I had surgery, which is, which is crazy to me now that I'm thinking about it. And then I had. My newborn was still in the womb, right? And he was getting ready to come in February. So my whole deal with, after the, after the 2024 Western Kentucky season was and, and Coach Hilton and I sat down and had a conversation and he, he's best friends with coach John Sumrall, right? Coach Sumrall reaches out to him and tells him that, you know, listen, I think we're going to lose our quarterback to a P5, P4 school. You know, you guys have TJ or whatever. I had already shown interest to some inside people at Tulane that, listen, if you guys lose your quarterback, the possibility of me coming home, I would love that opportunity. So it was kind of like a Deal where it just made sense, right, for everybody, right. I was coming home, I was able to be close to family. I was able to play for a school that under summerall had a winning record and stuff like that. So I decided to go home and kind of make that my last hoorah, right? You know, have one more year left, you know. And so that was my thought process going there. And then unfortunately, you know, me making some bonehead decisions and not thinking all, you know, thinking things all the way through in regards to buying a vehicle, I put myself in a position where that opportunity was taken away from me, right? So having to, you know, get in the portal and kind of leave Tulane because of the ongoing pending investigation and stuff like that, you know, that kind of was that two lane situation. So people like to say seven schools in seven years. I don't really count Tulane, right. Like I, I was, I was only there for the spring and, and kind of got in trouble. And that's the reason why I weren't, you know, wasn't able to finish my career there. And then, you know, the only school available at the time of me getting in the portal, because a lot of guys had already had their guys, right, for the spring and they had, you know, I got in the portal the last day of the spring portal window, right? So a lot of guys had been in since day one and were able to find and pick their schools, you know, throughout the whole process. So the only school available and that was kind of open to taking me was Georgia State at the time, right? So I go there and so go taking you guys back to Tulane. Well, once they. Once, two, once I got arrested, right? Tulane has a no, like I want to say no arrest or something policy in there.

[B]

No tolerance policy.

[D]

No, no tolerance, right. So I got arrested. Not only did I get arrested, but I got arrested on campus, right? This is right after football practice. I'm coming out to the, to the truck I assumed that I owned and I. So I get arrested on campus, right? And so my, my availability and my resources on campus were taken away from me, right. I weren't able, I wasn't able to go to tutoring and academic advising meetings and stuff like that with my advisors. I had to do everything via phone, right. So that ultimately made my grades drop. And in the graduate program in Tulane, if you don't pass with, with. So I was taking three courses at the time. If you don't pass either with a three point. No, I think it's 3.25 or all Bs. So if your cumulative of the semester isn't a 3.25 and graduate program or all Bs, then they, they. They kick you out of the program. Right? So. So this is where it gets kind of weird where so I get in the portal and I'm assuming that I'm going to be able to start, you know, and practice and do all that type of stuff as soon as I signed to a school. Well, that's not the case. So with. With Tulane putting it on my academic transcript that I was academically ineligible at the time that I left Tulane because I was kicked out of their program, right. I had to file a waiver slash hardship saying that, you know, due to my circumstances, due to me being wrongfully arrested and stuff like that, because those charges ended up, you know, getting dropped due to me completing my diversion program, you know, so I had to do all that and go to the ncaa. And they didn't give us an answer until five. Like, I think it was like three or four days before we played Ole Miss. And so I had missed the entire fall camp. I missed the entire off season with them. And then, you know, week two, we play some FCS school. That was my first. No, I'm sorry. Week two we played Memphis. And at the time, Memphis was the top G5 school to be rocking. Yeah, they were going to get the playoff spot.

[B]

Had.

[D]

They kept, you know, keep winning and stuff like that.

[A]

But. Right.

[D]

So, yeah, man, it's been. And honestly, I sat down with a lot of my coaches at Georgia State because they were a lot younger, right? So they were kind of understanding the situations I had put myself in. And I was like, what do I do? Like, I love this game. I want to play. But like, it's been a lot, bro. Like, and people don't understand my story. They laugh at it. They this, that. And the third. Yes, it's. I mean, it's funny at times, whatever. Like the memes and stuff, that's cool and all, but like, when you sit down and just evaluate everything that TJ Finley has been through and all the decisions that he's made, a lot of the decisions to go from school to school were very calculated and were for a specific reason, right? Like, the transfer from Texas State to Western Kentucky was great offense to even better offense, right? The. The transfer from Western Kentucky to Tulane was okay. He has kids. He's not able to be in their lives. The situation, they lost their quarterback. It was perfect, right? It was a perfect fit. He was able to come home, compete for the job Be the starter in his hometown. Like, that's perfect, right? So I, I don't know. It's. It's the deciding factor for me to jump back in the portal for this last time and kind of put myself in a position where I can have another full year and be healthy and produce to show NFL exeps like, you know, okay, this kid has been through a lot. He's a warrior and he doesn't give up. He's going to keep fighting no matter what the circumstances are. I think that's where my mindset is now.

[B]

So when you see the seven schools in seven years, when you see all the things that you just listed, there's another part of that which is a changing landscape of college football to where you're used to a guy coming in and playing for your team, representing your team and your culture in your state or whatever it is, playing for your team, maybe transferring once, maybe even twice, and then leaving. There are people that think your story, forget about that. I'll speak for myself. When I look at being a college football fan my entire life and seeing somebody go to seven different places and it doesn't feel like college football, it seems like that story puts the game and the tradition that I love in jeopardy. It seems untenable and unsustainable. So I think a lot of the animus that you see for you trying to get another year or the nil conversations or all of that stuff is because how can college football continue to exist in the way that college football has existed if you can A, play for seven years and then B, play for seven different schools? It scares people. Like, what do you say that at?

[D]

I think you have to be, you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Right? I think it goes back to, you know, things aren't the way things were three years from, you know, three years ago, four years ago, you know, 10 plus years ago. So you guys that, that know and love college football the way it was and you guys era, I think you now have to look at it and kind of say, like, you know, it's still college football but. But really like we're kind of transitioning into pro football. Right? You know, we're basically, were basically being paid for play now. Like, you know, our contracts and our money and direct deposits. Like my direct deposit from Georgia State literally said Georgia State direct deposit. Like we're getting paid exactly. From the university. Like it's, it's, it's different now. Right? And, and you know, I, I was having, having a conversation with my, my father the other day, and I was like, pops, like, you know, people can look at my story and laugh at it, but also, like, I might be one of the first athletes, you know, for this change of how college football is now. Like, and so my. Maybe, you know, historic, you know, what's the word? Like, people will be able to laugh at it, but at the end of the day, like, my name will kind of be cemented and you feel like you're a trailblazer. Exactly.

[A]

Pioneer, right?

[D]

Absolutely. Yeah. So I think that's how, you know, it's kind of moving and transitioning, if I'm being honest.

[C]

I mean, you kind of came up with a really lovely way to call us old, you know, people in your era. Your era. Your era, college football. It sounded like when people. But. But. So. But, tj, I actually had a question for you. So it. It is. It is interesting because before you came on here, like, before and before I'd read a little bit more about your story, I think there's a real way to feel like, man, I bet TJ had a lot of fun in college, man, you know, going down to Texas State, being at lsu, being at Auburn or whatever. But as we've talked with you, it feels to me, and you can just tell me, and you kind of hinted at this, that it feels more like business. Like, this is a very transactional sort of thing. So is it true that this feels like a business for you now? And at what point did this all start to feel like a business and not just, I'm a Louisiana kid. My dream is to play at lsu.

[D]

Yeah, I think the second I left lsu, it became business, Right. I think a lot of why I made the decision to go to LSU was I'm this hometown kid. I'm the hometown hero. Let's stay in Louisiana and make it happen in Louisiana, right? Then who doesn't want to play for the national championship team, right? Who doesn't want to follow that year up and try to compete for another Natty and SEC championship, Things like that. I think as I've transitioned into, you know, a more mature young man and. And being on my own and stuff like that, it's kind of. You know, the second I left lsu, it kind of turned into a business, and it's been business transactions from that point on. But with. But not only just business, but being able to network with so many different people, right? So many different ethnicities, race, you know, all type of things, Religious backgrounds, you know, a lot of different coaches that I've had to, you Know, kind of. What's the word? Like, you know, I've just met so many people, so many coaches, and, and I think that's kind of what's. What's, you know, been helping me out so far is I've, you know, I've. Everywhere I've went, like, I have a good background, I have a good, you know, I leave a good impression on that university and on that coaching staff. So I think, you know, it's always been, you know, ever since lsu, it's always been business for me.

[B]

So you have graduated, right? So you've gotten a degree?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

What's your degree in?

[D]

I graduated from Auburn in 2024. No, 2023. I'm sorry. In business, marketing.

[B]

TJ, you realize you've been in college so long, you don't remember that the year that you graduated?

[C]

Absolutely.

[D]

And you know what's crazy is I didn't walk either. So we were in fall camp at Texas State, you know, around the time that Auburn had their ceremony. And so I decided not to walk to make sure I was dialed in for the fall camp.

[A]

That's business right there.

[B]

What if I told you that you have three kids, you're a college graduate, you got a degree from a school that they can't play no football, but it's a good school. Shout out to the Auburn War Eagle people.

[D]

All right?

[B]

You have a degree. There is a thought that you are actually, by continuing on your journey as a college football player, prolonging your career as a college football player, but stifling your development as a man to go out and get a job, to go out and provide for that family with a college degree to do so. If you continue on your journey and you achieve your dream and you make it to the NFL. I don't know that anybody that's a good person and a good hearted person that wouldn't want you to do that. But what about the people that would say, you know what? I want brothers and young men like yourself to realize that they are more than football, that they are more than what they can do with their right arm or their body. And that they can take their degrees and go into society and make money and provide for their families doing stuff with their minds as well.

[C]

Tj if you want me to go after him, I'll do it. You know, if you want me.

[D]

Nah, I wanna. I'm gonna take a little piece and then I'm gonna let you get a little piece.

[C]

Okay? Yeah.

[D]

So what, what, what, like, to people, to people that thinks and says Those type of things. I' ma just say this, and I'm gonna let my guy go at you because I know y' all probably are. Are a lot closer in relationship than me and you are. But would you rather be, you know, if we're talking about taking care of your family and kids, all of that stuff. Right. How many guys at the age, in between the age of 23 and 27, 28, are making six figures a year?

[B]

How many people are making six figures a year?

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Not as many as there used to be.

[D]

Absolutely. So if you were to tell me that. If you were to tell me that statistic. Right. And then you would tell me that you could play in college football for seven, six, seven years and make six figures a year consistently on, you know, which route would you go? Rich White?

[B]

Would I go?

[D]

Yeah, I'm at anybody, you know, whoever.

[C]

Yeah. What.

[D]

What sounds more feasible to you?

[B]

Would you rather, I mean, so go.

[D]

Play the game that you love to play and compete at the highest level and.

[C]

That's Right.

[D]

Continue to chase your dreams, but for however long you can do it and. And make six figures, or would you rather go box Amazon packages and. And, you know, like, let's. Let's keep. Let's. Let's be honest. I think a lot of people that think like, that they're self. Self sabotaging themselves. Like, why would you give up on the dream that. That if people are. Let's say, it's not like I'm paying a school to walk on to their, you know, like, guys are reaching out to me and giving me opportunities to continue my career.

[B]

But there have been, real quick, There have been teams that have reached out to you that have given you the opportunity to continue to play college football.

[D]

Absolutely.

[B]

Okay, so there's interest in that.

[D]

Yes. You would be a fool if.

[C]

Okay, call him a. Call him a fool. Yeah, that's right.

[B]

Hey, look, I could be a fool. I'm trying to get the story here. I'm not, you know, slurping in general.

[C]

Like, yeah, well, he is a fool, but that's fine.

[B]

So.

[D]

Yeah, go ahead.

[B]

So this is what. I understand what you're saying. The best way for you to make money right now is as a college football player, right?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

You're going that. Right. The most money you can make right now is as a college football player. Okay. Okay. If I'm wrong about it, say that.

[D]

I'll let.

[B]

I mean.

[C]

Sure.

[B]

Okay. So, I mean, I'm. What I'm gathering is what you're saying right now Is my skill set allows me to go make the most money possible as a college football player right now?

[D]

Absolutely, yes.

[B]

But you're also thinking about a future in the NFL and a future providing for your family.

[D]

Yes.

[B]

You think you still have a shot at the NFL?

[D]

I believe so, yes.

[B]

How much does your opportunity at the NFL influence the decision that you're making right now? Is it more about you still having the chance to go make millions of dollars in the league, or is it about the right now of you being a college football player and being able to provide for your family in the immediacy of this moment?

[D]

It's more so about the opportunity to, I wouldn't even say make millions in the NFL like, it's more about the opportunity to make to the NFL, period.

[B]

And you don't feel like you have enough tape right now to go into the NFL and get drafted?

[D]

No, not with what the two years from my. No, sir, I do not.

[B]

You've made 33 starts. How much more tape do you feel like you need?

[D]

I think I need a full, healthy season.

[B]

Okay.

[D]

And I think I need to, you know, just a full, healthy season and a productive, you know, healthy season. I think with the last two years, with the injury and all of that stuff, I think that hindered my opportunity to either get drafted late, you know, sixth, seventh round, or be a high priority undrafted free agent.

[B]

Okay, last question before I let Joe go.

[C]

Yeah, I was supposed to get my piece earlier, but, yeah, last question before.

[B]

I let Joe go. With everything that's happened with you, with everything that, the rocky road that you've had in your college football career, and by the way, let's just be real. A lot of people for things within their control and outside of their control, have college football careers that are up and down, all kinds of people, some people, they find their way, some people, they end up going to do it at the next level or they find their way to the NFL in a different way. How much of what you've gone through in your college career is a result do you feel like of bad breaks and bad luck? And how much of it do you feel like is mistakes are mistakes that you made as a quarterback or as a guy?

[D]

I would say I'm a guy that takes a lot of accountability. Right. I'm responsible for the things that happen in my life. Right. God willing that anything happens, I'm responsible for it. Right. And I think the things that I've went through were for a reason. And I've learned and grown in those seasons. I Think a lot of my career and how it went was a mixture of both, right. I think injuries are out of my control. I think I don't want to really call it disrespect, but just not communicating between player and coaches. Kind of, you know, turmoil is a relationship and that player doesn't want to play for you anymore. You know, I think those are bad breaks and kind of out of my control, right? And the trouble I got myself into at Tulane is my control, right? Me leaving Auburn, you know, after an injury, kind of out of my control, right? Me leaving LSU was my control, right? Like, so I think it's about 50, 50. Like, I didn't have to leave LSU my sophomore year and go to Auburn. I could have, you know, stayed and competed another year and. And, you know, just saw how it went. But I think it's. It's about equal.

[B]

Joel, get your piece.

[C]

All right. All right, let me get my piece. Well, I mean, y' all already really covered it most of all, but I. I mean. Cause I think TJ said it and said it very well that this is setting him up, right? Like, this is what you think is the best case scenario for you to get to the NFL. So keep giving that in mind. Like, what are you looking for? Are you trying to go to a school and start thinking, I'm going to get 12 starts, or you want to go to like a high profile place and be a backup and just kind of show the NFL that, hey, I can also serve in a reserve capacity too and get all those reps?

[D]

Yeah, I think both have definitely been thoughts and options for.

[C]

For sure.

[D]

You know, I've been reached out to in both capacities. I think me personally, and this is conversation that I've had with, with high profile schools as well.

[C]

I'm.

[D]

I'm an ultimate competitor, right? Like, you know, I. I'm. I can be a backup and be a service guy, but I don't think that that will get me to the NFL. Like, I know I'm just not a believer in that. Like, I'm not. The way my career has went, the way, you know, things have unfolded, I think, you know, even if I were to go to a big FCS school and, you know, throw for 3,500 yards and stay healthy and stuff like that, like, the league would still see me as a very good, you know, possible backup and stuff like that, and I think who I am as a person would allow them to believe that, you know, this guy would be a good service to our team. He'll be a great locker room guy, this, that and the third. And those would be conversations that I would have pre draft, right? Like, you know, letting guys know, yeah, I've been a starter everywhere I've went, but I do not have a problem, you know, competing with a guy that you bring in, pushing him to be better, and also being a leader and a vocal leadership. The leadership doesn't go anywhere just because I'm not starting. Right. You know, I think me being a starter everywhere I've went, you know, that kind of allows me to see things in a bird's eye view of, you know, helping guys and pushing guys and things like that. I think that's the kind of the story and the narrative that I'm going with when it comes to the NFL draft.

[B]

Okay, so T.J. you are a quarterback, right? So you are the tone setter for the entire offense, but really as a starting quarterback, the tone setter for the entire team.

[D]

Absolutely.

[B]

How important for you, is it for you to demonstrate, not even necessarily with what you do on the field in your play, in your numbers, but the fact that you can demonstrate consistency at a place because particularly with the quarterback going to a bunch of different places, being around this long, what it looks like to a lot of people is that you can't maintain the competitive consistency and the cultural standard that needs to undergird a program, which is what people are looking for in a quarterback. How important is it for you to show people that you can stay healthy a whole season, that you can keep a team up a whole season, that you can keep a team operating for a whole season, that you can put together a consistency and a standard that your college can benefit from and your employer in the NFL can look at and say, okay, I can trust this guy every Sunday to come in and be a backup or every Sunday to come in and be a starter or to be a productive part of our culture that we know maybe will fight through some injuries or maybe won't make that mistake? Do you need a full season, all of those games of doing that to demonstrate that to people that you have your head on straight?

[D]

I don't think I need a full season to demonstrate that. But that is a good, that is a good insight that, you know, I'm able to now look at it that way as well, that, you know, like you said, employers in the NFL are looking for guys like that. Right. But I don't think you can look at my career and say that I haven't. That I'm not that 100% right I think the situations that I've put myself in, in each and every program that I've been to, I've been able to uphold a. A high standard of excellence at each, you know, university. Right. You know, and I think. I think it just goes based off just conversations and. And knowing me as a person, right. I think sitting down and. And understanding who TJ Finley is as a person and what he cares about and the things that matter to him the most, you know, you'll just have to make that decision for yourself. Is this guy gonna be, you know, am I willing to lay my money on the line for this kid and for him to be trustworthy? I think, you know, if you look outside in, you might be able to say, like, yeah, this. You know, that's the case. But if you truly sit down and have the conversation and kinda, you know, go about it that way, I think, you know, guys will feel comfortable.

[C]

I don't wanna. Well, teacher, I don't wanna make any presumptions about, like, what's next for you, whatever, but I look at your resume, actually, and I think, oh, that sounds like a coach. Like, I look at somebody that you've been. You've been under a bunch of different coaches, offensive coordinators, a bunch of different systems. So you've had a lot of exposure to that. You've had to make friends in a bunch of different locker rooms. It ain't like you've left. And people have been like, man, we glad TJ Finley is gone, right?

[D]

Absolutely.

[C]

So that's a big part of it, too. Like, you've been able to assimilate into all these different cultures. So I'm just kind of wondering, is that. Has that been something that you've also been talking about with your, you know, your board of directors, so to speak, and also these coaches about, you know, hey, I could probably do this coaching thing, too.

[B]

No, because really, this man want to play football, Joe. But not trying to make him into a coach, Joe. No, because you know what you're going to do? You're going to tell me, stop trying to. This man want to play football. He already said that.

[C]

Look, listen, just listen, listen, because here's the thing. I feel like I'm not gonna put this on you, T.J. but I feel like if you. If you were six shades lighter, you would have had that pipeline. Them coaches would have groomed you for all that. They'd be like, oh, yeah, this is somebody who's been in all these different huddles, all these different locker rooms, and there Would have been a path for you to go be a coach and be making a million be a millionaire by the time you're 30 years old coaching. Because that would. Could have been a way too. And I'm just kind of surprised that that hasn't come up. That none of these other coaches that he's played for that you work for have been like, well, hey, man, when the football thing is over, it doesn't work out, or, you know, you play it, you play as long as you want. Come on here and I'm gonna show you we can run this offense together, you know?

[D]

Yeah, absolutely. That, that has definitely been a conversation that I've had with a lot of my offensive coordinators and quarterback coaches that are now offensive coordinators. But, but the ended like, you know, my answer to those guys are, you know, man, you guys are away from y' all families too much. Like, like my boys and my family means everything to me. Right? Like, you know, going to practice and then coming home and seeing my, my 10 month old smile and call me dad.

[C]

Dad.

[D]

Like, that means the world to me and, and sitting down and game planning and all of that type stuff and being in the office, that's just not something I'm interested in. And you know, I, I do it during the season because that's my job and I love to do it and that's a sacrifice that I make, but I just can't make that sacrifice year. Like, you know, the offensive coordinators and head coach, they're doing that year around, like they're going on recruiting visits. I'm just not interested in doing all that.

[B]

Particularly in college. Yeah, I mean, the workload of an NFL quarterback is pretty crazy too. But. All right, listen. You know what, brother? I'm gonna tell you something. Two things. One is an observation, and the second one is just an overall statement. Number one, the smartest thing you could have done after all of those headaches. Headlines. Should I say it came out headlines and headaches came out, was to do what you're doing right now is to do interviews on it because it's very difficult to make the jokes. I was gonna go have a LinkedIn jersey made for you and come in here and hang the jersey for you and have the whole nine planet. But it's very difficult to make the jokes because you come off as a very humble, proud and confident man. And I think that everybody looks at you. Especially somebody from Ponchatoula.

[D]

Right.

[B]

Especially somebody like me. I want to see you do well, and I want to see you get all the opportunities to do well. All right, I'm going to say this as a. I'm going to part that and say that, and that's very important. Like you and the way that you carry yourself, how you talk, even the whole TJ Finley thing, third person. That's all cool, right? Like, all of that, you come across incredibly well. And you should continue to tell your story and define yourself on your terms. The last thing that I will say is, the last thing I'll ask you is, what if they say no? What if you are not granted this extra year to go and play college football? What if the NCAA decides that T.J. finley's time as a college football player is over? What will you do?

[D]

I think I would definitely have to declare for the NFL, right, and hope for the best. I think my thought process after that would be how can I get my foot in the door in the CFL or the UFL if the NFL opportunity is not open? You know, if I go, you know, let's say I get one invite to a minicamp, right? And I go and ball out, but I'm just not the to fit at that place, so, you know, nobody else calls. I think the UFL or the CFL will be my next opportunity for the time being.

[B]

Do you think that you would get.

[D]

A combine invite to the NFL?

[B]

Yeah. If you were to do. If you were to. No.

[D]

No.

[B]

You don't think you would. If you were to declare, you don't think you would get a combine invite?

[D]

No, I don't really. I think. How, like, am I tripping or like.

[C]

I know, man, you six, seven, bro.

[B]

Don't you think you wouldn't get invited to.

[D]

Because one, I'm not a test guy. Like, I'm not going to test at all. I. I would just go and. And show. Showcase my arm. Two, like, I think guys have to earn the invite, right? I don't think I've earned, you know, I think. I don't think I've put together a full most recent season to earn a combine invite. I think there's a lot of guys that have, you know, they might not, in my opinion, be as talented as I am, but they have earned the right to be at the NFL combine. If I'm. That's just my take on it. And I think that's another reason why I continue to, you know, do things that I. That I do, because I do feel like, you know, given the opportunity to go to the NFL combine, I think a lot of guys will be like, oh, shucks, like, you Know, this kid can go. So, yeah, I don't think I would get a combat.

[C]

Damn, man. Maybe I got it all twisted, bro. You 6, 7, 2, 4, 230, 240 with an arm. I kind of feel like that profile gets you an invite, but maybe, you know, but we'll see. Hopefully you get that.

[A]

I think the interviews will be great for you, tj.

[D]

I agree. I think those are very imperative to how my NFL journey unfolds.

[B]

Well, listen, I'll say this. Continue to tell your story, there are people that are not going to be receptive to it. That doesn't seem to bother you one iota. Your confidence and the fact that you are clear in the way you're articulating what it is that you're saying. I'll be honest with you, that speaks volumes, man. After I seen you ball out in that game. I can't believe you left us, bro. I can't believe you. I can't believe you left us, man. Like, remember? I can't believe you left us, brother. But I wish you nothing but the best in football, in life, whatever it is that you got going on. Yes, sir. And I think, honestly, it takes a lot of balls, if you're talking about what people want on their team, a lot of balls to come out and face the music, people that have criticisms about you and have the conversation and tell your story. So all the best to you, man. Whether you get the next year or not, we'll continue to follow your story and give you a place to talk whenever you need one.

[C]

Yeah, that's what I was gonna say. Tj, if you wanna come back and announce your college here, you know, we'll do a whole commitment ceremony.

[A]

We'll do the hats.

[C]

We got you, bro.

[B]

We'll put the hats out.

[D]

We'll do the deal.

[B]

We'll do the entire deal, man. And when you get that chance, if they do say yes, man, take advantage of that opportunity. Go crazy, stay healthy. All the luck in the world to you, bro. Blessings to you and your entire family.

[D]

I appreciate it. I think I want. I want a lot of people. Cause I know this podcast will be out. I want a lot of people to understand this year that I'm fighting for. It's not like a medical, a hardship or anything like that. The only reason why this year and I ended up making the decision to get in the portal is because they kind of have to give me this year with me being injured in 2024 and I only played two games, right? It's kind of, like, you know, the clock rule you have five years to play for with 20. 20, not counting. And, you know, I've only played three seasons. This kind of would be the fourth season, but that's neither here nor there. The NCAA does have the final decision, but it's, you know, based on their rule book. This kind this year is kind of, you know, cutthroat.

[B]

Don't taunt them, T.J. okay, you're right. Hey, hey.

[D]

Y' all think Diego Pavia did something? Just watch me. If they see.

[C]

Okay, okay, okay. All right.

[B]

See, T.J. that's what you gotta do. You gotta ignite us. Like, if you gonna give Diego Pavia another year, you gotta give T.J. finley another year. But NCAA, we hoping that y' all give him the year. Give him a year. We not give our boy a year. Give him a year. One more year for me, T.J. that's fine. I'm with it.

[D]

I appreciate y' all having me on, man. It was a pleasure. I definitely will be back sometime this year.

[B]

No problem, brother.

[A]

Stay, T.J. you're welcome, man.

[C]

All right.

[A]

See you, T.J. there you have it. A very, you know, very fun interview and a very enlightening interview there with TJ Finley. Appreciate him breaking down his journey. That was a lot of fun to get to talk to him. A nice little capper on our big van on campus. Van, how do you feel now that you've talked to TJ about where you stood before?

[B]

I mean, I think. I think that personally listening to him tell his story, I wish him nothing but the best. And for TJ Finley, personally, I hope that he gets the opportunity to continue to play football and go and make money for himself and his family. I do think we have a major, major problem in not just college football, but in college sports. The way some of this stuff is shaking out, and I think we start. We have to start looking at it and what the sport is supposed to be about and what it's supposed to mean. And I think that there's an issue that has to be addressed.

[A]

I'm not laughing because I agree with you, Van. I'm laughing because Joel was trying to.

[C]

Make this point during the break. It's just not the same anymore since they've been able to get paid. I don't know. They don't. They never had any loyalty.

[B]

Nothing to do with getting paid.

[C]

I don't know. It just.

[B]

This had nothing to do with getting paid.

[C]

Kids going from school to school, jumping, getting paid. Nobody's familiar with the cultural traditions they don't know the alma maters at their schools.

[B]

They should. I'm a, I'm a college football traditionalist. I make absolutely no apologies for it. I mean, I want to watch the NFL. I will watch the NFL.

[C]

You're an originalist. So.

[B]

So to me, I am a. I, I am a college football.

[C]

You and you and the Duke man originally.

[B]

I'm a college football originalist. I have no problem with that. I do think that in all seriousness, obviously you listen to these situations and they should be able to make as much money as possible. I have no problem with that. But for the, for the continuation of the sport in both football and in basketball, there's going to have to be some structure to it or else what you're going to have is 26, 27 year old athletes coming into sports and chicken hawking 18, 19 year old athletes who need these opportunities at development. I believe that my mind won't be changed. Let the audience make their decision.

[C]

Yeah, Grant, then.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

They'll have to have you sink all you same bathroom and then that'll be crazy. Yeah, I'm just, I'm making fun of you. I'm just making fun of y'.

[B]

All. Y' all wanna, y' all wanna talk before we go? You want to talk about what you called Tay earlier? Before.

[C]

Hold on.

[B]

Tate, just yes or no. And anybody that is.

[C]

Everybody that lying.

[B]

About this did not call Tate dad earlier. Duke. Duke.

[C]

This is a lot they concocted.

[B]

They got a party. But Duke did. Joel not.

[C]

They concocted this lie to try to embarrass that earlier. I called him an originalist.

[B]

I agree.

[A]

I think we have a. I think we have audio of it so we can put it out if we need to. I thought you said daddy like I thought you actually called him Daddy.

[C]

That's false. But why does your hat look like the Auburn helmet? What is that? Or is that the Dolphins?

[A]

Dolphins helmet?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Miami.

[A]

Don't change the subject. You called him Dad.

[C]

I did not call. I did not call him dad. Nobody's putting that. Nobody's putting out any audio that says as such.

[B]

Hold on, wait. Why are you saying we can't or you saying we can't produce it? Because if you say we can't, we won't do it. But if you say that we can't produce it.

[C]

I'm saying that I'm not worried because I did not say.

[B]

Hold on, wait, wait, no, take a stand. Are you saying.

[C]

I said I'm not worried because I.

[B]

Didn'T say it Are you saying you don't want us to do it? If you don't want us to do.

[C]

It, you answered your question.

[B]

Because we're not gonna disrespect co host. But if you say we can't do it, then we will fucking put the audio out. And you clearly said it.

[C]

I didn't say it.

[B]

Do we have permission to put the audio on this clip?

[C]

I thought, why aren't you more mad about getting your guests rejected? Because.

[B]

Why you?

[C]

Why you. First of all, why you putting more? Why are you putting more?

[B]

We didn't get rejected. Cause we kind of got.

[C]

No, it got rejected.

[B]

We kind of got rejected by her. She didn't. It's not like she wanted to do it. And then there was some talk about whether or not. We'll deal with that. But the question is this.

[C]

You got Big Daddy. That's what happened.

[B]

The question is this. Seriously. Okay, how about this? How about this? How about this? I got Ty Simptons. I got Big Daddy.

[C]

You got Big Daddy.

[B]

Done. You got that plus one for Joe. Did you call Tate Daddy?

[C]

I told you I did not say that.

[B]

Okay, do we have permission to put the audio on this clip of what sounds like you calling Tate dad?

[C]

I did not call him Daddy.

[A]

Joel's gonna claim AI.

[C]

No, I did not call him daddy.

[B]

But, Joel, yes or no, do we have permission to play what sounds like you call him that? Just. Yes.

[C]

I don't even. What do I have to do with this? What do you mean? Do I have to.

[A]

Well, you said it. Yeah.

[C]

I mean, I don't believe.

[A]

If you didn't do it, you have to exonerate yourself. Right. Don't you have a brain?

[B]

Yep.

[C]

I mean, I don't know what y', all, man. You know, they can do all that kind of stuff with AI and everything.

[B]

Cool.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All right, so we. We'll put that out on about whether or not Joe called.

[C]

I did not call him Daddy.

[A]

We're not on video.

[B]

And then we'll let you guys decide. We'll be back. When is the paw coming back? Tape?

[A]

Next week. Next Wednesday.

[B]

Next Wednesday. We are back. No show this Wednesday. Next Wednesday we are back. To get you guys ready for more playoff action. I will say this. This show itself has been a gigantic gift for me this year. I've had so much fun with you guys. I'm having so much fun doing the show. I hope all the listeners and everybody has a great Christmas. Shout out to Tate, Mr. Christmas Frazier, Joel, the name pronunciation Anderson, and Billy the Duke Gill. This has been a great gift for me doing this, and I'm so happy we're doing it throughout the playoffs. So Merry Christmas to everybody out there. Have fun with your families in the next couple of days.

[A]

I couldn't have said it better myself. Yeah, nice note to end on there, Ringer Tailgate. Appreciate everybody tuning into the show and we will see you all next weekend. Billy just reminded us that Joel said canceled two shows ago. Once again, look at us.

[C]

Once again, I've been misquoted.

[A]

But yeah, another Joel quote that we'll drum up for sure. Joel, do you have a parting shot?

[C]

No, man. You know, yeah, I mean, I'm really grateful. This has been a really fun year. You know, sometimes it appears that it doesn't that it's not work, but it is. And so. But it's been so fun. It has felt like that, you know, so I'm glad that we could all do this together. We can all fellowship. We saw our man Tate get engaged the other day. We're gonna give Van a Christmas tree. Billy, when I come down to Miami, you know, we gonna have some fun. Hopefully, hopefully you all will be able to come. So I'm just really looking forward to that in the new year, man, you know, doing even more, getting even bigger, having more swell times with the guys.

[A]

We had such a nice note. Then Joel takes one more shot on the way out as expected. Appreciate everybody tuning in to Ringer Tailgate and we will see you all next week for round two of the cfp. Must be 21 or older in president. Select states for Kansas in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino or 18 and older in present in D.C. kentucky or Wyoming. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- GAMBLER or visit rghelp.com call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chatincut or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit gamblinghelplinema.org or call 800-327-5050. For 27 support in Massachusetts or call 1-87-7-8, HOPE NY or text Hopeny in New York. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Brewing company. No matter how you do game day on the couch, in the crowd or Manning, Athletic Brewing fits right in with a full lineup of non alcoholic beer styles you can enjoy bold flavors all game long. No hangovers, no buzz, no subbing out for water in the fourth quarter. Stock the fridge for kickoff with a variety of non alcoholic craft styles. Available at your local grocery store or [e-mail] near beer fit for all times.

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