ESPN is gearing up for a thrilling New Year, but it comes with some significant changes that will impact some of the network’s most popular shows and personalities. As college football takes center stage, fans will see a shift in programming that could leave them wondering about their favorite shows.
Changes to the ESPN Schedule
First Take, a staple of ESPN’s morning lineup, will not air on the main channel on New Year’s Day. Typically broadcast at 10 am ET, the show will instead be shown on ESPN2, making way for extensive college football coverage. This change is part of a broader strategy as ESPN gears up for a busy few days of live college football action.
But that’s not all. The Pat McAfee Show, known for its lively discussions and entertaining segments, will also be absent from the ESPN lineup on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead, viewers can expect a bowl game featuring the Michigan Wolverines and Alabama Crimson Tide, which will kick off at midday on New Year’s Eve. This slot is usually reserved for McAfee’s show, leaving fans eager for their daily dose of sports commentary.
Star Appearances and Absences
As the New Year approaches, fans will notice some familiar faces missing from the screen. Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim were notably absent from Monday’s episode of First Take, leaving Shae Cornette to host alongside Shannon Sharpe. This unexpected change raised eyebrows among viewers, especially given the show’s usual dynamic.
While First Take will return to its regular schedule on Tuesday, the status of Smith and Qerim remains uncertain. Will they be back to kick off the New Year, or will fans have to wait a little longer to see their favorite hosts? The anticipation is palpable.
Meanwhile, Pat McAfee is set to make an appearance on College GameDay instead of his own show. This shift means that fans can catch him previewing the exciting playoff quarterfinals lined up for New Year’s Day. McAfee will be live from 10 am ET, setting the stage for a day filled with thrilling college football matchups.
What to Expect on New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day promises to be a feast for college football fans. The day will kick off with a series of high-stakes bowl games, starting with Arizona State facing Texas in the Peach Bowl at 1 pm ET. This matchup is sure to draw attention, as both teams look to make a statement in the postseason.
Later in the day, Ohio State will take on Oregon in the Rose Bowl at 5 pm ET, followed by the highly anticipated Sugar Bowl featuring Notre Dame against Georgia at 8:45 pm ET. With so much talent on display, fans are in for a treat as they watch these powerhouse teams battle it out for glory.
Understanding the New College Football Playoff Format
This year’s New Year’s Day games are particularly exciting as they mark the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. The new format guarantees the highest four ranked conference champions a first-round bye into the quarterfinals. This means that fans will see more teams competing for the national championship, adding an extra layer of excitement to the postseason.
The fifth highest ranked conference champion will also secure a spot in the playoffs, ensuring that a champion from one of the second-tier conferences gets a chance to shine on the national stage. It’s a bold move that promises to elevate the competition and engage fans like never before.
Teams seeded five through eight will host first-round playoff games, while those seeded nine through twelve will battle it out for a chance to advance. This new structure, determined by the College Football Playoff committee based on various factors, is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Return to Normal Programming
After the whirlwind of college football coverage, ESPN’s programming will return to normal on Thursday and Friday. Fans can look forward to the return of First Take at 10 am ET, followed by the Pat McAfee Show at midday. It’s a welcome return to the familiar faces and discussions that fans have come to love.
With no Thursday Night Football game on Amazon Prime this week, the focus will shift entirely to college football and the NFL’s regular-season finale. The Detroit Lions will face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, marking the end of the regular season. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning.
As we step into the New Year, the excitement surrounding college football and the NFL is palpable. With changes to ESPN’s lineup and thrilling bowl games on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to. Will your favorite show still be there when the dust settles? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the world of sports is always full of surprises, and this New Year is no exception!
