Pat McAfee, the dynamic former punter turned media sensation, has decided to take a well-deserved break from his busy schedule. On Thursday, he announced that he would not be airing his show on Friday, leaving a notable gap in ESPN’s programming. This decision comes after a whirlwind holiday season filled with college football coverage, including his role in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals.
ESPN’s Scheduling Adjustments
With McAfee off the air, ESPN found itself needing to fill the void from midday ET until 2 PM ET. In response, the network has opted to run SportsCenter during that time slot. This shift is part of ESPN’s gradual return to regular programming following the holiday season, which often sees a flurry of sports events and coverage.
McAfee’s Busy Holiday Season
The former punter has had a hectic few weeks, juggling multiple roles in ESPN’s college football coverage. From hosting College GameDay to broadcasting his self-titled show from various NCAA stadiums, McAfee has been everywhere. His commitment to the sport is undeniable, but even the most energetic personalities need a moment to recharge.
What’s Next for McAfee?
Fans can rest assured that McAfee will be back on Monday, ready to react to the thrilling action from Week 18 in the NFL. His absence on Friday is simply a chance for him to regroup and prepare for the upcoming NFL playoffs and the next round of the CFP. With so much on the line, it’s crucial for him to be at his best.
Changes Across ESPN’s Programming
This week, ESPN has been making adjustments across its programming lineup. Notably, Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith took a three-day hiatus from First Take, stepping away from the show from December 30 through New Year’s Day. This allowed the network to clear its main channel for CFP coverage, including the January 1 edition of First Take, which aired on ESPN2.
Highlights from the CFP
On New Year’s Day, McAfee was a key figure in the three-hour College GameDay broadcast live from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The excitement built up to the first of three live CFP quarterfinals, featuring Texas against Arizona State at 1 PM ET, followed by Ohio State facing Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game at 5 PM ET.
Upcoming College Football Playoff Schedule
As we look ahead, here are some important dates to mark on your calendars:
First-round games:
- No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame – Friday, Dec. 20, 8 PM ET, ABC/ESPN
- No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State – Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 PM ET, TNT/Max
- No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas – Saturday, Dec. 21, 4 PM ET, TNT/Max
- No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State – Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 PM ET, ABC/ESPN
Second-round games:
- No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State/SMU – Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
- No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 PM ET, ESPN
- No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 PM ET, ESPN
- No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana – *POSTPONED* Thursday, Jan. 2, 4 PM ET, ESPN
Semifinals:
- No. 6 Penn State vs. Georgia/Notre Dame – Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
- No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State – Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
National Championship Game:
- TBD vs. TBD, Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
McAfee’s Impact on College Football Coverage
Throughout this busy season, McAfee has not only been a prominent face in college football but has also made appearances on NFL GameDay Morning on Sundays. His approachable style and infectious enthusiasm have endeared him to fans, making him a beloved figure in sports media.
As we gear up for the NFL playoffs and the next round of the CFP, McAfee’s return will surely bring excitement and insightful commentary. His dedication to the sport and his fans is evident, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next week.
So, as McAfee takes a moment to recharge, let’s look forward to the thrilling games ahead and the passionate discussions that will follow. The NFL and college football seasons are heating up, and there’s no better time to be a fan!
