College Football Off-Field Matchups: Week 11
Doak Cambell Stadium will undergo a $265 million dollar rennovation, according to FSU AD Michael Alford
(Photo from Seminoles.com)
Miami at 4 Florida State at 3:30
The Hurricanes head up to Tallahassee to take on their archrival-the Florida State Seminoles, who are undefeated this season and vying for a spot in the college football playoff, currently ranked 4th in the country. This is one of the most storied rivalries in college football with national championship implications often on the line when they play, with a total of 8 national championships won between the two programs. While Miami is not in the mix this year, they can play spoiler to their rival’s dominant season this Saturday. The two Florida schools have nationally recognized brands, and in turn consistently produce high tv ratings on their own, and even more so when they collide. The 2006 FSU vs Miami game was the most watched college football game in ESPN history. Being played at the iconic Doak Cambell Stadium, Florida State AD Michael Alford recently announced a $265 million stadium renovation, which will focus on a major overhaul of the west and south sides of the stadium. The renovations will reduce capacity by about 10,000, replacing bleachers with seats, but will still hold an impressive 70,000 people after the renovations are completed. This game is the pinnacle of a year-round battle off the field in the Sunshine State in recruiting, NIL deals, sponsorships, transfer portal, and every other sport. Even though Miami is unranked, do not expect them to lie down easily against their most bitter rival.
3 Michigan at 11 Penn State at 12:00
Ridden with one of the most outlandish scandals in college athletics with the sign-stealing scandal, Michigan is still undefeated and looking to keep their season on track for a CFP championship despite the off the field distractions. They take on 11th ranked Penn State in a BIG Ten showdown. Off the field, the state of Michigan recently passed a bill that will allow high school athletes to participate in NIL, joining 20 other states that have passed such bills. In theory, this will benefit the University of Michigan because it will help keep the top high school athletes in the state in their backyard, giving Michigan an edge in the region. Michigan has thrived as a program since NIL legislation passed, fully utilizing it to build a roster that will consistently compete for titles. Blake Corum, running back for the Wolverines, has been a star on and off the field, landing over a dozen NIL deals and even flipping a house over the summer. Michigan Quarterback JJ McCarthy is sneaking into the Heisman race, and is also an NIL star, with $1.4 million annual valuation and a deal with rising sportswear brand Alo Yoga (Who has athletes like NBA star Jimmy Butler on their roster). The noise around the sign-stealing accusations has gotten loud, with a new twist to the story every day it seems like. From the stub-hub purchases to the “Michigan Manifesto”, now former Michigan Staffer Conor Stallions has given the media plenty to talk about. Michigan will have to block out the noise as they head into their biggest test yet at Beaver Stadium if they want to continue their unbeaten streak.
10 Ole Miss at 2 Georgia at 7:00
The SEC has it’s fair share of big games this week, highlighted by 2 nd in the country and defending national champions Georgia Bulldogs taking on the eccentric Lane Kiffin and his 10 th ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Vying to go back-to-back on the field, off the field the University of Georgia is equally impressive, generating a record $7.6 billion for the state’s economy through it’s teaching, research, and public service. (UGA Today) Ole Miss is no slouch either when it comes to economic impact on it’s home state, with an impact report stating the university contributes a $2.9 billion impact and 43,000 jobs for the state of Mississippi. (Nowandever.olemiss.edu). The community of Mississippi shows love back to the school, with an example being the creator and CEO of RealTree, Bill Jordan. Jordan is a former Ole Miss receiver, catching passes from Archie Manning, and went on to create a major camo and hunting gear company. He recently gave another $1 million to his alma mater (having also donated $1M in 2015), which will go towards improving facilities for student athletes. Jordan’s impact on the school has gone so far that the football team actually wore his company’s signature camouflage pattern on their helmet last year, to widespread acclaim, winning Uniswag’s “Helmet of the year” in 2022. Ole Miss and Georgia both embody the essence of the SEC and what football means to the south. They are major economic contributors to their respective communities and their people return the favor. The two economic drivers meet on the gridiron Saturday