College Football Playoff contenders compared to Thanksgiving foods
By John Scimeca
The top nine College Football Playoff contenders all bring to mind a particular Thanksgiving food, drink or pastime. Yes, even the cranberry relish.
News chatter at this time of the year is all about the teams that might make the College Football Playoff. We’re also approaching the perfect holiday for a staggering array of food dishes, drinks, and awkward family arguments, so why not match these two wonderful things together?
1. Afternoon Hors D’Oeuvres — LSU Tigers
You never know what you’re getting into with the pre-meal finger foods and snacks on Thanksgiving day. Will there be anchovies on crackers? Funny-smelling cheeses? Maybe some reliable little smokies or pepperoni bites? How best to describe the Tigers, led by the gravelly-voiced and enigmatic Ed Orgeron, a stacked defense, and an underwhelming passing offense?
We’re never sure if we’ll see the LSU squad that trounced Georgia 36-16 in October or the team that barely topped Arkansas by one touchdown two weeks ago. Go ahead, try the deviled eggs.
2. Green Bean Casserole — UCF Knights
Your Aunt Shirley tells you that she’s bringing green beans over for Thanksgiving, and you immediately think, “Ew, gross.” But then, you the dish and notice the tin foil peeling off the corner, revealing a fried onion top layer. You cautiously take a bite and sink your teeth into the creamy consistency. Hey, this isn’t so bad after all. You crave more of it. Soon, it’s your favorite Thanksgiving food.
Central Florida has been perennially under-appreciated, having strung together 23 wins in a row, and is still ranked only at No. 9 in the CFP rankings despite last week’s dismantling of No. 24 Cincinnati. Many deride the Golden Knights for playing in a weak conference, but the more they win, the thought creeps up on you: what if we gave them a chance? Try the green bean casserole this weekend, it might surprise you.