College Football Tailgate

Dan Watkins
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Football
  • Updated Weekly

Dan Watkins & John McKechnie talk all things college football! New episodes twice a week during the season!

  1. 5h ago

    Week 8 Reaction Show - Texas Responds, BYU Falls, Chaos Everywhere!

    Dan Watkins and John McKechnie recap a chaotic week eight. BYU, a top-two team, lost to UCF, and only three unbeaten teams remain. They also cover the coaching firings, Texas, South Carolina, Utah and Oregon, then make contender or pretender calls and share the betting card. In this episode: For three straight weeks a top-two team has lost to an unranked opponent (Texas, Georgia, now BYU). The only other time was 2007, when it happened nine straight weeks. Miami, UCLA and Utah are the last unbeaten teams, the fewest at this point since 2003. John compares UCLA to 2024 Indiana. Firings: Mike Locksley at Maryland, Dave Aranda at Baylor and Dave Doeren at NC State. John asks whether those jobs are still upgrades for coaches succeeding at G5 schools now that the playoff expands to 24 teams. Texas beat Ole Miss 34-27. Ra'Lique Brown ran for 157 yards on 23 carries, but Texas had 14 penalties and lost Trevor Goosby for the season and Cam Coleman to a shoulder injury. South Carolina beat Tennessee 27-24. Tennessee had 12 penalties and three touchdowns called back. Utah beat Houston 21-13, with Devon Dampier posting 350 all-purpose yards. Contender or pretender: Texas Tech (pretender, both hosts), Ole Miss (contender, both hosts), Tennessee (John contender, Dan pretender). Oregon lost to Illinois and let its offensive coordinator go. The hosts debate Dan Lanning's security against Steve Sarkisian's. Betting: 6-7-1 on the week, 64-53-1 for the season. John likes Colorado State getting 5.5 at Utah State.

  2. 4d ago

    Week 8 Preview - Will Texas Figure it Out? Upset Alerts & Revisiting Preseason Predictions!

    Dan Watkins and John McKechnie preview Week 8 of the college football season, with a focus on the sport’s constant chaos, the playoff picture, and games with upset potential. They revisit preseason predictions, assess Ohio State’s quarterback situation, and share their betting card for the week. Key topics: - The hosts discuss why upsets could be live in Week 8, even without a slate packed with ranked matchups. - John shares a theory that an expanded playoff could help keep teams and players engaged deeper into the season by keeping more teams in contention. - Ohio State’s quarterback outlook takes center stage after Julian Sayin’s injury. The hosts discuss how it could affect the Buckeyes’ playoff chances and postseason ceiling. - In their contender-or-pretender segment, they assess Florida, USC, and Kentucky—with different views on Kentucky’s playoff potential. Texas hosts Ole Miss in a matchup that could reveal whether the Longhorns’ offense can find its footing. - Houston visits Utah in a Big 12 showdown featuring two high-powered offenses and a strong Utah defense. - The upset watch includes BYU at UCF, LSU at Auburn, Tennessee at South Carolina, Alabama vs. Texas A&M, USC at Wisconsin, Iowa at Minnesota, and Vanderbilt at Kentucky. Timestamps 00:00 — Week 8 preview and the chaos of an extended October 04:00 — Could the expanded playoff help prevent in-season opt-outs? 10:49 — Revisiting preseason national championship picks 15:07 — Conference picks and title race check-in 23:18 — Ohio State’s quarterback situation after Julian Sayin’s injury 31:31 — Florida: contender or pretender? 33:57 — USC: contender or pretender? 37:23 — Kentucky: contender or pretender? 42:14 — Texas vs. Ole Miss preview 48:59 — Houston vs. Utah preview 53:42 — Week 8 upset watch 64:51 — Week 8 betting card 68:40 — October betting trends #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

  3. Oct 19

    Week 7 Reaction Show - Chaos Everywhere! Recapping a Historic CFB Saturday!

    College Football Tailgate: Week 7 Recap and Reaction Show! Week 7 delivered one of the wildest Saturdays in college football history, with chaos at the top of the rankings and a handful of massive statement wins across the country. Dan Watkins and John McKechnie break down the biggest results, the playoff ripple effects, and what it all means for the stretch run. In this episode, Dan and John react to the historic top 10 upheaval, spotlight Auburn’s upset of Georgia, BYU’s win over Notre Dame, Miami surviving Florida State, and Ohio State edging Indiana in a heavyweight fight. They also hit Tennessee’s defensive masterpiece against Alabama, Texas’s offensive collapse, and a fast-moving update on the race to the playoff. Timestamps 00:00 - Historic chaos: five top-seven teams fall on the same Saturday 03:47 - Georgia-Auburn: why the Bulldogs’ loss felt avoidable 09:42 - Gunner Stockton, Auburn’s defense, and Georgia’s ball-security issues 15:20 - BYU upsets Notre Dame in Provo 18:29 - Bear Bachmeier’s rare all-around stat line 21:34 - CJ Carr’s struggles and the Notre Dame fallout 27:41 - Miami survives Florida State in an overtime thriller 29:17 - The controversial ending and the late-game sequence 36:36 - Ohio State wins a rock fight at Indiana 37:22 - Fourth downs and Jeremiah Smith’s impact 45:04 - Tennessee’s defense overwhelms Alabama 52:22 - Texas collapses again against Florida 61:01 - Quick hits: Texas Tech, Wake Forest, and Oklahoma State-Houston 64:14 - Early Week 8 betting thoughts #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

  4. Oct 15

    Week 7 Preview - OSU/IU Showdown, Notre Dame's First Big Test, How Will Bama Respond to UGA Loss?

    Week 7 College Football Preview: Four Top-15 Showdowns, Playoff Pressure, and a Full Weekend of Chaos! The midpoint of the college football season arrives with a monster slate: four top-15 matchups, Playoff implications everywhere, and a Saturday that could reshape the entire race. Dan Watkins and John McKechnie break down the games that matter most, from Ohio State’s road test at Indiana to Notre Dame’s huge proving ground in Provo, plus Alabama-Tennessee, Missouri-Ole Miss, and the rest of a loaded board. They start with the Buckeyes and Hoosiers, where Julian Sayin faces a real pass-rush test, Indiana’s defense tries to keep home-field magic alive, and Kurt Signetti’s “nobody believes in us” energy threatens to become the storyline of the week. Can Ohio State find answers beyond Jeremiah Smith, or does Indiana’s formula of pressure, discipline, and turnover-fueled confidence hold up again? Then it’s Notre Dame-BYU, a game that feels like a referendum on both programs. The Irish bring an elite defense, a deep and versatile offense, and real committee pressure into one of the biggest home games in BYU history. The question is whether Bear Bachmeier can carry the Cougars on the ground, keep the chains moving, and turn a low-total grind into an upset opportunity. You’ll also get a full SEC clash breakdown as Alabama heads to Tennessee for the Third Saturday in October. Kalen DeBoer’s response after the Georgia loss, Keelon Russell’s bounce-back potential, Tennessee’s quarterback uncertainty, and a red-zone matchup that could decide everything all get put under the microscope Chapters: 00:00 Week 7 Preview: Four Top-15 Matchups 03:23 Ohio State at Indiana: Big Ten Showdown 05:53 Julian Sayin vs. Indiana’s Pass Rush 09:47 Can Ohio State Find a WR2? 12:00 Josh Hoover and Indiana’s Offense 17:18 Ohio State–Indiana Picks and Projections 21:19 Notre Dame at BYU: A Playoff Test 22:42 BYU’s Upset Path: Bear Bachmeier 24:54 Notre Dame’s Complete Offense 27:27 Notre Dame and Playoff Committee Style Points 30:56 Alabama at Tennessee: Third Saturday in October 31:52 Tennessee’s Quarterback Questions 35:12 Can Tennessee Challenge Alabama’s Secondary? 37:39 Alabama–Tennessee Red-Zone Matchup 39:30 Florida at Texas: Arch Manning Under Pressure 43:19 Missouri at Ole Miss: Is Mizzou for Real? 46:09 Wisconsin at UCLA and Nico Iamaleava’s Injury 48:53 Coastal Carolina’s Throwback Jerseys 50:46 Oklahoma State at Houston: Big 12 Stakes 52:45 Kentucky at Oklahoma: Can the Wildcats Keep Rolling? 55:41 LSU at Mississippi State: Injury Watch 56:51 Week 7 Betting Card 60:17 Texas Tech–Arizona State and Big 12 Notes #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

  5. Oct 12

    Week 6 Reaction Show - Georgia Proves They're Top Dawg, UCLA Shuts Down Oregon, Indiana Finds a way

    Week 6 delivered chaos across the sport, from Georgia’s statement win in Tuscaloosa to UCLA’s stunning defensive masterclass in Eugene. Dan Watkins and John McKechnie break down the biggest results, the teams that are separating themselves, and the ones that are starting to crack under pressure. They also dig into the weekend’s biggest quarterback swings, officiating controversy, and what these results mean for the College Football Playoff race moving forward. Timestamps 00:00 - Week 6 chaos sets up the recap 02:25 - Georgia takes control in Tuscaloosa 03:42 - Gunnar Stockton proves he can win anywhere 05:07 - Georgia’s depth wins out in the backfield and passing game 07:04 - Alabama’s quarterback future still looks bright 11:08 - Chris Cole and Georgia’s defensive playmakers shine 12:08 - Officiating controversies spark debate across the country 15:31 - Alabama’s path to a strong finish still looks intact 17:04 - UCLA stuns Oregon behind a dominant defense 18:31 - Bob Chesney has UCLA playing serious football 19:57 - Dylan Riola’s nightmare day and Oregon’s turnover avalanche 21:38 - Why UCLA’s formula may keep working 23:31 - UCLA’s schedule opens the door for a major finish 25:05 - Oregon’s ugly uniforms match an ugly performance 26:25 - How many more losses could be coming for Oregon 27:21 - Indiana’s winning culture survives another scare 28:16 - Nebraska lets a huge opportunity slip away 30:41 - Why Indiana keeps finding a way 34:12 - Texas hands Oklahoma the game in the fourth quarter 38:29 - Arch Manning’s inconsistency becomes the storyline 43:17 - USC gets a huge road win over Penn State 46:37 - Kentucky and Will Stein beat LSU in overtime 49:37 - South Carolina shocks Florida in Gainesville 52:40 - Mike Elko’s frustration boils over at Texas A&M 57:22 - Big 12 chaos continues with BYU, Utah, Houston, Oklahoma State, and Arizona 60:10 - Monday smoke and what still matters for Alabama, Texas, and Oregon 62:54 - Week 7 leans: Texas, LSU-Miss State, and Cal getting points #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

  6. Oct 8

    Week 6 Preview - UGA/Bama Game of the Year? Is UCLA Legit? Will Nebraska Finally Get a Ranked Win?

    Week 6 Preview and Predictions! College Football Tailgate’s Week 6 preview covers a loaded Saturday slate with major matchups across the SEC and Big Ten, plus intriguing spots in the Big 12 and ACC. Dan Watkins and John McKechnie break down the headline games, key betting angles, and what each result could mean for the playoff picture. Key topics: Georgia at Alabama headlines the weekend, with both teams bringing elite offenses into a potential game-of-the-year matchup. Hurricane concerns could affect Georgia-Alabama, making the teams’ run games and the weather especially important. Georgia needs Gunnar Stockton’s mobility and a strong ground game, while dealing with the absence of running back Chauncey Bowens. Alabama’s quarterback run threat and deep group of pass catchers could create problems for Georgia’s defense. UCLA visits Oregon in a contrast of styles: the Bruins’ run-heavy offense faces the Ducks, who turn to Dylan Raiola after Dante Moore’s injury. John backs UCLA plus the points, while both hosts discuss how a fast start could shape the game. Indiana visits Nebraska in a major Big Ten test. The hosts weigh Nebraska’s search for a ranked win against Indiana’s strong defense. Texas and Oklahoma meet in the Red River rivalry, with the hosts questioning whether Oklahoma’s offense can find its footing. The episode also previews Tennessee-Arkansas, Ole Miss-Vanderbilt, USC-Penn State, Arizona-West Virginia, and LSU-Kentucky. The betting card includes picks on Penn State, Arizona, Wake Forest, Army, UCF, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Oregon State-San Diego State, and Iowa State. Timestamps 00:00 Week 6 opens with a loaded slate 02:04 Why this week could bring more clarity to the season 05:27 Georgia-Alabama takes center stage 06:24 Hurricane concerns and the weather outlook 08:37 The matchup between two high-scoring offenses 12:11 Gunnar Stockton’s legs and Georgia’s rushing plan 13:34 Georgia’s receivers and Alabama’s passing weapons 14:46 Can Georgia contain Keelon Russell? 17:39 The hosts’ picks, history, and computer-model predictions 20:36 How much does a marquee regular-season game matter? 22:52 UCLA’s strong start and Oregon’s quarterback change 24:33 Why UCLA may need to start fast 26:34 Nico Iamaleava and Oregon’s pass defense 28:31 Dylan Raiola’s opportunity to lead the Ducks 30:41 Computer models weigh in on UCLA-Oregon 32:50 Indiana at Nebraska: a major Big Ten test 35:48 Indiana’s defense versus Nebraska’s offense 38:30 Josh Hoover’s interception-free start 40:20 The hosts’ Indiana-Nebraska predictions 42:31 Red River: Texas versus Oklahoma 43:53 Comparing Arch Manning and John Mateer 46:44 Can Oklahoma score against Texas? 47:34 Tennessee-Arkansas and the quarterback injury question 48:35 Ole Miss at Vanderbilt 49:31 USC-Penn State and Arizona-West Virginia 50:54 LSU at Kentucky and the Wildcats’ run defense 52:19 The Week 6 betting card 55:15 Iowa State gets added to the card 57:04 Closing thoughts Subscribe to College Football Tailgate. Like the video if you enjoyed the show. Tune in for the Week 6 recap after Saturday’s games. #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

  7. Oct 5

    Week 5 Reaction Show - Bama Looks Like Bama, Mizzou Shuts Down Florida & Jeremiah Smith Isn't Human!

    Dan Watkins and John McKechnie recap a chaotic Week 5 that helped clarify who’s real and who’s still figuring things out. The biggest takeaways: Alabama reasserted itself, Missouri exposed Florida, and Jeremiah Smith continued to look like the best receiver in college football. Key topics: Alabama’s 56–23 win over Mississippi State, including Keelon Russell’s four touchdown passes and rushing score. Alabama’s improved offensive line and run game—and lingering questions about the secondary. Mississippi State’s injuries to Camario Taylor and Fluff Bothwell, and what comes next for the Bulldogs. Missouri’s 45–17 win over Florida, with the Tigers bottling up Jaden Baugh and putting pressure on Florida’s offense. Florida’s quarterback concerns and whether the Gators can still reach eight wins. Jeremiah Smith’s 11-catch, 206-yard, two-touchdown performance in Ohio State’s 31–14 win over Iowa. Whether Ohio State can keep rolling if opponents limit Smith or pressure Julian Sayin. Why Texas Tech’s undefeated record hasn’t convinced the hosts. Baylor’s 55–19 win over Arizona State, powered by DJ Lagway’s return. Pitt’s 35–33 win over Virginia Tech and the impact of Mason Heinschel’s injury. Notre Dame’s 37–26 win over North Carolina—and why the hosts are annoyed, not worried. Georgia’s sloppy win over Vanderbilt and the matchup with Alabama ahead. Penn State’s struggles and the questions surrounding its schedule and roster. The Week 5 betting recap: 9–6 combined, up 2.5 units; 44–28–1 on the season. Timestamps 00:00 — Week 5 recap and why the teams are starting to show their identities 03:03 — Alabama makes a statement against Mississippi State 08:31 — Georgia’s pass-catching questions ahead of Alabama 09:35 — Mississippi State’s injuries and what the loss means 13:35 — Missouri shuts down Florida and Jaden Baugh 18:15 — Reassessing Florida after the loss 20:12 — Jeremiah Smith puts up another huge game 23:21 — What could slow down Ohio State? 25:28 — Texas Tech’s unbeaten record and lingering doubts 27:34 — Iowa State and West Virginia deliver a thriller 28:48 — BYU survives TCU 30:41 — DJ Lagway leads Baylor past Arizona State 34:54 — Pitt edges Virginia Tech in a wild finish 37:25 — Miami dominates Clemson; Florida State bounces back 40:13 — Notre Dame beats North Carolina, but leaves questions 42:23 — Georgia’s win over Vanderbilt and Penn State’s concerns 45:03 — Penn State–USC preview 48:00 — Red River preview 49:40 — Week 5 betting recap and early Week 6 pick 50:24 — Week 6 betting leans 51:51 — Louisville–Florida State and Minnesota–Purdue picks 53:37 — Closing thoughts #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

  8. Oct 1

    Week 5 Preview & Predictions - Welcome to October, SEC Showdowns & Who Needs to Impress

    Dan Watkins and John McKechnie kick off October with a Week 5 college football preview focused on which teams are real contenders—and which still need to prove it. They spotlight the weekend’s biggest matchups, share a few unusual SEC headlines, and identify teams that could rise or fall in the national conversation this month. The episode also includes a Week 5 betting card and plenty of debate, from Alabama’s trip to Mississippi State to Ohio State’s visit to Iowa. Timestamps 00:00 — Week 5 preview and October stakes 00:52 — Why teams need to prove who they are 01:53 — Alabama–Mississippi State, Ohio State–Iowa, and Florida–Missouri 02:56 — Friday night: Pitt–Virginia Tech 04:07 — Auburn trade-secrets arrest and the “Don Julio” story 09:31 — Texas’ celebration controversy and the AD’s apology 12:54 — Texas A&M’s blank-end-zone post gets roasted online 16:57 — Teams that need to show more in October 21:23 — Alabama’s questions as its schedule gets tougher 22:29 — Virginia Tech’s unbeaten start and the road ahead 23:28 — Indiana’s next gear and concerns after Northwestern 26:40 — Alabama at Mississippi State preview 28:06 — Weather, running games, and the battle in the trenches 29:22 — Who gets the Heisman bump: Keelon Russell or Camario Taylor? 31:32 — Alabama’s upset-risk meter in Starkville 34:34 — Ohio State at Iowa preview 35:35 — Can Iowa score enough to make it a game? 36:58 — Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State’s passing-game advantage 39:39 — Florida at Missouri preview 40:46 — Jaden Baugh’s historic rushing start 41:53 — Why Missouri’s profile looks shaky 45:57 — Eli Drinkwitz’s record against ranked and winning SEC teams 47:35 — Pitt–Virginia Tech and doubts about the AP poll 48:05 — South Carolina–Kentucky and the “stinky line” of the week 49:02 — Baylor at Arizona State and other Big 12 intrigue 50:03 — More games to watch, including BYU–TCU and Cincinnati–Arizona 51:09 — Georgia–Vanderbilt: any trap-game concerns? 52:06 — Week 5 betting card 55:54 — Final picks and the under in Texas Tech–Colorado 56:49 — Clemson as a major home underdog to Miami 58:15 — Could Clemson’s situation finally be untenable? 59:47 — Closing thoughts and outro #collegefootball #podcast #cfb

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About

Dan Watkins & John McKechnie talk all things college football! New episodes twice a week during the season!

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Watkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dan Watkins
  • Show Website
    College Football Tailgate

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