By Scott Miller
I’ll bet you never expected we would have a 12-team college football playoff taking place this year without the Crimson Tide involved. Sorry Alabama fans, I know y’all are still letting that sink in. But I’d be remiss not to talk about it. The Nick Saban led Alabama football team has had an unprecedented run this past decade or so—there is no denying that. But, we are walking through a whole new era in college football these days. So, I guess it’s really not a big surprise when you think about it.
Conferences are different now, college kids are getting paid now, this thing we call the transfer portal is really shaking things up now and on and on we go…
It sure has made for an interesting season this year. So fans, get ready for the big finale. It’s time for Bowl Games and Playoff Games all mixed up together and coming soon to a big screen TV near you.
Where will you be watching? We’re in for a wild ride. Find your favorite sports bar, grab a seat and don’t miss a minute of the action.
Here are some of my favorite places to go on game day. I hope to see you there, too!
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Since 1984, AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters and cool libations. What began as a popular local hang out known for fresh oysters and cold beer has grown into one of the most iconic “hot spots” on the Destin Harbor. From its humble beginning shucking oysters off the deck behind a small trailer on the Destin Harbor, it has grown to four locations along our Emerald Coast, serving fresh seafood, live music and exciting water activities in the Destin area. Attention all die hard football fans, AJ’s boasts the one and only Jumbotron on the Destin Harbor. AJ’s serves up delicious daily specials, mouth-watering drinks plus entertaining live music all month. Don’t miss any of the action just come on down to AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar all season long…
(850)837-1913
116 Harbor Blvd.
ajsdestin.com
Gulf Coast Burger
Transform your perception of the quintessential burger. Embark on a captivating journey where burgers are not merely a meal, but an epicurean adventure. Step into the world of perfectly seared patties, the crackle of fresh ingredients gracing the grill, and an ambiance pulsating with the thrill of culinary artistry. Each bite is a culinary revelation, a harmonious ballet of taste sensations pirouetting across your tongue. Each burger is a culinary opus, lavishly garnished with a colorful array of toppings, savory sauces, and exquisite cheeses that capture the essence of the region it represents..and goes great while watching your favorite team on the area’s largest indoor LED 14×7 ft. TV or on one of the other 13 TV’s available! Game day menu also includes a delightful array of seafood selections, including Grouper, Shrimp baskets and sandwiches. Wash it all down with game-day specials including Ultra and Bud Light Bucket Specials! And you can watch all college and Sunday Ticket NFL games, too! Are you an Auburn fan? Come watch the Auburn Basketball Team, currently ranked #2 in the nation. Gulf Coast Burger is the Official AUBURN TiGERS Watch Party Headquarters! War Eagle! Hours: Mon-Sun 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
850-842-2398
4346 Legendary Dr., Destin Commons
www.gulfcoastburgercompany.com
2024/25 College Football Bowl Games
Friday 12/20
Playoff Game 1st Round Indiana vs. Notre Dame ABC/ESPN 7 p.m.
Saturday 12/21
Playoff Game 1st Round SMU vs. Penn St. TNT 11 a.m.
Playoff Game 1st Round Clemson vs. Texas TNT 3 p.m.
Playoff Game 1st Round Tenn. vs. Ohio St. ABC/ESPN 7 p.m.
Monday 12/23
Myrtle Beach Bowl ESPN 10 a.m.
Idaho Potato Bowl Fresno St. vs. NIU ESPN 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12/24
Hawaii Bowl S. Florida vs. San Jose St. ESPN 7 p.m.
Thursday 12/26
Game Above Sports Bowl Pitt vs. Toledo ESPN 1 p.m.
Rate Bowl Rutgers vs. Kansas St. ESPN 4:30 p.m.
68 Ventures Bowl Ark. St. vs. Bowling Green ESPN 8 p.m.
Friday 12/27
Armed Forces Bowl Oklahoma vs. Navy ESPN TBD
Birmingham Bowl Ga. Tech vs. Vandy ESPN TBD
Liberty Bowl Texas Tech vs. Arkansas ESPN 6 p.m.
Holiday Bowl Syracuse vs. Wash. St. FOX 7 p.m.
Las Vegas Bowl USC vs. Texas A&M ESPN 9:30 p.m.
Saturday 12/28
Fenway Bowl U. Conn vs. N. Carolina ESPN 10 a.m.
Pinstripe Bowl Boston College vs. Nebraska ABC 11 a.m.
New Mexico Bowl La. Lafayette vs. TCU ESPN 1:15 p.m.
Pop-Tarts Bowl Iowa St. vs. Miami ABC 2:30 p.m.
Arizona Bowl Miami OH vs. Colorado St. CW 3:30 p.m.
Military Bowl E. Carolina vs. NC St. ESPN 4:45 p.m.
Alamo Bowl BYU vs. Colorado ABC 6:30 p.m.
Independence Bowl La. Tech vs. Army ESPN 8:15 p.m.
Monday 12/30
Music City Bowl Iowa vs. Mizzou ESPN 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12/31
ReliaQuest Bowl Alabama vs. Michigan ESPN 11 a.m.
Sun Bowl Louisville vs. Washington CBS 1 p.m.
Citrus Bowl S. Carolina vs. Illinois ABC 2 p.m.
Texas Bowl Baylor vs. LSU ESPN 2:30 p.m.
Fiesta Bowl/Playoff Game Quarterfinal TBD vs. Boise St. ESPN 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday 1/1
Peach Bowl / Playoff Game Quarterfinal TBD vs. Ariz. St. ESPN 12 p.m.
Rose Bowl / Playoff Game Quarterfinal TBD vs. Oregon ESPN 4 p.m.
Sugar Bowl / Playoff Game Quarterfinal TBD vs. UGA ESPN 7:45 p.m.
Thursday 1/2
Gator Bowl Duke vs. Ole Miss ESPN 6:30 p.m.
Friday 1/3
First Responder Bowl N. Texas vs. Texas St. ESPN 3 p.m.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl Minnesota vs. Vir. Tech ESPN 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 1/4
Bahamas Bowl Buffalo vs. Liberty ESPN/ESPN2 10 a.m.
Thursday 1/9
Orange Bowl/Playoff Game Semifinal TBD ESPN 6:30 p.m.
Friday 1/10
Cotton Bowl/Playoff Game Semifinal TBD ESPN 6:30 p.m.
Monday 1/20
National Championship Game TBD ESPN 6:30 p.m.
