Moving on

Shit, this is turning out to be a busy news day.

LSU tight end Arik Gilbert from Marietta High School, a 5-star in 2020 class, to enter transfer portal. He had 35 catches for 368 yards and 2 TDs as a freshman. https://t.co/dWb0YR13xL

— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) January 2, 2021

Think Kirby’s on the mother?

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End of an era

Didn’t see this baby coming, quite yet anyway…

Texas has fired Tom Herman. Wow. pic.twitter.com/2CqtN14Ioz

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) January 2, 2021

Wow, indeed.  Wonder how big the hat is they’re passing around to the boosters right now to get the next head coach in the door.

Not to mention this hat:

Texas has fired Tom Herman. Will owe him $15 million and the staff nearly $24 million.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 2, 2021

Yeah, that coronavirus has really fucked up the way college athletic departments are doing business these days.

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UPDATE:  When you fire somebody high profile like that, it usually means you’ve already got the replacement lined up.

Steve Sarkisian, a former head coach at Washington and USC who is coordinating the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense this season at Alabama, is expected to be named the new head coach at Texas, replacing Tom Herman, multiple sources told Horns247.

“This is an investment in the future of Ole Miss Football…”

LOL.  As if signing Junior to a contract extension locks anything down in that regard.

Your first (non-Dawg) game day post of 2021

Just remember, this is all that stands between you and the abyss of empty Saturdays until Labor Day or thereabouts.

Gotta admit, it looks pretty entertaining from where I sit, even with nothing but pride on the line.  It’s the SEC’s (or at least the part that doesn’t involve Alabama) last chance for a little respect this season.

Who ‘ya got today?

When does spring practice start?

Shot.

Remember guys, the Peach Bowl result only counts if Georgia wins. If Cincy wins, it’s only because Georgia didn’t want to be there. Sorry I don’t make up the rules.

— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) January 1, 2021

Chaser.

Kirby Smart: "The narrative was out there that our team didn't want to be here, they didn't want to practice. That was never true. Our guys practiced hard. They played a really good, motivated football team that was trying to remain undefeated." https://t.co/A0yhZ4mQW4

— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) January 1, 2021

Between that and the perfect Justin Fields hindsight, it’s gonna be a long offseason.

“You guys are killing me.”

If there’s such a thing as a meteor press conference, I’d say yesterday’s Brian Kelly vs. the Alabama media hook up surely qualifies.

Paper Tigers

Dabo Swinney accomplished the biggest coaching miracle in college football history: getting people to root for Ohio State

— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) January 2, 2021

Despite the lopsided loss, Dabo Swinney doubled down on ranking Ohio State No. 11, saying "I don't regret any of that. Polls have nothing to do with motivation." https://t.co/Qd79aF8xcX pic.twitter.com/zk8hEjrkze

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 2, 2021

I gotta say while Dabo getting his comeuppance was my favorite thing watching last night’s Sugar Bowl…

I’m confused. Is OSU beating the snot out of Clemson a reason for playoff expansion or nah?

— Senator Blutarsky (@MummePoll) January 2, 2021

… my second favorite was pondering the Venn diagram of people complaining that Ohio State shouldn’t be allowed in the CFP because of its shortened schedule with the people insisting that an expanded playoff wouldn’t water down the regular season.

College football is the best.

Going out with a bang

One love, Dawg Nation 🙏🏿❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/lgtbFBgqrr

— Azeez (@_Azeez_8) January 2, 2021

Three sacks yesterday, including the strip sack that changed the momentum of the game for good.  Helluva finish, Azeez.  Best of luck to you going forward.

TFW Christmas comes early

So, this got my disappointment meter swinging wildly yesterday, especially since I don’t have a subscription and couldn’t read the linked article.

Sources: #Gators expected to make multiple staff changes on the defensive side of the ball (VIP) – https://t.co/q8M9f3XNjy pic.twitter.com/7UqRVtUAGj

— Thomas Goldkamp (@ThomasGoldkamp) January 1, 2021

Relief came later, though.

Following one of the worst defensive performances in school history in 2020, Florida appears to be ready to make a few changes on the defensive staff. Sources confirmed to Swamp247 that multiple staff changes are expected, and a UF staff directory listing has been updated removing two assistants.

Safeties coach Ron English and cornerbacks coach Torrian Gray no longer appear on the directory. English removed Florida references from his Twitter biography on Thursday. Gray’s account bio still reads: “University of Florida #DBU#”

Swamp247 reached out to a Florida spokesman for comment on the staff listing change, but he was not immediately reachable.

Sources also informed Swamp247 that a change at defensive coordinator is unlikely. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has been on staff with coach Dan Mullen for four seasons now, his three years at Florida and the 2017 season at Mississippi State.

And there was much rejoicing.  Maybe we should start referring to Grantham as Mullen’s Willie Martinez, which is pretty ironic if you think about it.

I’d like to think that’s enough for Todd Monken to turn down a job offer in the offseason — “Sorry, I can’t leave Athens until I beat some of that Grantham ass.”  It’s the romantic in me, I suppose.

Just in case you missed it…

Kirby Smart wants you to know this happened.

Just wanted to make sure all of #DawgNation saw that Richard LeCounte was begging to get in and help his team win – he got in – the last play of the game – and was also voted a team captain by his teammates. Go Dawgs !! pic.twitter.com/q9MAext1f0

— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 2, 2021

Nah, this season wasn’t all bad.