With no racing action on New Year's Day, many inside the NASCAR community turned their attention to the NCAA college football bowl games taking place on Thursday.
Despite NASCAR's power couple Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick showing their support for Ole Miss on Wednesday, their team came up short in their 42-3 loss to TCU. Although his favorite team lost, Stenhouse kept a close watch on Thursday's games.
The incredible hit on Baylor kicker Chris Callahan certainly caught his attention.
Wow that kicker is gunna be hurting tomorrow huge block put on him #MichiganState ?
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) January 1, 2015
In case you missed it, this is the nasty hit Stenhouse was referring to.
The first of the two games in college football's new playoff format saw Oregon take on Florida State in the Rose Bowl. While the first half of the game was close, Oregon walked away in the second half and beat the Seminoles 59-20. The beatdown by the Ducks caught the attention of NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Brian Scott and Darrell Wallace Jr.
The day's second big game saw Alabama take on Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. Die-hard Crimson Tide fan and FOX Sports analyst Larry McReynolds was on hand for the game in New Orleans, La. and was feeling very optimistic at the outset of the game.
Oh Yeah! Where Buckeyes Fall! #rolltide #herewego pic.twitter.com/qUk0ryqzdj
— Larry mcreynolds (@LarryMac28) December 31, 2014
Unfortunately for Larry Mac, things did not go Alabama's way. Ohio State was able to rally in the second half, earn a 42-35 victory, and advance to the championship game against Oregon.
While Larry Mac was silent during and after the game, FOX Sports analyst Kenny Wallace knew exactly what he was thinking.
I can hear @LarryMac28 right now and he ALWAYS says this; "Nick Saban better have a talk with our boys at halftime" LOL???
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) January 2, 2015
The big win for Ohio State was very popular, however, for Ohio native Dave Blaney and Michigan fan Brad Keselowski.
Stenhouse Jr. was bummed for his SEC teams, but enjoyed the action on the field throughout the game.
Heck of a game!! Ohio St has some ball players fun game to watch. Tough ending to the season for #SEC but still the conference I'm with!!
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) January 2, 2015
Much like the new Chase format, the new college football playoff system was controversial when introduced and has produced a lot of debate throughout the year. Despite the controversy, former Dale Earnhardt Jr. crew chief Steve Letarte is apparently a big fan of the new system.
That was worth staying up for. #collegefootballplayoff are a success so far in my book. Goodnight
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) January 2, 2015
