I use the term contestants lightly in consideration of the meaning of the term. Being a contestant is associated with actually competing. I would like to challenge you all in this area, both in terms of your Sabowl XIII performance as well as your Locker Room participation.
We are now 15 games in to XIII. This year is showing some normal trends as well as some new ones. Here is an analysis from the first week and a half.
Izabella-Tied for the lead and is showing some promise for being a younger Sabowler. The future looks good (except when you consider Stephen*). See note below. She is currently looking to perform her new song, “Sabowl Hallelujah”.
April-Can I admit that it is nice to see April not running away with the Sabowl this year. I still would not count her out. ESPN is reporting that her recent job change was for the purpose of providing more time for Sabowl preparation. She was seen studying spreadsheets on Christmas Eve but is denying they were regarding the Sabowl.
Danny-Has been one of the most entertaining participants since his initial appearance in Sabowl V. The Sabowl has been tough on him and yet he comes back every year. It is a story of early success to only be crushed by the spread. May the spread be good to you this year but probably not.
Michael-Came out of the gates on fire and had hopes of the first ever undefeated season. Much better than Michael’s goals of a season without winning a game. When asked why he wanted to accomplish this, he stated “What are the chances you cannot win a game.” Maybe next year.
Jim-Coming off an impressive year last year, Jim is again in contention and tied for the lead. Some are saying he is already preparing for next years Sabowl. We are still looking for his first appearance in the Locker Room.
Christina-The previous Sabowl champion is having a good start. There are some rumors regarding her pick process that may create some controversy. A possible I-Team investigation is in the works.
Jonathan-Has brought some early Sabowl magic with some fancy, mancy additions to the Sabowl spreadsheet. He has always been one to where is emotions on his sleeves, hence the reason he always wears long sleeves. Lots of emotions. This is also the last year Jonathan will be participating in the Sabowl as he is retiring along with long-time Georgia Tech Head Coach, Paul Johnson.
Jimmy-Has been one of the most consistent Sabowl competitors in its history. He is looking to return to his championship form in Sabowl III when he took the championship by one game over Christina. However, typical Sabowl controversy ensued when Christina demanded a recount.
Ellen-Has already won seven games. What does this mean you may ask? She probably will not win anymore this season. However, you have to respect her hope for a championship one day. She has stated she does not want to win the Sabowl due to the pressure of protecting it for the year. I think we all know she is in “loser denial.”
Stephen-Obvious the pressures of acclimating to college have taken a toll on the Sabowl preparation. Time to evaluate priorities. Hopefully this will only be a seasonal setback for this young man.
Julian-One of the other young guns in the Sabowl. Julian had a great year last year and almost brought the championship home. Look for him to make a late run and make this an exciting finish. His goal is to have the Sabowl hanging next to all of his championship trophy deer.
Rebecca-Also known as the “Lost Sabowler”, she showed so much hope for the future of the Locker Room with her lengthy, well-written postings and comments. It has been awhile since we have seen this but we all hope for its return.
Josh-After a disastrous start, Josh has been making a comeback to get back into contention. Josh is always looking for a way to spread compassion and hope whether it is in his local hometown of Springfield, Il. or the Sabowl. He has graciously agreed to donate all of his wins this season to those who need it.
Emily-We are all thankful for Emily since she has already secured the fact that we will not do worse than her. Thank you Emily. We appreciate you for this. Sorry for your really bad season. Maybe Josh will give you some wins.
Joe-Ol’ Rockie Joe. After some early Sabowl career success, the Rockie Joe dynasty took a setback last year. It has been rumored he has been looking to start another Sabowl-like experience, the “x Bowl.” He has his sights on being commissioner and president. More to come.
We hope you enjoy the games today, especially the highly anticipated “Cheez-It Bowl”. Look for the updates in the spreadsheet and standing (depending on how well Jonathan does today.) More importantly, we need to see you in the Locker Room. Can we break a record with comments and number of participants? Let’s shoot for 200 comments with 10 people contributing.
Looks like we have 6 contestants in this year’s SABOWL for KIDS
Judson
Ellie
Jenson Sabo
My name is Jeeffff
Potatoe
Lena
Michael – are any of your crew joining in?
I believe they are entered.
Sorry they were late. We recently went through a significant hurricane, one the worst ones in history.
I’ve been waiting for you to pull on our heart strings.
First game that f today has been cancelled. I believe that is a Sabowl first.
Should probably just take the score as is. Boston College takes the game.
I feel that since the game was not regulation it should not count and that has nothing to do with my pick.
I would recommend reading the comments on Twitter about this game. Very enjoyable.
I have used ServePro before, my experience was true to the slogan “like it never happened.” #marketingconspiracy
#sabowlconspiracy
This is crazy! I want to know more of the story here.
How quick can the I-Team be on this.
I-team is on it.
Florida Sabos got their entries in only slightly late by following central time. There was no extra sneaky planning or peeking at scores. I fully agree to open the process up to further investigation, since I’m already on the radar with the i team. #nothingtohide
Sounds like a ploy to deflect the truth. Fake transparency.
Definitely seems sketchy…I’m going to have to dig a little but given the game that was used to set the deadline ended up being non existent I’m betting everyone is in the clear.
Just learned that Paul Johnson will be giving his play calling sheet from the game today to this years Sabowl champion.
What % of SABOWLers do you think read posts or Locker room?
I’m surprised there’s no participation from the coming of age crew. Guess we need to add an easy way to add selfies to comments?
Just read Saban bought it for $2 million to implement in his scheme next year.
I hope it comes out of his budget for the referees salaries.
Boston college gets the win. Fix the spread sheet now – please!!
Seems to be the right thing to do here. Waiting on the Sabowl administration to make a decision with this.
Without a clear policy on this and as a Boston College picker I think the most fair thing we can do here is cancel the game from the SABOWL since the game wasn’t completed. If it doesn’t count in the schools bowl records, it doesn’t count in the SABOWL records.
As a fellow Boston College picker I agree but we should leave this open in case I lose by 1 game.
Since when has the Sabowl followed the norm. The Sabowl does its own thing.
Arrangements are being made to refund ticket holders. Game never existed. Just like your chances of winning this year.
*My chances
Should have left it at your chances. I was assuming you were referring to Danny or most everyone else
That’s what I meant originally then I checked my picks.
Winning is so much more fun than losing. I don’t know why I didn’t try this sooner.
If you haven’t noticed that is 8 wins in the last nine games for me. Should have been 9 wins. Georgia Tech thought that there game was cancelled. Maybe we shouldn’t count any of the games from yesterday.
Looks like someone just set themselves up to be #SABOWLED.
I immediately checked to see what picks I had different from Jonathan after he made that comment. A #sabowled is coming
Still noticed you failed to update the standings after you lost the 3rd game yesterday but yet it is updated after everyone of your wins immediately
That’s a total coincidence. That game happened to end after my bedtime. I never stay up that late.
And apparently never wake up before noon.
I’m glad the Fantastic 5 have showed up in the comment thread. Sorry I disappeared for a while there. I was battling a virus and pretty much slept an entire day but glad to be back.
Reading up on Saban’s thoughts on bowl games in between Auburn touchdowns:
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/25625384/alabama-crimson-tide-coach-nick-saban-remains-opposed-expanding-playoff-field
The sweet guy is worried about the players who get gratification from playing in bowl games that aren’t part of the playoffs.
The real story here is what would the impact of an 8 or 16 team playoff have on the SABOWL. Things would get crazy.
Sabowl would adapt and be better for it. May get more people in the Locker Room.
Let’s face it, its just us 5 no matter what happens.
So Georgia Tech and Purdue walk into a stadium, would the refs even let them play?
Only if Saban’s checks cleared.
Question for the Iteam.
How does Julian have Notre Dame for the Championship but picked Clemson to beat them?
Nice pickup, no need to be concerned. Looks like young Julian made a couple mistakes (1) he didn’t read the selection form very closely (2) he picked Notre Dame to win the National Championship. Since he didn’t pick Notre Dame to win the setup game, should they miraculously win he wouldn’t get credit.
I’d say next year we could remove that stipulation though – its a bold move to pick a champion you have losing a playoff game but could be a way of hedging your bet.
Bold move indeed
Speaking for julian. He simply scewed up but did not realize until it was too late. He planned to pick Alabama to win. But life sometimes kicks you in the butt like that. He Sabowled himself.
However I screwed up and picked The Irish. Emotional pick. I cant stand Clemson and especially dabo.
Correction. I did not make a mistake. I prefer to lose the Sabowl than win with the help of dabo and his kittens.
The real lesson today is the college playoffs need not be expanded and possibly returned to just the championship with no playoff round.
This is the stuff that makes the Sabowl great.
This is the stuff that makes the Sabowl great.
He Sabowled himself.
Best quote of the year.
Top of the standings get really tight if Wast St. covers the spread. We’ve got some huge days coming up for the SABOWL.
What a great SABOWL spread game!
Happy to see Mike Leach get the win too. He’s a good guy, reminds me of Paul Johnson in some ways. Except he wins games.
Ouch!
Here are the updated standings going into today’s games:
Jim 14-9
Izabella 14-9
Danny 14-9
Josh 13-10
Michael 13-10
Julian 12-11
Jonathan 12-11
Ellen 11-12
Christina 11-12
Jimmy 11-12
Emily 10-13
Stephen 10-13
Joe 10-13
Rebecca 9-14
April 7-16
Thanks for the update.
I have not had a chance to write a Rebecca like post so I decided to copy and paste a previous essay. Hope you enjoy. Throw Back Thursday!!!!
First of all, in regards to Champ…I would LOVE to throw the Sabowl…however there are a few technical difficulties in that endeavor: a) I can barely pick up the Sabowl, and a “throw” may become more of a “roll” b) I’m afraid the Sabo men will plow down any single ladies in the process of “catching” the rolled Sabowl and it may become a human bowling game. c) I’m fine with the above conditions and I’ll be ready to play if you are!
Second of all, in regards to my trash-talking abilities. Ellen and I have our own trash-talking that we try to keep under cover because it may just threaten you all and force you to forfeit your competition. And who more than Ellen and I doesn’t love a good little Sabowl competition?
Third of all, I would like to make a little confession. Your Sabowl posts are written in “football-ease” and I tend to skip the entire message until the final paragraph. I would appreciate a “glossary” of terms defining inside jokes and who these random names are…because if Payton Manning is helping to make Sabowl picks then I wish I would’ve known because he sounds like he’d be a nice help. Honesty is always the best policy.
Fourth of all, I’d like to make my first attempt at a trash-talk. At midnight this past week when I asked my future husband-to-be what he was doing, he asked me for my opinion in what colors to make a spreadsheet because fellow Sabowler Josh would like the colors to “flow” better with the Sabowl website. This comment raises several questions. (WARNING: Sabowl men, welcome to my world of misunderstanding trash-talk…you MAY not understand the following comments) First of all, (part a of the fourth part of this comment) Josh are you available to “feng shui” my apartment? Are you available to “feng shui” Jonathan’s wardrobe and/or shaving habits? Are you available to “feng shui” our wedding? Second of all (part b of the fourth part of this comment), due to the recent technological developments where I can no longer see the beautifully colored spreadsheet to make my picks, this makes me question…will the Sabowl someday be a figment of my imagination as it will become a mere digitized projected image of a Sabowl and no longer the glorious ceramic hunk that it is?
Fifth of all, I would like you all to know that this is the last opportunity for a non-official-Sabo to win the Sabowl trophy for many years to come. (That is, until Stephen, Izabella, Trey, Jack, Caleb, Lydia, and Jensen (sp?) meet Sabowl-worthy boyfriends/girlfriends…now THAT’S a thought!) So I think it is the nice thing to do if you would give me a little bonus points for winning the Sabowl. I’m not asking you to forfeit your competition….because I’d never do that!….but taking it a little easier on me would be nice….a little “leg up” if you will, that I can make this the best Sabowl year ever by making it the last and final “Lewisabowl” because my opportunity is fleeting.
Now since I know you all are not likely to read this entire post because c’mon, who does? I’ve reached my final paragraph where I will provide you with a few glossary terms to reference so that you may better understand this post, use these terms in conversation with a grocery store clerk, you know, wherever the opportunity strikes you.
1. “football-ease”: A term used for Sabowl-related speech that is utterly and completely mind-boggling for Rebecca (and may I take a leap and assume most Sabo women?)
2. “Feng shui”: pronounced as “fung shway” in case you intend on using this term in public. This is a Chinese term which has been manipulated by the Western culture through a lost translation. For example, “… feng shui has become an aspect of interior decorating in the Western world and alleged masters of feng shui now hire themselves out for hefty sums to tell people such as Donald Trump which way his doors and other things should hang.” (copied by Wikipedia…don’t sue me). In other words, asking Josh if he will “feng shui” Jonathan’s wardrobe means, Josh, will you please help Jonathan to match his clothes, and overall “style” Jonathan?
3. “Lewisabowl”: This term refers to the new name of the Sabowl for the few months that Rebecca is a Lewis before she becomes a Rebecca Sabo. That is, when she wins the Sabowl this year.
Thank you for your attention.
Rebecca
Future Sabo
Future winner of the Sabowl for this competition
Future name changer of the Sabowl to the Lewisabowl
That’s nice I’ll read it on Thursday.
Maybe the spreadsheet will be updated by then.
That bit about the color of the spreadsheet trips me out! Man I had too much time on my hands! I’d love to be concerned about the colors of anything today.
I did not realize how high maintenance you are.
Me either, definitely judging myself in retrospect over here.
Who is this “Virgina” you guys picked?
I know I shouldn’t have went with South Carolina though.
I mean its not good to ride with a QB into a dumpster fire but that’s what the Nevada offense has done. #NevadaGrit #novaAZBOWL
Pack can’t run or pass. They’ll have to tunnel into end zone.
Can the Nevada defense just start playing offense for the rest of this game, maybe they will finally score
CRAP NAVADA!!! My SABOWL hopes are dying today.
Pack calls timeout, holds quick WR tryouts with fans in stands
Could be the making of a new Invincible movie! I’m down for that if the lead is someone other than Marky Mark.
ms-dSUlnx.gif
Is that a russian computer virus?
That is Fake News!
OVER TIME HERE WE COME.
OT
We jumped in the car after Nevada to, I’m glad we did and I didn’t have my Hope level raised before an OT defeat
We currently have a 4 way tie for first.
KIDS SABOWL has come down to a tiebreaker for the national championship game between Jenson and Ellie.
Anyone want to suggest kid friendly tie-breakers?
Why don’t we have them pick 3 or all games tomorrow.
I like that! I’ll text mine to you Jonathan and I’ll reach out to Jimmy in case he doesn’t see this.
That’s some cute choreography Cincinnati does before kicking the ball off.
My last couple days have been a cute choreography toward SABOWL failure…
Did Utah ever come out of the locker room after half time?
Anyone notice this fierce battle for the Toilet Bowl?
Sabowl kids overtime picks:
Ellie:
Iowa
Penn State
UCF
Ohio State
Georgia
Jensen:
Mississippi State
Kentucky
UCF
Washington
Georgia
Well it’s always nice to make it to New Year’s Day and still have a chance.
Down to Michael and Danny now. The best Danny can do is force a tie breaker.
Planning to force tie breaker as soon as the SPREAD gives me UCF win.
I want a SABOWL tiebreaker and an exciting end to this thing. Go get it Danny.
Next up – TEXAS SPEAD win. Then its on Mikey Mike.
Congratulations Michael.
This seems premature…collusion!
The spread is finally working for me and with my positive attitude i can’t lose.
That comment makes me nervous, hide the sugar cookies.
BREAKING NEWS:
This is an important update everyone and I hate to drop it right in the middle of a tense ending to this years SABOWL.
The I-Team is exploring Michael’s rise in the rankings of SABOWL XIII and its correspondence to a troubling comment attributed to Michael in the Locker Room.
On December 29th at approximately 3:50 p.m. an entity under the moniker “Michael” made the following comment:
ms-dSUlnx.gif
After further investigation, it is believed that post was made by a Russian bot and not an actual person which leads us to the logical conclusion that Michael’s selections were also in fact made not by himself but by a Russian bot.
Stay tuned…more allegations to come. Huge ones, huuuuuuuuuuuge.
Appears now that there is a dossier that will be released once this post hits 150 comments or 1500 bitcoins are deposited into an account you can get the routing info for by emailing sabowled@sabowl.com
The Rebecca comment also needs to be investigated. She denies posting it.
Woah, the plot thickens!
Nail biter here for Kids Sabowl…
That cancelled Boston College game was a killer for me. Really messed the momentum I had going. Georgia Tech would have definitely won their bowl and I would have continued a historic run to a 34-8 record.
Always fun to see Georgia down early. Keep it up Texas.
Never hate seeing that.
My second favorite team is always whoever is playing Georgia.
Can you win the Sabowl without appearing in the Locker Room on New Years Day.
You can, it’s shameful but you can.
Anyone think Georgia will gain more than 50 yards.
I just want to say that after UGA’s team got food poisoning from eating some bad Chickfila at lunch, I think it’s really commendable that their in-state rivals agreed to put on their uniforms and play for them tonight. GT is good people.
Soonds like fake news. I don’t think GT would put on that garbage if their life depended on it.
Yeah why would they put on a winning uniform? They have a reputation to uphold.
Oh you just wait. Things are about to change. We are going to show you what we can do in the ACC and we are coming for you Georgia. WE WANT HOLYFIELD!
https://youtu.be/otmvHXb8KVc
Ellie’s SABOWL for Kids victory dance! She’s stoked
https://youtu.be/-2hhefGVR7o
Trying to raise up some people who actually care about the SABOWL.
I like it.
I like Ellie’s moves. I will use her dance routine and send my victory dance after i crush Michael.
I’m glad both Danny and Michael selected Boston College and that game is factoring in to the championship here. The conspiracy theories connected to that would never end.
If I had picked dabos kittens we would only be talking about the Sabowl’s actual coordinates. Now I need the tie breaking rules. Flip a coin, mud wrestling, pie eating contest????