Time to lock in
From The GIST College Sports (hi@thegistsports.com)
Happy Friday!
The weekend is officially here, which means epic college football matchups, the kickoff of the women’s College Cup, postseason field hockey in full swing, and not to mention a whole bunch of top-25 basketball games. College sports are so hot right now.
— No. 1 South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley getting hyped ahead of her team’s 92–60 win over Coppin State last night. The defending champion Gamecocks haven't lost a game since March 31, 2023 — incredible.
Football
🏈 Gridiron gridlock
The GIST: We’ve reached Week 12 of the football season, with less than a month to go until the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) field is set. Time to lock in.
Utah at No. 18 Colorado, Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET, FOX: Boasting Heisman Trophy favorite Travis Hunter, Colorado’s currently second in the Big 12 standings and in contention for an automatic bid into the CFP. See if the Buffs can take care of business and boost their two-way star’s Heisman case in the process.
No. 24 Missouri at No. 23 South Carolina, Tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. ET, SECN: It’s been six years since South Carolina last beat Missouri, but the Gamecocks are on fire right now with back-to-back top-25 wins. Could this be the year they take down the Tigers?
- Upping the ante, both teams are featured in the CFP rankings, but sitting outside of the top 12 (SC is No. 21 and Missouri is No. 23). A win in this matchup would serve as a major résumé bump.
No. 6 Tennessee at No. 11 Georgia, Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC: If the season ended today, powerhouse Georgia would not make the CFP… but a win over Tennessee could change that. That said, the Volunteers are first in the SEC and on a four-game win streak, which includes a victory over then-No. 7 Alabama. Buckle up for what’s expected to be the best game on this weekend’s docket.
Women’s soccer
⚽ Bend it like Beckham
The GIST: Ready your confetti, because the 2024 women’s soccer championship tournament kicks off tonight, with No. 1 seeds Duke, USC, Mississippi State, and defending champion Florida State leading the charge. Here’s everything you need to know — let’s kick it.
How it works: Sixty-four teams will compete in the single-elimination tournament, with 30 squads earning automatic bids by winning their conference, while the remaining 34 received at-large bids based on their regular-season performances. The first round begins today and runs through Sunday, with action continuing over the next few weekends and culminating in the National Championship game on Monday, December 9th.
Teams to watch: After winning their fifth straight ACC title last weekend, reigning champs FSU are in prime position to hoist their second consecutive National Championship trophy. The Seminoles are led by senior Taylor Huff, who has tallied 12 goals and nine assists this season.
- Another squad to keep an eye on? Fellow No. 1 overall seed Duke, who are competing for their first ’ship in head coach Robbie Church’s 24 years at the helm. He announced earlier this season that this will be his last year before retirement — a win would be quite the parting gift.
- And if you’re in the mood for a potential upset on this fine footy Friday, watch the No. 2 goal scorer in the country, senior Kiara Pralle, lead Lipscomb in their attempt to upset No. 8 Vanderbilt at 8 p.m. ET. Golazos, incoming.
🏑 Delaware and Miami Ohio win first-round games to open field hockey national championship
If Wednesday’s opening round action is any indication, we’re in for a treat heading into second round play. Delaware topped Fairfield 2–1 in a double overtime thriller, while Miami Ohio defeated Vermont 2-1 on a fourth-period goal.
- Tune into ESPN+ to watch Delaware face defending champs No. 1 North Carolina today at 11 a.m. ET, followed by Miami Ohio plays No. 2 Northwestern at 1 p.m. ET, among other thrilling tourney tilts. Fock on.
🏒 No. 1 Denver men’s hockey off to a perfect 10-0 start
Defending champs Denver have picked up right where they left off last season, winning their first 10 games, including four victories over ranked opponents. Now the Pioneers have another test ahead this weekend, facing No. 9 North Dakota in a two-game series tonight at 8 p.m. ET and tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET. Ice, ice, baby.
⚽ Men’s soccer tournament selection show is set for Monday
Conference tournaments are underway on the men’s pitch, where the 22 conference victors will earn automatic bids to the 64-team bracket. No. 1 Ohio State will battle Michigan for the Big 10 title on Sunday after the Wolverines upset No. 6 Indiana in the first round and UCLA in the semifinals.
Together With The GIST
👕 Did somebody say…slay?
Looking for the perfect piece to update your wardrobe? You’ve come to the right place. Our GIST capsule collection has something for everyone.
If you want to make a statement: Try our bold and bright “Leveling the Playing Field” hoodie.
If you're having a bad hair day: Cover it up with one of our baseball hats.
If you have too much to carry: Grab a GIST tote to go hands free.
Plus, with unisex sizes from XS to 3XL, everyone’s welcome to this leveling the playing field party. Shop our full collection now.
Peep our squad’s MVPs (Most Valuable Picks):
👟 Where to flex your fit
The NYC Marathon, apparently. The race was as much about the style as it was the miles this year, as fashion brands went big with branded run clubs and sneaker drops.
🎾 What to listen to
“Thought I Was Dead,” the latest single from Tyler, The Creator, which gives a big nod to 2023 US Open champ Coco Gauff’s killer serve.
🏀 What to wear
Wu-Tang Nike Dunks. RZA and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan teamed up with Nike to pair ’90s nostalgia with a fresh spin on Dunk Highs. Sneakerheads can snag the new black and yellow kicks starting tomorrow. Style’ll hit ya, wham.
Today’s email was brought to you by Eden Laase and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Emma Leishman. Fact checking by Mikaela Perez. Ops by Marga Sison and Elisha Gunaratnam. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alessandra Puccio, and Lisa Minutillo. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.