ESPN College GameDay crew punished for rookie mistake as Pat McAfee admits CFP concerns in downpour

Indiana faces a potential banana skin in No. 9-ranked Alabama — and the conditions have thrown up another hurdle.

The College GameDay crew found out the hard way about the torrential downpour — long before the players took the field.

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Only Race Davis was prepared for the conditions as the No. 1 Hoosiers’ aim to put on a show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

He wore a beige overcoat that fans compared to TV detective Columbo.

His colleagues weren’t so lucky.

“The dawn of the New Year brings resolutions and resolve,” said the ESPN host. “Things that my coworkers could do like, remembering to bring a rain jacket.”

Pat McAfee cut a disconsolate figure in the middle of the desk with damp patches visible on his suit at the iconic venue.

Iconic coach Nick Saban opted to drape a grey towel over his shoulders, while Kirk Herbstreit had a blue one on his head at the end of the desk.

He bemoaned the driving wind which was heading straight in his direction — and sparing Desmond Howard on the other side.

“I’m completely dry, bro,” Howard said with a grin as he inspected his jacket.

While there will be some sympathy for the broadcasters, it is the players who will be putting their bodies on the line.

Stadium staff were out in force with brushes trying to get the field in shape.

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McAfee was unsure if their efforts were in vain, posting a video on X with the caption: “I don’t know if that’s working.”

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is looking to further enhance his NFL Draft stock, potentially sealing his position as the first overall pick.

His Hoosiers are big favorites to go all the way, especially after No. 2 Ohio State suffered a huge upset to against Miami.

But he will have to be mindful of the weather, as well as an alarming run for top seeds.

Since the 12-team CFP was implemented last season, organizations that received a bye are now 0-5 following the Buckeyes’ loss.

The Crimson Tide — coming in off the back of a win over No. 8 Oklahoma — will hope that momentum is with them.

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