As Atlanta’s go-to source for local news and events, we’re excited to bring you this comprehensive guide to catching today’s College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal action.
With the expanded 12-team format in full swing, January 1 marks a thrilling triple-header of games that could shape the path to the national championship.
Local fans have extra reason to tune in, as the Georgia Bulldogs take center stage in the evening matchup against Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. Whether you’re watching from home, streaming on the go, or joining a lively watch party in the city, we’ve got all the details you need to make the most of game day.
Today’s CFP Quarterfinal Schedule
The quarterfinals kicked off yesterday with the Cotton Bowl, but today’s slate features three high-stakes games broadcast exclusively on ESPN. Here’s the lineup:
- Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. No. 5 Oregon Ducks
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
This early game pits a defensive-minded Texas Tech squad against Oregon’s high-powered offense in what promises to be a stylistic clash. 13 - Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential: No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Top-seeded Indiana, riding an undefeated season, faces a battle-tested Alabama team looking to upset the bracket in the iconic “Granddaddy of Them All.” 1 - Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
This SEC showdown has massive local appeal for Atlanta-area fans, with Georgia aiming to advance under head coach Kirby Smart against Lane Kiffin’s explosive Ole Miss squad. Expect fireworks in a game that’s just a short drive from home for many Dawgs supporters. 30
All times are Eastern, and weather shouldn’t be a factor since the Orange and Sugar Bowls are indoors, while the Rose Bowl’s Southern California setting typically offers clear skies.
How to Watch on TV and Cable in Atlanta
If you’re settling in at home, ESPN is your one-stop channel for all three games. In the Atlanta metro area, here’s where to find it on major providers:
- Comcast Xfinity: Channel 35 (SD) or 835 (HD)
- AT&T U-verse: Channel 602 (SD) or 1602 (HD)
- Spectrum: Channel 31 (SD) or 131 (HD)
- DirecTV: Channel 206
- Dish Network: Channel 140
For over-the-air viewers, ESPN isn’t available without cable, but you can check local affiliates for any simulcasts (though unlikely for CFP games). If you have a smart TV, download the ESPN app and log in with your cable credentials for seamless viewing.
Announcers for the day include Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy on the call for the Sugar Bowl, with Molly McGrath on the sidelines—familiar voices for SEC fans.
Streaming Options
Cord-cutters rejoice: There are plenty of ways to stream the games without traditional cable. All CFP action is available live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com, but you’ll need a subscription or login from a participating provider. Here’s a breakdown of popular services that carry ESPN:
- ESPN App/ESPN Unlimited: Free with a cable login or as part of select pay-TV packages like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV. This is the most direct way to stream on your phone, tablet, or smart device.
- Fubo: Starts at $79.99/month; includes ESPN and offers a free trial. Great for sports fans with 4K streaming options for select games.
- Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month; bundles ESPN with Disney+ and Hulu for added value.
- YouTube TV: $72.99/month; user-friendly interface and unlimited DVR.
- Sling TV (Orange Plan): $40/month; the cheapest option that includes ESPN, perfect if you’re just in it for college football.
- DirecTV Stream: $69.99/month; solid for Atlanta locals with regional sports add-ons.
For international viewers or those traveling, a VPN like ExpressVPN can help access U.S. streams. Note that blackouts are rare for national CFP broadcasts, but always check your service’s app for confirmation.
Local Watch Parties and Best Bars in Atlanta
Nothing beats the energy of watching with fellow fans, especially for the Georgia game. Atlanta’s sports bar scene is buzzing today, with many spots decked out in red and black. Here are some top recommendations based on local vibes, screen setups, and game-day specials:
- Park Tavern in Piedmont Park: Hosting a “Hair of the Dawg” New Year’s Day Watch Party with massive indoor/outdoor screens, sound on for all games, bottomless mimosas, and a heated patio. Doors open at 11 a.m.—perfect for the full slate. Expect a mix of CFP fans and locals recovering from New Year’s Eve.
- The Nook on Piedmont Park: A go-to for college football with multiple TVs, a covered patio, and game-day eats like totchos. It’s especially popular among out-of-town alumni groups.
- Marlow’s Tavern (Multiple Locations, e.g., Vinings or Midtown): Upscale pub fare with plenty of screens. Their Cumberland location is a hotspot for SEC games, offering specials like $5 drafts during touchdowns.
- Woofs Atlanta (Midtown): A lively sports bar with 30+ TVs, known for its inclusive atmosphere and strong drinks. Great for groups watching the entire day.
- Wicked Wolf (Downtown): High-energy spot with giant projectors, wings, and beer towers. It’s a favorite for big games, with no cover charge today.
- AMG Lounge (Buckhead): Newer venue with top ratings for NFL watch parties, but equally suited for CFP—think plush seating and craft cocktails.
- College Football Hall of Fame (Downtown Atlanta): Not just a museum— they’re hosting a free viewing event in their atrium with big screens, interactive exhibits, and food trucks. A family-friendly option to catch the games while soaking in football history.
For Georgia-specific watch parties, check alumni groups like the Atlanta Dawg Club, which often gathers at spots like Hudson Grille in Midtown. Reservations are recommended, as spots fill up fast on playoff days.
If you’re hosting at home, local spots like Your 3rd Spot in West Midtown offer takeout packages with game-ready platters.
Radio and Audio Options
If you’re driving around Atlanta or prefer audio commentary, tune in via radio:
- National Broadcast: ESPN Radio (available on SiriusXM Channel 80 or the ESPN app) with full coverage of all games.
- Local for Georgia Game: The Bulldogs’ flagship station is 680 The Fan (WXIA-AM) in Atlanta, with Scott Howard, Eric Zeier, and D.J. Shockley on the call. Stream via the Georgia Bulldogs app or TuneIn.
- Ole Miss Feed: For Rebels fans, check 97.3 FM in Atlanta affiliates or the Ole Miss Sports Network app.
Additional Tips for Atlanta Fans
- Traffic and Parking: If heading to a bar near Piedmont Park or Downtown, use MARTA or rideshares—post-New Year’s traffic could be heavy, especially around evening rush for the Sugar Bowl.
- Betting and Odds: Georgia is favored by 6.5 points with an over/under of 55.5—check apps like FanDuel or DraftKings for live lines (legal in Georgia via mobile).
- Family-Friendly Viewing: The College Football Hall of Fame event is ideal for kids, or stream at home with ESPN’s multi-view feature to flip between games.
- Post-Game Coverage: Stick with us here at AtlantaFi.com for recaps, highlights, and analysis—especially if Georgia advances to the semifinals at the Peach Bowl on January 9 right here in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Whether you’re a die-hard Dawg or just love the playoff drama, today’s games are must-see TV. Go Bulldogs, and happy New Year from all of us in Atlanta!