Sights and sounds from College GameDay at Allen Fieldhouse

Greetings from Lawrence, Kansas, where I am back in my hotel room after attending College GameDay at Allen Fieldhouse ahead of tonight’s game between the Cats and the Jayhawks. ESPN’s basketball pregame show isn’t nearly as exciting as its football counterpart, but this is my first time seeing The Phog so I wanted to drink in as much atmosphere as possible. If you were watching on TV, you had a much better idea of what actually happened on the show than I did — the audio they play over the loudspeakers is muffled and echoey — but here are the highlights that made it on the broadcast and those that didn’t.

(Kentucky) Blue got in

The Big Blue Nation has arrived in Lawrence. There were Kentucky fans on my flight from Nashville yesterday, around town last night, and at College GameDay this morning. The is the first game in the series at Kansas since 2016 and it seems many Cats fans took advantage of the opportunity to check out Allen Fieldhouse, and, if they’re Bengals fans, have an epic sports weekend. There were plenty of Burrow jerseys and “Who Dey”s in The Phog this morning. A loyal Titans fan, I ignored every single one.

These two Kentucky fans were in line to get into College GameDay at 8:30 a.m.:

Those signs are great — who doesn’t love Brennan Canada? — but this one from a young fan was the best one there:

Update: Blue got in! pic.twitter.com/GWpuAEF0VK

— Jesse Chaney (@JChaney769) January 29, 2022

Don’t worry, it made it on TV too:

pic.twitter.com/vNQPDsiMvW

— Jesse Chaney (@JChaney769) January 29, 2022

Well done, young man and young man’s family. As for Kansas fans’ signs, you didn’t miss much. Lots of “Kensucky,” “Calipoo-ri,” and insults about wearing masks in cars.

Two Jayhawks hit halfcourt shots

As is GameDay tradition, a Kansas student had the chance to hit a halfcourt shot for $19,000. Connor Loney made it on his third try:

"Probably gonna go out with my boys …" 🤣

Connor drained a half-court shot to win $19,000 💰 pic.twitter.com/Wt9TWkIQCu

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 29, 2022

Prior to Connor’s shot, Kansas star Ochai Agbaji attempted the halfcourt shot and failed. The crowd chanted for Bill Self to give it a try, but he deferred to two more of his players, Christian Braun and David McCormack. McCormack, Kansas’ center, nailed it. Hopefully, he used up all of his luck.

Jay Bilas gives away his shoes after each show

Jim Nantz gives away ties to players at the Final Four. Jay Bilas gives away his shoes — literally the ones on his feet — at College GameDay. Bilas started the new tradition today, nudging off his kicks and giving them to a lucky (?) student in the crowd.

After each @CollegeGameday show this year, I'll be giving away my shoes. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/gI9qvD4tXf

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) January 29, 2022

I am not a sneakerhead and I’m sure those shoes are limited-edition whatevers, but this seems odd to me. Who would want someone else’s used shoes?

The Phog is cool

You have to give respect when respect is due. The Phog should be high atop every college basketball fan’s bucket list. Hearing “Rock Chalk” during GameDay was very cool, and I’m sure it’ll be even more impressive tonight.

Okay, this was cool. Excited for tonight! pic.twitter.com/U0D0Y2Uk9j

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) January 29, 2022

LaPhonso Ellis and Seth Greenberg picked Kansas

When it came time to pick games, LaPhonso Ellis and Seth Greenberg made the crowd happy by picking the Jayhawks. Since Jay Bilas is calling the game, he did not make a prediction. The Bengals fan in front of me was not happy with the panel for unanimously picking the Chiefs to win tomorrow, either.

The Cats watched the end of the show from the tunnel

Kentucky’s shootaround started right after GameDay was over, so the Cats watched the end of the show from the tunnel. I just happened to use the same exit and noticed TyTy Washington, Daimion Collins, and Jacob Toppin — who all missed Thursday’s practice — standing with their teammates and dressed to participate. In case you missed Jack’s report earlier, a source close to TyTy tells KSR he’s prepared to give it a go tonight. Seeing him with the team definitely put a pep in my step leaving The Phog.

Is it game time yet??