Cover 2 College Football pod (Sports)

Braden and Mitch produce a random, internal summer mailbag covering everything from the starting QBs in the Playoff to rules changes to radio broadcasters. It was much fun and very random. Power 5 revenue numbers are out and does it change the way we view the future of football? And Brian Kelly. What do we make of the Notre Dame head coach, how tough is his job really? All this plus some reactions to our coach's rankings as well.

Direct download: Cover2_062818.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:04pm CDT

Mitch and Braden invite Steven Lassan to join them to break down the Athlon Sports 2018 coach's rankings. All 130 head coaches are evaluated on past success, recruiting ability, upside, future projections and plenty of subjectivity. Where does your favorite coach rank nationally?

Direct download: Cover2_062018.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:40pm CDT

We talk exclusively about football games this week! Mitch and Braden cover the best games of week one, their favorite non-conference games and all the upsets that impact the Playoff. The guys also touch on the most important game in each division, their favorite home schedules of '18 and analyze who got lucky and who got screwed in crossover play.

Direct download: Cover2_061418.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:40pm CDT

Mitch and Braden decided to take a trip down a college football memory lane as we relive the BCS Era! Did the BCS system do it's job; did it work? When and how did it go wrong? Who are some of our favorite players, teams, coaches, games and moments? Was the 2007 season good for the game or bad for the game? And the only stat you need to know about the SEC's dominance.

Direct download: Cover2_060718.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:31pm CDT

Braden and Mitch call in the big guns to break down every division and conference championship pick in the 2018 Athlon Sports preseason magazine. Steve Lassan joins the pod to help explain how we picked every division in college football this fall, including every Group of 5 league as well.

Direct download: Cover2_053118.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:55pm CDT

How does legalized gambling impact the NCAA and college football? How can the NCAA possibly get involved and does this move increase the chances of corruption?

 

The five big questions about the Group of 5 conferences include the state of Florida, coaching at Boise, the Mountain West's decline, expansion and potential upsets in 2018.

Direct download: Cover2_052318.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:43am CDT

The former SEC commissioner Mike Slive has passed away but is the most influential person in modern college football history? Has the UCF-Alabama national title spat jumped the shark or do we still love it? And we ranked all 130 starting QBs in college football. Who is No. 1? Who is the most valuable? Who will have the biggest impact on the Playoff? Who are some breakout stars to watch?

Direct download: Cover2_051718.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:53am CDT

The 2018 magazine is on digital newstands now! You can literally go buy a mag right now at athlonsports.com/store.

With that comes our College Football Playoff picks. Which four teams make the Playoff in 2018? How hard was it to pick the top two (not very) and how hard was it to pick the last two (very)? And how many teams (and why) were considered?

Direct download: Cover2_050918.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:34am CDT

Shea Patterson is eligible at Michigan - how does that impact our rankings and how did he end up there? How do we feel about recruiting active players? We know how one coach feels.

Who is the best NFL quarterback to have played in the Big 12? The discussion is bizarrely lacking in answers. The SEC won the NFL Draft and the first round again but what does it mean, if anything?

And the ACC's five big questions center around new coaches, premiere programs, the Coastal Division's randomness and, of course, Clemson.

Direct download: Cover2_050418.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 10:26am CDT

With the NFL Draft this week, where are we rooting for the big name quarterbacks to land? And why is Josh Rosen playing the underdog card? Is Josh Allen interesting?

 

The SEC's 5 big questions focused on Florida's offense, a bunch of new coaches, teams that are over-hyped, a loaded roster of starting QBs and two teams switching to the pro-style offense.

Direct download: Cover2_042518.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:23am CDT

Springs games are great events to attend and are fun for kids but do fans actually care about what takes place during the game itself? Should we be more concerned with what happens or are we appropriately ignoring them?

 

This week's 5 Big Questions concern the Big Ten. Scott Frost's expectations at Nebraska, the new coordinators in the Big Ten East, QB battles across the board and the lack of star power in the bottom half of the league.

Direct download: Cover2_041618.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:06am CDT

Johnny Football is on his PR rehab tour and spoke about his college experience, college offense and more. Is there a tie between offensive scheme and how disciplined a program is?

 

We also ask a critically important interstate driving etiquette question.

 

Finally, the Pac-12 is the subject of our "5 Big Questions" this week, feat. The City of Light, the North Division race and much more.

Direct download: Cover2_040518.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:02am CDT

How terrifying and/or awesome is it that a social media uprising changed a coaching search mid-stream? Is it good for college football? And a deep look at how the sausage is made when it comes to sports journalists and their relationships with "sources."

The Cover 2 also begins a spring series creatively called "The 5 Big Questions." Where we ask the five biggest questions about a conference this spring. Today, we begin with the Big 12.

And how did Mitch's official visits to the Northeast go?

Direct download: Cover2_032718b.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 5:32pm CDT

In an NFL Draft edition of the podcast, the guys take a look at how the best prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft ranked as recruits coming out of high school. What does this tell us about recruiting rankings and why do some continue to ignore the obvious?

Which QB in the '18 class is the best and what does the Class of 2019 look like for the position? What are some of our favorite (and most bizarre) scouting report words and phrases?

And, apparently, both hosts divulge checkered college pasts as one ran from the police and the other was arrested on a felony charge.

Direct download: Cover2_031918.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:19am CDT

What are the major differences between the college football and basketball selection committees and how do they impact the tournaments? Do we buy brand bias and big school love in hoops? (How dumb was that selection show?)

And because it's March Madness, we give you our Final Four and upset picks in the tourney. Everyone needs bracket help, right?

Direct download: Cover2_031218.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:25am CDT

It's the middle of March and the we are having fun looking back at college quarterbacks turned NFL prospects. Who were the great college players who we thought would be great in the NFL but failed miserably? What about great college QBs like Lamar Jackson and the transition to other positions?

Also, what do we make of the NFL combine and what questions are asked of prospects?

Direct download: Cover2_030818.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:41am CDT

The guys start by looking at the rising stars of the coaching ranks. Come October and programs are looking for the future stars of college football coaching, these will be the names to know.

What do we make of Texas A&M using Jalen Ramsey's pictures to sell Aggie football? Much to do about nothing or offensive recruiting practice?

We also look at the Top 50 Players of 2018. Who would be the first pick in a draft of each of the Power 5 leagues? Who is the best player in each league?

Direct download: Cover2_030118.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:34am CDT

The guys take a look at some out of work head coaching candidates and who are the most likely to get work (and which ones would we hire).

Also, do we care about vacating wins at all? Would anyone give up the national title experience for winning it "the right way."

How can we spice up spring practice? Should college teams start scrimmaging each other? Would charity exhibition rivalry games work at the end of spring practice?

And lastly, impact quarterback transfers. Which teams in college football could be starting a transfer at QB?

Direct download: Cover2_022218.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:45am CDT

The guys dive into dropping attendance number across college football. What is the root of the issue and what can be done to slow the trend? Are we concerned? The POD also dives into the top new coordinators in college football - who made the best assistant hires and are they getting paid too much?

Lastly, we highlight some NFL Draft prospects that will be middle of the pack draft picks but that people need to know now because, you know, they were really good football players in college.

Direct download: Cover2_021518.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:26am CDT

The guys react to the first National Signing Day of the early signing period era. Who are the teams that benefited the most and who took it on the chin? Which classes stood out and what happened with Jacob Copeland's mother?

Which teams do we want to see play in the playoff? If we are tired of Clemson and Alabama and Ohio St and Oklahoma, then who would we be excited to see play for the national title? Which programs are "rooting" for?

And which events in the Winter Olympics are you watching?

Direct download: Cover2_020818.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:07pm CDT

The guys start to look ahead at spring storylines in college football. The coaching hot seat is top of mind. Why do people think Jim Harbaugh is on the hot seat? Who else should be concerned about their job at the Power 5 level?

The Big 12 has a very interesting QB situation this season as Will Grier is back. But then what else does the league have under center?

The guys also comment on the Michigan State situation, discuss home and homes versus neutral site games and argue about Network television.

Direct download: Cover2_013118.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:19pm CDT

College Football is a farm system for the NFL. Is it the best farm system of any sport despite the fact the athletes don't get paid? And what would happen if the NFL was allowed to draft players directly out of high school? How would that impact college football?

The guys also cover the winners and losers from the NFL Draft deadline as well as the new members of the College Football Playoff Committee. And a quick look at the recruiting Class of 2014 and how freakin' awesome it was.

Direct download: Cover2_012318.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:07pm CDT

Braden and Mitch break down all of the pros and cons of the new proposed transfer rule. Will it pass and what are the unintended consequences of a new rule like this? What would our perfect rule be?

Did Arizona get lucky by landing Kevin Sumlin and is the trend of Power 5-to-Power 5 coaches a successful one? Also, are coaches actually staying in one place longer than before?

Direct download: Cover2_011818.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:11am CDT

You say it's way too early and we say it's never too early to talk about preseason college football rankings. Steven Lassan joins Braden Gall and Mitch Light to talk 2018 rankings! The usual suspects reside at the top of the rankings with Clemson and Alabama looking like the best two teams in the nation. The Big Ten has five teams ranked in the top 15 and could see any of them make the Playoff. What does Oklahoma look like without Baker Mayfield? Can Georgia rebuild quickly on defense? Is this the year Miami breaks back into the national title conversation?

Direct download: Cover2_011118.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:24pm CDT

Nick Saban has done it again. And this time he did it with a back-up true freshman quarterback. Did Georgia screw up the play-calling in the second-half and what's next for the Dawgs? Did the Playoff get it right? The title game means nothing about the SEC and should the Group of 5 be careful what it wishes for?

Direct download: Cover2_010918.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 10:59am CDT

The guys preview the national title game and break down the All-SEC matchup in Atlanta. Does experience and the crowd play a factor? Is this finally the game that is too big for Jake Fromm? Can Alabama run the ball on the Dawgs? Is this 2011 all over again?

The guys also cover UCF's mythical national title, why bowl records mean absolutely nothing and playoff TV ratings.

Direct download: Cover2_010418.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:30pm CDT

Mitch and Braden make their final officially official College Football Playoff predictions complete with in-depth analysis of each game. What is at stake in both games besides getting to the national title game? What can Kirby Smart do to stop Baker Mayfield? Can Jalen Hurts find success on third down? Which quarterback do you trust the most (not named Baker)? Can Georgia pound the OU front seven? And what are our New Year's Eve plans/playoff viewing menus?

Direct download: Cover2_122817.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:58am CDT

The guys take a look at the first early National Signing Day and its impact on college football. Did college football fans simply care less? And is that a good or bad thing? Did anyone have a better day than Georgia? Is the Big 12 back? Did programs with new coaches suffer the most?

The results are in... we are happy to report that Athlon Sports is awesome once again! And, a holiday debate to end all holiday debates.

Direct download: Cover2_122117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 3:51pm CDT

The guys look back at the first year head coaches in 2017 and evaluate each hire after their first year of action. Some names (Coach O, Lincoln Riley, Lane Kiffin) look even better while others (PJ Fleck, Matt Rhule, Randy Edsall) have raised some questions. Still others are hard to pinpoint like Willie Taggart and Tom Herman.

We take a quick look at some headlines and Braden recaps his first Garth Brooks experience.

Direct download: Cover2_121917.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:19am CDT

After two weeks, Braden has changed his National Championship pick and Mitch totally understands why. Is this year's crop of first time head coaches a trend that fans should expect to continue? Or is head coaching experience still vital to success? (or both?)

The Psychology of the Early Signing Period is very interesting from multiple angles. What happens if a player wants to sign but can't? Who should sign and who should wait it out? Does it help the schools or the recruits or both?

And Trevor Lawrence vs. Justin Fields?

Direct download: Cover2_121417.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:49pm CDT

Mitch and Braden go in-depth on each coaching hire in major college football this season. How badly did Tennessee actually screw up its hire? Did UCLA win the carousel? Dan Mullen vs. Willie Taggart in the state of Florida? Was Scott Frost a gift from the college football gods? Can Jimbo Fisher do something no else has ever done? And what the hell is going on in the Pac-12?

Direct download: Cover2_121117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:31am CDT

Bowl season is here the guys offer a few holiday reminders about bowl games and what they mean (or not mean). There is an important warning, one hot button issue has faded away and we have a way to reduce the number of bowls (if that's your thing).

Which small bowl games would you want to go to? And do we expect legitimate games in the New Year's Six bowls?

Direct download: Cover2_120817.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:18am CDT

A special edition of the POD, the guys support the Committee's decision to put Alabama in over Ohio State. It was the right thing to do and they explain why. Clemson, Oklahoma and Georgia (as Braden predicted) easily earned their way in as well. And will the events of this season lead to expansion?

Oh, and the guys make their picks for the national championship tournament, breaking down both the Rose and Sugar Bowls.

Direct download: Cover2_120317.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:40pm CDT

The guys recap Tuesday's rankings and what it might mean for the Playoff. Is Alabama poised to get in or does Ohio State have a better path? Are USC and TCU underrated? Is Miami being overvalued?

Then each of us makes predictions on each of the conference championship games and what the Playoff would look like. Mitch is picking one big upset and a boring ranking on Sunday while Braden is also picking one big upset and a wild shake up on Sunday.

And do Alabama's playoff hopes hinge on the Mountain West title game?

Direct download: Cover2_112917.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:17pm CDT

The coaching carousel took a wild turn this weekend as multiple programs - Arizona St, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Nebraska - joined the search for a new head coach, while another was simply a train wreck.

What the hell has happened at Tennessee?

Meanwhile, UCLA and Florida make home run hires as well and it appears the Huskers are on their way to one as well.

Alabama and Miami both lost but can both still get into the playoff? How good can Auburn be? TCU and Stanford also clinch championship game berths but can either compete?

And Dilly Dilly has been retired.

Direct download: Cover2_112717.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:46am CDT

The guys recap the rankings and discuss why Miami moved up one spot - Mitch is angry about it. Oklahoma, Miami, Wisconsin and Georgia are all heavy favorites but should they be concerned about their rivalry matchups?

How does the Pac-12 play out this weekend as the Apple Cup will decide who goes to the conference championship game.

We've discovered the most SEC thing ever and are now rooting for it to happen. But the first chapter would have to be Auburn winning the Iron Bowl. We break down the game and explain this potentially bizarre scenario.

Ohio St-Michigan and South Carolina-Clemson also carry huge significance this weekend as well.

And cold turkey sandwiches - how do you like yours?

Direct download: Cover2_112217.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:32am CDT

Braden Gall must apologize to Wisconsin fans everywhere. And is ir smart for Michigan fans right to be critical of Jim Harbaugh? Rosen vs. Darnold lived up to the hype but UCLA fired Jim Mora on Sunday anyway. Who is next in Westwood and how does Chip Kelly fit into the mix? Baker Mayfield acted silly this weekend but should it impact his Heisman candidacy? If not Baker, then who else belongs in the mix? And the guys break down all of the conference championship situations.

Direct download: Cover2_112017.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:54am CDT

The guys debate the latest college football playoff rankings. Should Miami be higher? Does Wisconsin belong in the top four or are they overrated? Where do all the two-loss teams fit in?

Wisconsin has its chance to prove itself against Michigan is what is easily the biggest game of the weekend. The guys totally disagree about what will happen.

TCU, Miami, Ok-State and Georgia are all still in conference races but have tricky tests in Week 12. Who should be concerned?

Lastly, on a weekend with a lot of meaningless games, why are Tennessee, Nebraska and UCLA completely irrelevant?

Direct download: Cover2_111517.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 2:35pm CDT

Another power program has fired its coach as Tennessee moved on from Butch Jones. Who are the top candidates and how good of a job are the Vols anyway?

Blowout Saturday left us with a massive shake-up in the rankings and lots of chaos. But who are the great teams and what impact do the lopsided losses have on rankings? How good is Auburn? Can Miami run the table? Will Oklahoma roll into the Playoff? Where does Wisconsin fit into this? Is the Pac-12 finished?

Two names need to be added to the Heisman conversation as well.

Direct download: Cover2_111317.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:39am CDT

We break down the latest college football playoff rankings. We make the case for Oklahoma to be in the top 4. Is Miami underrated and Wisconsin overrated? Can any of the two loss teams still get into the Playoff? And why aren't we talking about two ACC teams getting into the bracket if two SEC teams might make it?

Notre Dame visits Miami in what should be an epic showdown and a football nerd's delight. Linebackers vs. Running Game!

The Sooners host the Frogs in what has been a close game lately. One of us doesn't see it being close this weekend.

In the SEC, Georgia has to prove its QB can win on the road in a spotlight game against an elite defense while Alabama will probably choke the life out of another ranked foe.

In the Big Ten, should fans in Madison be nervous? (Yes) And should fans in East Lansing be excited? (No). And what will happen with Mike Riley?

And Pac-12 After Dark on back-to-back nights!

Direct download: Cover2_110817.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:20pm CDT

A dumpster fire broke out in the Big Ten this weekend and Wisconsin might be the only one that put it out. What happened to Ohio State and Penn State?

It appears we may be headed for a lot of two-loss champions, is this good for college football?

Baker Mayfield may have won the Heisman Trophy this weekend but will his defense win him anything in the postseason?

Braden must apologize to Miami and TCU. Both won big games in critical situations and set themselves up for a title run.

And don't talk to us about UCF.

Direct download: Cover2_110617.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:23am CDT

The first playoff rankings are out and the Committee got it wrong at No. 1, right? How much should head-to-head matter and did a couple of unbeaten teams get the shaft? Which teams are underrated and could make a run up the standings?

Week 10 is freaking HUGE! The Bedlam Series headlines action in the Big 12 but should TCU be on upset alert and can Iowa State keep it rolling?

The ACC has two monster showdowns in which both divisions may be hanging in the balance.

LSU visits Bama and Auburn travels to Texas A&M but will either game be close in the SEC?

In a huge weekend, does the Big Ten have a chance to make any headlines?

Khalil Tate takes the national TV stage for the first time against USC in Los Angeles. And does Washington need style points (yes, duh)?

Direct download: Cover2_110117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:40am CDT

After a huge weekend, three more teams have been eliminated from the Playoff and one head coach has been removed from power in the SEC East. What do we make of the Florida job opening?

Did JT Barrett prove himself with the win over Penn St? Can the Nittany Lions still make the Playoff?

The Big 12 and the ACC are a complete jumbled mess. Why is Miami overrated? Does Iowa St belong in the contenders category in the Big 12? Why is no one talking about Virginia Tech? OU or the Pokes?

The Pac-12 continues to hide one of its best players while Washington and USC roll.

Georgia is really, really good but nothing that took place in the SEC really mattered, right?

Direct download: Cover2_103017.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:33am CDT

Penn State visits Ohio State and NC State travels to Notre Dame in two monster Playoff matchups. But are both elimination games?

Oklahoma, Oklahoma St and TCU all face quality tests in Big 12 play this weekend. Is now the time we see separation in the conference or should the big three be nervous?

Is Georgia finally prepared to do the right thing against Florida? The SEC is loaded with very interesting but very unimportant football games.

Mitch Light calls for multiple upsets - including the entire state of Arizona and two monster upsets in the ACC.

Also, watch Tulane vs Memphis.

Direct download: Cover2_102517.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 2:28pm CDT

Two teams have officially been eliminated from the College Football Playoff and Braden has two apologies to make about both of the games in question. So who is left in the race?

The guys also react to the feedback you the listeners gave us all week about how to cover the sport and how the Playoff race has changed the way the sport is covered. You guys were amazing!

What do we make of the state of Oklahoma? Good wins over tough teams or should we be concerned about the Sooners and Cowboys?

Is the Group of 5 now a two horse race?

A glass is raised and toast made for Iowa State, the state of Arizona, Georgia Tech, Mississippi St and UCLA.

Braden’s trip to Camp Randall on Saturday and Lambeau Field on Sunday raises a question about the difference between SEC fans and everyone else. Who is doing it right? 

And, lastly, a question about sending food back at dinner.

Direct download: Cover2_102417.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:35am CDT

We begin by discussing the Playoff system and how it has impacted fan interest in college football. What do fans want: Focus on the playoff contenders or do people still pay attention to the middle of the pack? 

How should the committee be evaluating teams? What are the most important aspects of the “body of work?” Also, Mitch gives his Heisman ballot and has a Group of 5 coaching question for Braden. 

The guys obviously preview the big games from Week 8 as well. Penn State hosts Michigan, Notre Dame and USC meet in South Bend, the Pokes travel to Texas and every other game of note.

Direct download: Cover2_101817.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:52am CDT

All hell has officially broken loose in college football. How concerned should Clemson be? Did Auburn take the biggest drop? And what the hell happen in the state of Washington? 

On the positive side, who is better: TCU or Wisconsin? How did LSU and Miami come away with wins? What do we make of the Big 12 after a good old-fashioned Red River Shootout?

Notre Dame, Michigan St, NC State and Stanford continue to improve - even without playing a game.

And one special tribute is back.

Direct download: Cover2_101617.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:49am CDT

It's midseason stock report time and Mitch wants to know if Braden is buying or selling. What happened in Corvallis with Oregon State? Week 7 doesn't have huge ranked matchups but has lots of intrigue on the undercard. The Red River Shootout takes center stage in the Big 12 while Miami, Stanford, Tennessee and LSU host big games around the country. 

Direct download: Cover2_101117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:22am CDT

Oklahoma and Michigan both fall out of the top 10... or do they? How should they rank and what are expectation. How good is Wisconsin, Penn St and Ohio St? NC State and Miami look super competitive in the ACC but can they top Clemson? Georgia, Auburn and Alabama continue to separate themselves in the SEC. However, Braden has a huge bone to pick with the Tigers. Out West, are we concerned about start times in the Pac-12? How good is Wazzu? And is Notre Dame overrated.

Direct download: Cover2_100917.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:52am CDT

TCU and NC State host huge ranked matchups this weekend with both having a chance to make big statements. Should ranked teams in the Big Ten be worried or are we inventing fake intrigue this weekend? LSU visits Florida for some more karmic payback but will any other game in the SEC be close? Wazzu must prove itself on the road while Clemson and Va Tech should stay the course. Mitch also gives his picks against the spread - he is 15-10 on the season thus far.

Direct download: Cover2_100417.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:20am CDT

Friday night featured two huge wins by Washington State and Miami. On Saturday, two teams proved to be head-and-shoulders above the rest of college football, but would a rubber match between Bama and Clemson be a good thing for the sport? The Hot Seat conversation has begun in Knoxville, Baton Rouge and Lincoln but how will the new recruiting rules impact coaching changes? And everything else on the Week 5 recap.

Direct download: Cover2_100217.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:15am CDT

Week 5 features a lot of undercard games with teams that could be good but no one is sure yet. Virginia Tech hosts Clemson, Texas Tech hosts Oklahoma State, Duke hosts Miami and Wisconsin hosts Northwestern. USC also travels to face unbeaten Wazzu on Friday night. Meanwhile, in the SEC, Auburn and Alabama look to make the West a two horse race against the state of Mississippi while Tennessee and Vandy try to rebound against Georgia and Florida.

Direct download: Cover2_092717.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:52am CDT

TCU and Georgia made the biggest statements of Week 4 but so did Alabama and Washington. What is the level of concern with the rest of the top 10? What do we make of the SEC East race after an awful weekend? Is the Coastal more wide open than we previously thought? Could Notre Dame be really good?

Direct download: Cover2_092517.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:48am CDT

Six of the top eight teams in college football will go on the road this weekend and most will face pesky challenges. But which will fall and could this be a shake-up weekend? TCU visits Oklahoma State and Mississippi State travels to Georgia in the only two ranked match-ups of the weekend. Conference games in the SEC, Pac-12 and ACC kickoff as well. We also have our five top picks against the spread.

Direct download: Cover2_092017.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:53am CDT

Is there such a thing as a "statement loss?" The SEC East was wild with three huge wins and four big losses. And could Mississippi State be the second-best team in the SEC West? Meanwhile, really out West the Pac-12 had by far the most interesting week in the nation. USC goes to OT, Stanford and UCLA lose to Group of 5 teams and Oregon and Cal continue to impress. What the hell is happening in Nebraska?

Direct download: Cover2_091817.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:07pm CDT

The undercard in Week 3 is loaded with intriguing games but the nation will be focused on the big three: Clemson at Louisville, Tennessee at Florida and LSU at Mississippi St. Otherwise, can Texas upset USC? Will Kansas St prove itself? Can Pitt hang with Ok-State? Will Oregon and UCLA survive tricky road trips? How will The Grove mix with Tight Wad Hill? And will South Carolina move to 2-0 in the SEC?

Direct download: Cover2_091317.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:40am CDT

Is Baker Mayfield the best player in college football? Are you worried about Auburn or is Clemson that good? What do we make of the Big Ten East after both Ohio State and Michigan struggled while Penn State rolled? Is the Big 12 back? Where does USC's offensive performance rank the Trojans? And what the hell happened to the bottom of the Power 5?

Direct download: Cover2_091117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 2:39pm CDT

Four monster games highlight Week 2. Can Auburn go into Death Valley and win? Will Baker Mayfield dance his way out of The Shoe? Will USC reverse some negative trends against Stanford? Is Notre Dame back (against a freshman QB)? The Holy War, a sneaky good SEC game and lots of Big Ten non-conference action also dot the landscape this weekend.

Direct download: Cover2_090617.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:44am CDT

Alabama and Michigan were big winners in Week 1 but what do we make of Florida State and Florida in the aftermath? What in the hell happened to the state of Texas? Are we concerned about the ACC? Were the SEC and Big Ten the biggest winners? And how will a bunch of major QB injuries impact the direction of the season? Oh, by the way, the Pac-12 went 11-0.

Direct download: Cover2_090517.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:35am CDT

College Football is back! What is the most meaningful game in Week 1? What impact does Bama-FSU have on the Playoff? Is this the best opening weekend... ever? The guys break down every big (and some small) games of the weekend, project upsets and pick games against the spread for Week 1.

Direct download: Cover2_082917.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:49am CDT

Official College Football Playoff predictions are here. And official! Steven Lassan joins the guys to officially predict each Power 5 division and conference champ. Who are the guys picking to make the playoff and win the national title in 2017? And who are the outsider teams to watch that could sneak their way into the Playoff? Hot Takes ensue!

Direct download: Cover2_082417.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:52am CDT

QB battles are starting to take shape around the country and the guys break down each one with predictions. Braden and Mitch also look at the biggest potential upsets from the Group of 5 ranks. One very difficult QB trivia question gets things kicked off as well as rapid fire news from Florida, Ole Miss and Last Chance U.

Direct download: Cover2_081717.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:27pm CDT

We take a deep look at college football scheduling. Should Power 5 teams only play Power 5 teams? What does a perfect college football schedule look like? Crossover play, home-road splits and tough/easy stretches all impact how the 2017 season will play out, so what do you need to know about this year's schedules? And, of course, 10 minutes of Josh Rosen.

Direct download: Cover2_081017.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:10pm CDT

Braden and Mitch plot their dream road trip through college football for 2017. With a twist: You can only see each team one time. So the guys break down how they would spend the year traveling around the country if you had to watch two different teams every single weekend. It's much harder than you think!

Direct download: Cover2_080117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:41am CDT

Braden and Mitch break down the Hugh Freeze coaching saga. What's next for the Rebels, how good of a job is Ole Miss and where does this soap opera rank in the history of SEC silliness? While many believe the mid-major coaching ranks have thinned, Mitch totally disagrees and provides a long list of rising star coaching candidates for anyone looking for a coach at season's end to consider.

Direct download: Cover2_072617.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:25am CDT

We invite Steven Lassan aboard to discuss rosters and depth charts before camp opens up. What are the biggest positions of concern for the national title contenders? How do top 25 quarterback battles look heading into camp? Which teams have the best defenses? And some rapid fire depth chart questions as well on our summer roster preview.

Direct download: Cover2_071917.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:28pm CDT

The guys are joined by AllState's Matt Stinchcomb to talk SEC football and the Good Works Team. The ballots have been cast in the SEC and Big 12 Media events while the ACC bragged for a few days about all that it has accomplished in the last year. Does the ACC have the best coaches? What is the ideal format of power for a conference? Did the voters get it right in the Big 12? The SEC? We get talking season started right!

Direct download: Cover2_071417.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:02pm CDT

Mitch and Braden preview the SEC Media Days event by asking questions we want answered... and then pretending to give honest answers as the SEC coaches themselves. What will we actually learn in Hoover, Ala? What is national championship DNA? Which programs have it, which do not, which ones are close and which ones have changed the most over time? Lastly, the guys ask: What is middle aged?

Direct download: Cover2_070617.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:04pm CDT

Mitch and Braden have five questions about each of the Power 5 leagues and the Group of 5. What is the storyline in each division they are most looking forward to? Who are the players they are most excited to see? Who is Johnny Overachiever and who will win the Golden Dumpster Fire Trophy? And what is the number one game you'd go to in each league?

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Category:sports -- posted at: 11:09am CDT

The guys dive deep into the rankings meetings and predictions for the 2017 Minority Report. Which teams were most hotly debated and which teams do we think we pegged incorrectly? Which picks could we take back? And what a difference a play makes: How the history of college football can be shaped by one play.

Direct download: Cover2_062217.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:21am CDT

Bob Stoops retired and Lincoln Riley has been hired. Is Oklahoma still the favorite in the Big 12 and how much does the change cost the Sooners? Do preseason polls influence the college football national championship? We are here to ease your concerns. And should we do away with divisions in college football all together?

Direct download: Cover2_061417.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:28am CDT

The 2017 preview magazines are out - buy one at AthlonSports.com/Store - and the guys are breaking down the official Playoff predictions. Who are the top four teams in college football this year, who wins it all and how many legit contenders are there for the 'Ship in 2017?

Direct download: Cover2_060117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 10:59am CDT

The guys bounce all over the college football map asking critical questions about the offseason. Which Top 10 team is the most overrated? Which team outside of the Top 25 could make a run? What are some programs on the rise and on the decline? Who are some Heisman Trophy darkhorses? Who was the best head coaching and assistant hire? Which hire was the most puzzling? Which QB battles are the most interesting?

Direct download: Cover2_052517.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:21am CDT

The guys take a look back at the evolution of college football. How has the game changed over time and what does that mean for the future of the sport? Rules changes, media distribution models and playoff structure all play into how the game has morphed into what it is today and what it will be in the future. We break down the 50 biggest innovations in college football over the last 50 years.

Direct download: Cover2_051117.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:42am CDT

The guys dive into Nick Saban and his new $11 million salary. Are college coaches overpaid? Jim Harbaugh is dominating the news cycle again and you better get used to it. We also preview the 2017 magazines by discussing the Top 50 players of the last 50 years in college football. Plus, Kentucky Derby and Bar Mitzvah analysis.

Direct download: Cover2_050517.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:09pm CDT

Did the ACC takes major strides forward in the college football hierarchy last fall and what is the next step for this league? Are Miami and Virginia Tech the top candidates to win the Coastal Division or could Pitt, Georgia Tech or North Carolina sneak into contention? Does Louisville belong alongside national powers Clemson and Florida State? What does Lamar Jackson do as an encore? Is NC State a sleeper to watch?

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Category:sports -- posted at: 11:57am CDT

The balance of power in the Big Ten is squarely in the East but who should be the favorite in 2017? Can Michigan rebuild quickly enough to knock off Ohio State or Penn State? What does the future of Michigan State football look like? Wisconsin appears to be the favorite on paper in the West but there is a large group of quality teams chasing the Badgers. And Minnesota and Purdue have new coaches.

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Category:sports -- posted at: 11:34am CDT

The guys dive deep into the South to break down the SEC. What is the biggest issue for the SEC and it's perceived drop-off? Who is on the top contender tier in the East and which team could be a Wild Card? What else can be said about Bama and who are the two clear challengers to the Tide in the West? What do we make of the state of Mississippi football?

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Category:sports -- posted at: 12:47pm CDT

Is the Pac-12 the easiest league to pinpoint the favorites in 2017? Why is this the year to trust USC? Can Washington repeat? But who are the contenders next in line? Utah has an identity, Colorado returns everyone on offense and UCLA has the best quarterback. In the North, Oregon could bounce back quickly, Wazzu has its QB back and Stanford will once again be a tough out.

Direct download: Cover2030917.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 3:05pm CDT

Athlon Sports is back doing what it does best: previewing college football. Braden and Mitch are previewing the Big 12 this week. Who are the teams that can challenge Oklahoma? How far does Baylor fall? Is Texas the surprise to watch for in '17? What do we make of quarterback situations at West Virginia and Texas Tech? Can TCU bounce back? Will the Big 12 miss the Playoff again?

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Category:sports -- posted at: 12:30pm CDT

The guys start with Jim Harbaugh and why people are obsessed with him? Which leads into a bigger discussion about why fans and the media glorify college coaches. Finally, the guys break down the Power 5 rosters heading into spring practice. Who are the most talented teams in the nation?

Direct download: Cover2_021616.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:24am CDT

Alabama is looking for another offensive coordinator... again. What does it mean for the Tide that Coach Sark left? What did National Signing Day teach us about the future of college football? Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down the national team recruiting rankings and what it all means for coaches as well as the 2017 season. The guys also explore the Death Penalty and how involved the NCAA should be criminal investigations.

Direct download: Cover2_020716.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:11pm CDT

What is the most important aspect of National Signing Day? Do the guys agree with the new recruiting rules that could change recruiting forever? We also graded all of the first year coaches and tried to identify the rising stars of the mid-major ranks.

Direct download: Cover2_012516.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:53am CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light are joined by Steven Lassan to take an early look at the preseason 2017 Top 25. Is Bama going anywhere? Florida State or Clemson in the ACC? Can Penn State challenge in the Big Ten East again? Is it a two team race in the Pac-12? How good can Texas be in the Big 12?

Direct download: Cover2_011217.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:26pm CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down every angle of the Clemson-Alabama rematch. Is this a Texas-USC type of game or does Bama continue to roll? How big of a factor is Lane Kiffin "leaving" the program? And does conference supremacy really matter?

Direct download: Cover2_010516.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:52am CDT

The guys break down every angle of both national semifinals. Does the offensive weaponry and experience advantage for Clemson outweigh the coaching and talent advantage for the Buckeyes? Can Washington use turnovers, special teams, big plays and defense to stay in the game with Bama? Will New Year's Eve falling on a Saturday help ratings?

Direct download: Cover2_122716.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:19pm CDT

The Athlon Sports guys Braden Gall and Mitch Light cover the latest in college football. Are they okay with players skipping bowl games? Is the bowl system broken and being ruined by the media and the Playoff as Nick Saban accuses? How have fans and media failed in the Joe Mixon saga and should Oklahoma get more punishment? Lastly, is Louisville a dirty a dirty athletic department?

Direct download: Cover2_122316.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:04pm CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light cover the latest in college football. What has the Heisman done for Louisville? What do the guys make of Lane Kiffin to FAU? Charlie Strong to USF? Willie Taggert to Oregon? And Matt Rhule to Baylor? Is Louisville really cheating and are you okay with your school taking secret game notes? And the guys offer up their top picks for your bowl confidence pool.

Direct download: Cover2_121516.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:19am CDT

The guys break down the Committee's Final Rankings. Did Penn State belong in the Playoff? Who is the fourth-best team in the nation? Who is the initial pick to the win the national championship? What do we make of coaching leaving early to take bigger jobs? Is there a solution to the timing issue during the final month of the regular season?

Direct download: Cover2_120516.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:41am CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down the latest College Football Playoff rankings with some rapid fire questions about the Playoff. The guys also discuss the Oregon coaching vacancy. Finally, the guys break down the SEC, ACC, Pac-12 and Big Ten championship games as well as The Bedlam Series.

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Category:sports -- posted at: 4:29pm CDT

The guys recap Ohio State-Michigan and the Playoff implications. In coaching news, was LSU forced to settle for Coach O? Is Tom Herman a home run for Texas? What about Lamar Jackson's Heisman campaign after back-to-back losses? Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down Week 13.

Direct download: Cover2_112816.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:33am CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down the latest College Football Playoff rankings (is there anything to talk about, really?). The guys also offer their top four Thanksgiving side items - can both Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes both get in from the same league? And, of course, the guys break down every major rivalry game in Week 13, including Michigan-Ohio St, Washington-Washington State and Auburn-Alabama.

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Category:sports -- posted at: 9:03pm CDT

Florida, Clemson, Navy and others clinched division championships while some individuals broke records. What is wrong with the State of Texas football? Is Tom Herman to Texas and Jimbo Fisher to LSU too perfect? And how great was Colorado-Washington State? Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down Week 12.

Direct download: Cover2_112116.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:43am CDT

The guys break down the Playoff rankings. Can Ohio St or Louisville get in as non-champions and should two-loss teams be involved at all? Washington State-Colorado, Florida-LSU and Oklahoma-West Virginia highlight the Week 12 preview as well.

Direct download: Cover2_111616.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:02pm CDT

Did Clemson, Michigan and Washington all losing change the Playoff picture much? What do we make of teams like USC, Penn State and Oklahoma? What about Coach O at LSU and the SEC East race? Mitch Light and Braden Gall break down all of the big news from Week 11 in college football.

Direct download: Cover2_111416.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:38am CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light break down the latest Playoff Rankings and preview Week 11. The Big 12 has two intriguing games to watch while the SEC East could burn to the ground this weekend. Can Clemson clinch a spot in the ACC title game? Will Minnesota change the landscape of the Big Ten West? What will happen in Seattle when USC visits Washington?

Direct download: Cover2_110916.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:17pm CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light talk Alabama and Ohio State after huge wins, breakdown the new twists in the SEC races, talk Penn State, the state of Washington, USC and the Baylor fans in the Week 10 recap.

Direct download: Cover2_110716.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:13am CDT

Should Texas A&M be ranked ahead of Washington? Is there a path to the Playoff for Louisville? Is the Big 12 eliminated? The guys analyze the first rankings of 2016.

Braden Gall and Mitch Light also look ahead to Week 10. Alabama heads down to face LSU and Nebraska travels to Columbus to battle Ohio State in the week's top matchups.

 

Direct download: Cover2_110116.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 1:15pm CDT

A wild week left college football with just five unbeaten teams and lots of question marks. Division races in the Pac-12, ACC, Big Ten and SEC took major swings. Who is the top Group of 5 team? And has the Big 12 been eliminated from the Playoff already? Mitch Light and Braden Gall break it all down.

Direct download: Cover2_103116.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 11:55am CDT

Braden Gall and Mitch Light preview Week 9. Lots of quality home dogs will attempt to pull off the upset this weekend including Florida State, Utah, Texas and Oklahoma State. Meanwhile, Wisconsin and Nebraska battle for the Big Ten West while Florida tries to keep its SEC title hopes alive.

Direct download: Cover2_102516.mp3
Category:sports -- posted at: 12:08pm CDT