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Off The Bench

Off The Bench

1,291 episodes — Page 10 of 26

Hour Two | NIL Rant, Weak QB Draft Class & Nuss Draft Talk

We kick off hour two with a rant from Matt about NIL, the lack of real rules, and young athletes coming into serious money without guidance on how to handle it. We talk about the upcoming NFL Draft and just how bad the quarterback class looks right now, and we explain why Garrett Nussmeier may not have actually hurt his draft stock as much as people think.

Jan 16, 202646 min

Hour One | NFL Playoff Pressure, LSU Portal Adds & NIL Tease

In hour one of OTB, we talk NFL playoffs and debate which quarterback is under the most pressure to get it done this postseason. We also hit on a few new LSU portal additions and how they fit into the roster, and we tease a deeper conversation coming later about NIL and businesses donating money in college athletics.

Jan 16, 202646 min

Hour Two | LSU Hoops Check-In, Bowden Letter & Blake Baker Joins

In hour two of OTB, we start by talking about LSU men’s basketball, where the program currently stands, and whether it’s time to consider moving on from Matt McMahon. Matt then reads a letter Bobby Bowden wrote in the 1970s to his team reporting to camp. We wrap up the hour with Blake Baker joining the show to talk LSU football

Jan 15, 202647 min

Hour Three | MTV Nostalgia, Munchies & Baseball Season Preview

In hour three of OTB, we get nostalgic talking about old MTV shows and the era that raised us. Chef Michael Johnson joins us for another round of Munchies, and Coach Jay Johnson stops by to preview the upcoming LSU baseball season and what to expect from the Tigers this year.

Jan 15, 202646 min

Hour One | Pentagon Pizza, Portal QB News & Lane’s Deleted Tweet

In hour one of OTB, we open the show talking about pizza orders around the Pentagon spiking and the cell phone outages across the country. LSU adds another quarterback as Husan Longstreet commits, and we discuss what Lane Kiffin’s pitch was to land him even with Sam Leavitt already in the room. We also react to a now-deleted Lane Kiffin tweet claiming today would be the best day for LSU football and try to figure out exactly what that meant.

Jan 15, 202646 min

Hour Three | Sam Leavitt Breakdown, Redshirt Changes & Title Talk

In hour three of OTB, we talk more about Sam Leavitt and the type of quarterback he is on and off the field. We discuss the NCAA’s push to move away from traditional redshirt years and what that could mean for college football. We also talk about Kelvin Sheppard drawing interest from NFL teams, break down the national championship game, and wrap up the show with Ask the Bench.

Jan 14, 202647 min

Hour Two | Dr. Etheredge, Portal Predictions & Mulkey Joins

We kick off hour two with Dr. Stephen Etheredge, asking him (yes, seriously) about the electrical substations near the 49ers’ practice facility and whether there could be any correlation there. We also get into Lisfranc injuries and recovery timelines as new LSU QB Sam Leavitt works his way back. We react to CBS transfer portal bold predictions and decide which ones we buy or don’t. Coach Kim Mulkey joins us to talk Vic Schaefer’s comments after LSU handed them their first loss of the season and how her team is shaping up so far.

Jan 14, 202646 min

Hour One | Coaching Carousel Speculation, LSU RB Room Reload & Beyoncé Brainworm

In hour one of OTB, we discuss where we think John Harbaugh could end up next and debate which NFL opening is actually the best job on the market. We shift to LSU as the Tigers add a couple of running backs through the portal and welcome Caden Durham and Harlem Berry back, leading to a conversation about what LSU’s offense could look like moving forward. Somewhere along the way, Matt gets “Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé permanently stuck in his head, and there’s no turning back.

Jan 14, 202646 min

Hour Three | Wildcard Weekend, Saints Roster Talk & Marathon Music

We kick off hour three with Nick Underhill to break down the wildcard games, dig into the Saints roster, and debate how much you should really be paying Chris Olave. Things take a turn as we discuss the conspiracy theory that an electrical substation is somehow making 49ers players weaker, and we close out the show by sharing which songs would get us through the final miles of a marathon.

Jan 13, 202646 min

Hour Two | O-Line Needs, Portal Defense Talk & Leavitt’s Deal

In hour two of OTB, we break down what LSU still needs to add along the offensive line and what’s already been brought in through the portal. We get into OTB Mailbag, then pivot after Shea ghosts us to talk defense and whether LSU still needs to add pieces — especially at linebacker. We also discuss Sam Leavitt’s contract and what it tells us about how LSU is operating in the portal era.

Jan 13, 202647 min

Hour One | LSU Lands Sam Leavitt, Portal Priorities & Durham Stays

In hour one of OTB, we react to LSU landing the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt. We discuss what this means for the Tigers moving forward, hit on other remaining portal needs, and talk about Caden Durham withdrawing from the portal and deciding to stay at LSU.

Jan 13, 202646 min

Hour Three | Weekend Winners, Portal Check-In & Raiola News

In hour three of OTB, we kick things off with Weekend Winners. Devin Snow joins us to talk NFL and give his thoughts on LSU’s transfer portal moves so far. We also break the news that Dylan Raiola signed with Oregon… twice, and unpack how that even happens before closing out the show.

Jan 12, 202646 min

Hour One | CFP Recap, LSU Signs Elon QB Landen Clark, Sam Leavitt Next?

In hour one of OTB, we recap Indiana vs. Oregon and get Jake’s perspective since he was at the game in person. We talk about LSU adding more wide receivers over the weekend, discuss Elon QB Landen Clark, and ask the big question — is Sam Leavitt next?

Jan 12, 202646 min

Hour Two | LSU QB Hunt Continues, Portal Options & NFL Weekend Recap

In hour two of OTB, we continue breaking down LSU’s quarterback situation and look at which QBs are still available in the portal aside from Sam Leavitt. We discuss whether Beau Pribula could be a realistic option, recap the incredible NFL games from the weekend, and react to oddsmakers projecting Sam Leavitt to Miami.

Jan 12, 202647 min

Hour Two | Portal Kombat, QB Panic Check & Early LSU Baseball Buzz

In hour two of OTB, it’s time for Portal Kombat as we run through the latest transfer portal updates and debate whether it’s officially time to hit the panic button on LSU’s quarterback situation. We shift gears with an early LSU baseball preview, as the Tigers are current favorites to win the national title, highlighting key returners and important portal additions. Scott Tolzien joins the show to talk about the Saints’ season, Tyler Shough, and Spencer Rattler.

Jan 9, 202648 min

Hour One | Miami vs. Ole Miss Thriller, Ref Talk & Game Breakdown

In hour one of OTB, we recap last night’s playoff matchup between Miami and Ole Miss. We talk about the officiating, break down the game itself, and discuss just how entertaining and well-played the matchup was from start to finish.

Jan 9, 202646 min

Hour Three | NFL Playoff Picks, LSU Lands Jordan Ross & Ask the Bench

In hour three of OTB, we pivot to the NFL — but not before breaking the news that LSU has signed edge rusher Jordan Ross out of Tennessee. We take a look at this weekend’s NFL playoff matchups, give our picks, and close out the show with Ask the Bench.

Jan 9, 202646 min

Hour Two | Edge Rusher Visits, Ole Miss Run & Fiesta Bowl Preview

In hour two of OTB, we take a closer look at some of the edge rushers visiting LSU and what they could bring to the defense. We debate whether the landscape would feel different right now if Ole Miss hadn’t made such a deep playoff run, and how that success impacts perceptions and portal battles. We wrap the hour by previewing Miami vs. Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.

Jan 8, 202646 min

Hour Three | Peach Bowl Preview, Munchies & Late LSU News

In hour three of OTB, we pivot to the Peach Bowl and break down Oregon vs. Indiana. Chef Michael Johnson joins us for Munchies, we react to Mike McDaniel being fired as Miami’s head coach, and we close the show with breaking LSU signing news that drops before we go off the air.

Jan 8, 202647 min

Hour One | Portal Updates, QB Timeline & Roster Needs

In hour one of OTB, we hit the latest news in the transfer portal, including which players are visiting LSU and how the board is shaping up. We talk through the urgency of landing a quarterback and what it means if LSU doesn’t get one signed soon. We also touch on other roster priorities, focusing on special teams and edge rusher as key areas to address.

Jan 8, 202646 min

Hour Two | Portal Talk with the Team Doc & Mulkey Insight

In hour two we visit with Dr. Stephen Etheredge and get the team doctor’s point of view on what portal season is like from inside the building. The crew has some fun with football trivia, debates the rarity of the one-point safety. We also give an update on who LSU has added through the portal so far before Coach Kim Mulkey joins us to talk about the constantly changing world of NIL and college athletics.

Jan 7, 202646 min

Hour Three | Heel Turn Debate, Black Monday & Taylor Baby Names

In hour three of OTB the room debates the image LSU currently carries in college football and whether the program should lean into the heel turn it feels like it’s taking. Matt steps up to eulogize the NFL coaches shown the door on Black Monday, with the crew weighing in on what those moves mean for the league. We lighten things up by playing matchmaker with life beyond the field — picking out baby name ideas for Taylor’s growing family — and we wrap up the show, as always, with Ask the Bench.

Jan 7, 202647 min

Hour One | LSU Portal QB Question & The State of CFB Rules

In hour one of OTB we talk about the quarterback situation at LSU and debate whether Sam Leavitt or Demond Williams is the better fit for the Tigers. Matt goes on a classic rant about how college football feels like it has no real rules and how the NCAA has lost most of its power. We wrap up the hour discussing portal season and what LSU should focus on next.

Jan 7, 202646 min

Hour Three | Saints Season Post-Mortem with Underhill & LSU Portal Ripple Effects

In hour three we settle in with Nick Underhill for a real conversation about putting the Saints season to rest — what failed, what can be salvaged, and where the organization goes from here. Along the way Matt admits he has no clue who Chris Isaak is, which derails us briefly into an impromptu music-education segment. We get back on track talking Carius Curne transferring to Ole Miss and how the move adds another layer to LSU’s already shaky offensive-line picture. We close out with Ask the Bench.

Jan 6, 202646 min

Hour Two | Portal Talk, 90s Starter Jackets & Mailbag Vibes

In hour two we keep the focus on the transfer portal and what this stretch of the calendar really means for LSU — patience, evaluation, and smart shopping instead of headline chasing. From there we lighten it up and reminisce on the coldest Starter jackets of the 90s, the satin shine, the oversized logos, and which teams absolutely owned the look. We also do otb mailbag

Jan 6, 202646 min

Hour One | LSU Portal Movement, QB Questions & Trust in Kiffin’s Plan

In hour one of OTB, we update you on the transfer portal ledger — who LSU has lost, who they’ve gained, and who is still circling the radar. The conversation centers on the quarterback position: the Tigers are recruiting hard for Sam Leavitt, and we discuss why this staff has to be pulling out all the stops to land him — and if it’s not Leavitt, then who’s the next best swing? We also explain why panic around Lane Kiffin’s early portal results is misplaced, highlighting how roster building in the NIL age is a marathon, not a sprint. We close with a look at the names LSU should still be targeting and why fit, relationships, and opportunity matter more than the December message-board noise.

Jan 6, 202646 min

Hour Three | Weekend Winners, Saints Season Recap & Ask the Bench

In hour three of OTB, we hand out Weekend Winners, Devin Snow joins us to talk about the Saints’ season as a whole, and we wrap up the show with Ask the Bench.

Jan 5, 202646 min

Hour Two | Pentagon Pizza, Portal Madness & LSU’s QB Hunt

In hour two of OTB, we somehow end up talking about pizza orders spiking at the Pentagon before major late-night operations or big events. From there, it’s back to transfer portal season, as Trinidad Chambliss announces he’ll return to Ole Miss if granted another year of eligibility. We also discuss the growing importance of LSU finding the right quarterback in the portal and what that search needs to look like.

Jan 5, 202646 min

Hour One | Mustache Talk, Saints Finale & Portal Season Chaos

In hour one of OTB, we address Matt’s mustache before shifting to the NFL and breaking down the Saints dropping their final game to the Falcons. With it officially being transfer portal season, we dive into who LSU is losing, who they’ve already added, who’s set to visit, and which positions LSU should be targeting next in the portal.

Jan 5, 202646 min

Hour Three | NFL Playoff Picture, Brees What-Ifs & New Year Reflections

In hour three of OTB, we take a look at the NFL playoff picture and where things stand heading into the postseason. We talk about the Chargers trying to claim Drew Brees and branch into a discussion about other athletes who are remembered most for teams that didn’t draft them. We close out the show by talking about what we did for New Year’s and sharing our resolutions for the year ahead.

Jan 2, 202646 min

Hour Two | Portal Updates, PTO Lessons & Bowl Season Talk

In hour two of OTB, we go through which LSU players have officially entered the transfer portal and what it means for the roster moving forward. Matt has a moment of realization when he learns that you actually have to put in PTO when you take a day off. We also continue the College Football Playoff discussion and recap some of the other bowl games that went down.

Jan 2, 202646 min

Hour One | CFP Results, Sugar Bowl Staff & Portal Needs

In hour one of OTB, we break down how some of the College Football Playoff games shook out. We talk about LSU’s coaching staff working the Sugar Bowl and what that means moving forward, then dive into which LSU players have entered the transfer portal and which position groups LSU most needs to target in the portal.

Jan 2, 202645 min

Hour Three | Saints with Underhill, QB Rankings & CFP Picks

In hour three of OTB, we’re joined by Nick Underhill to talk Saints. Matt rolls out his QB power rankings, we play What’s the Ticket, give our CFP predictions, and wrap up the show with Ask the Bench.

Dec 30, 202547 min

Hour Two | NFL Talk, More Olave Discussion & Demonym Games

In hour two of OTB, we talk some NFL, continue the conversation around Chris Olave and his value to the Saints, and lighten things up by playing a name-that-demonym game.

Dec 30, 202545 min

Hour One | Tripod Returns, Cam Coleman Portal Talk & Olave Contract Questions

The new Tripod is back for a Jake-less OTB. We talk about Cam Coleman entering the transfer portal, how he could benefit LSU, and why LSU should absolutely be in the mix for him. We also shift to the Saints and discuss Chris Olave’s upcoming contract, what he’s worth, and how much the Saints need to pay to keep him long-term.

Dec 30, 202546 min

Hour Two | NFL Playoff Picture, Bowl Game Positives & Portal Updates

In hour two of OTB, we shift to the NFL and take a look at the current playoff picture and where things stand heading into the stretch run. We also revisit LSU’s bowl game to highlight some of the positives that came out of it, and we get into the latest news and movement in the transfer portal.

Dec 29, 202544 min

Hour Three | Weekend Winners, Saints Talk & CFP Betting Lines

In hour three of OTB, we hand out Weekend Winners, talk Saints with Devin Snow, and take a look at the spreads and betting lines for the upcoming College Football Playoff games.

Dec 29, 202547 min

Hour One | Saints Streak & Texas Bowl Fallout

In hour one of OTB, we talk about how the holiday break went before diving into the hottest team in Louisiana: the Saints. They’re on a winning streak, and both the program and Tyler Shough are starting to look promising. We also discuss LSU’s loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl and what it says about where the Tigers are right now.

Dec 29, 202546 min

Hour 3 | Nick Underhill, Devin Snow, Ask The Bench

Hour Three of Off the Bench is all about New Orleans sports as we welcome in Nick Underhill to break down the latest with the New Orleans Saints, including thoughts on Tyler Shough and what it means for the team moving forward. Later, Devin Snow joins the show to talk both New Orleans Pelicans and Saints, offering insight on where each franchise stands right now. We wrap up the hour with Ask The Bench, answering questions and giving takes on topics brought by the listeners.

Dec 23, 202545 min

Hour 2 | LSU Transfer Portal Needs | OTB Mailbag | College Football Playoffs Preview

Hour Two of Off the Bench keeps the college football conversation rolling as we break down LSU’s biggest needs in the transfer portal and where the Tigers may look to add help. We then open up the OTB Mailbag, answering questions and reacting to topics straight from the chat. To close out the hour, we turn our attention to the College Football Playoff, previewing and discussing what to watch for in Round Two and how the matchups could shake out.

Dec 23, 202545 min

Hour One | Lane Kiffin Staff Complete, Monday Night Football Recap, LSU Basketball Look

Hour One of Off the Bench is packed with football and hoops as we kick things off by recapping all the biggest moments from Monday Night Football. We then dive into the latest around college football, including a discussion on Lane Kiffin’s complete LSU staff and what it could mean moving forward. Plus, we’re joined by Connor O’Gara for his insights on the national landscape before wrapping up the hour with a look at LSU Basketball and their final non-conference game ahead of league play.

Dec 23, 202545 min

Hour One | Weekend Football Recap, Saints Streak & Shough Talk

In hour one of OTB, we recap all the football action from the weekend, starting with Steelers vs. Lions. We dive into the Saints’ current winning streak and why the team feels like it’s finally heading in the right direction. We also discuss Chris Olave and his role within the organization moving forward, plus a conversation around Tyler Shough and—yes—his age.

Dec 22, 202546 min

Hour Three | G5 in the CFP, Weekend Winners & NFL Playoff Check-In

In hour three of OTB, we debate whether Group of 5 programs should have a shot in the College Football Playoff. We hand out Weekend Winners, take a look at the current NFL playoff picture, and wrap up the show with Ask the Bench.

Dec 22, 202546 min

Hour Two | CFP Round One, LSU Coaching Moves & Transfer Portal QBs

In hour two of OTB, we break down round one of the College Football Playoff and all the action so far. We discuss LSU potentially hiring Ole Miss RB coach Kevin Smith following Ole Miss’ addition of Frank Wilson to their staff. The conversation also turns to the quarterbacks currently in the transfer portal and who might fit with LSU’s roster.

Dec 22, 202545 min

Hour Two | Coaching Moves, Saints–Jets, and College Football Chaos

In hour two of OTB, we react to Texas hiring Will Muschamp as its new defensive coordinator and what that means for the Longhorns. We shift to the NFL and preview Saints vs. Jets, debating just how realistic it is for New Orleans to win out the rest of the season. Then it’s full-on “college football is DRUNK” as we break down the Texas A&M graphic floating around about Mario Craver’s extension and being labeled the highest-paid WR in school history, plus Arch Manning supposedly taking a “pay cut” to help build a better roster—and why the whole thing is absurd. We wrap the hour with our hottest coaches list.

Dec 19, 202546 min

Hour Three | QB Power Rankings, CFP Talk, and Parlay Picks

In hour three, Matt rolls out his updated NFL QB power rankings with some major shakeups that spark plenty of debate. Jake joins the show to share his thoughts on the CFP games this weekend and how he sees things shaking out. After Matt steps out, the OG tripod takes over, breaking down some of the key matchups this weekend before wrapping things up with their parlay picks.

Dec 19, 202547 min

Hour One | The Tripod Takes Over, Transfer Talk & CFP Preview

In hour one of OTB, the tripod of Flynn, Taylor, and Alondra takes over the show with Jake out. We recap the Guaranty Christmas party from last night, discuss Colin Hurley entering the transfer portal and the growing trend of leaving high school early to play college football, and dive into the College Football Playoff as it kicks off tonight—previewing Oklahoma vs. Alabama to get things started.

Dec 19, 202546 min

Hour One | Portal Moves, O-Line Issues & CFP Talk

In hour one of OTB, we talk about Carius Curne’s decision to enter the transfer portal and break down some of the issues LSU’s offensive line dealt with this season. Bobby Carpenter joins the show to talk College Football Playoffs and Julian Sayin at the Heisman ceremony.

Dec 18, 202546 min

Hour Three | LSU Basketball, Aaron Rodgers & Munchies

In hour three of OTB, we visit with LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon to discuss their season so far and their first time back at the PMAC in a month. We also talk about Aaron Rodgers and the media’s perception of him. Chef Michael Johnson joins us for Munchies, and we wrap up the hour with Ask the Bench.

Dec 18, 202545 min

Hour Two | CFP Matchups, Alabama Questions & LSU Bowl Buzz

In hour two, we dive into the College Football Playoff, discussing which matchups we’re most excited to watch and how Alabama appears to be limping into the postseason. We lighten things up by debating our least favorite music genres, then shift back to LSU by previewing the Texas Bowl and breaking down all the postseason staff shakeups. With Frank Wilson seemingly one foot out the door to Ole Miss, we ask the question: are things awkward inside LSU football ops right now?

Dec 18, 202545 min