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The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph: A show about college football

The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph: A show about college football

726 episodes — Page 2 of 15

Notre Dame Playoff Snub Fallout

Was Notre Dame right to skip the Pop Tarts Bowl, and/or could it undermine the whole Bowl system? Why are we doing this bizarre Tuesday rankings show? And how did Alabama make it in? Notre Dame's shocking exclusion from the College Football Playoff has sent shockwaves through the sport. The Athletic’s Notre Dame beat writer Pete Sampson breaks down how the team felt about being left out after sitting at #10 all season and AD Pete Bevacqua's comments about "permanent damage" to Notre Dame’s relationship with the ACC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 202532 min

CFP Bracket Live Reaction

Bruce, Stew, and Ralph are live in Los Angeles to react to the final CFP ranking announcement. They'll debate who will make the final cut ahead of the full reveal. Then, they'll pick the first round against the spread, and talk through their predictions for how the Playoff will unfold. Don't miss it!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 7, 20251h 5m

Kiffin Called Out, K-State Coaching Changes, and USF Hires Hartline

Multiple Ole Miss players publicly dispute Lane Kiffin’s claim that the team asked him to stay for the playoffs. Does it matter? Chris Klieman steps down at Kansas State after a solid run, and former Heisman finalist Colin Klein is expected to return home from Texas A&M to take over the Wildcats. What might Klein’s experience in a well-funded program like A&M bring to Manhattan?Brian Hartline lands the head coaching job at USF, who might have the highest ceiling among open jobs in the American. And Neal Brown lands at North Texas.Plus, the guys answer your mailbag questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 202546 min

Reactions: Penultimate Playoff Rankings Drama

Notre Dame is at No. 10, while Miami is on the outside looking in at No. 12. Texas moved up to No. 13, and Alabama sits at No. 9. Who’s in danger of missing the playoff, who’s still on the bubble, and how much motion is possible with just a few days left before the bracket is finalized?Plus, somehow there’s more coaching news. With Kalani Sitake now locked in at BYU, Penn State remains standing at the altar — and Cal looks like it will be hiring Tosh Lupoi.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 3, 202533 min

New Coaches Hired Across CFB + Conference Title Picks

Lane Kiffin is introduced as LSU’s head coach. Will he win a national championship there, or will he leave first?Penn State's coaching search drags on past the 50-day mark. Kalani Sitaki has emerged as a strong candidate, but nothing is imminent. They debate the Penn State timeline and react to the other SEC hires: Will Stein to Kentucky, Alex Golesh to Auburn, Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas, Jon Sumrall to Florida, and Pat Fitzgerald to Michigan State.Then, they make championship picks for all nine conference title games, including Ohio State-Indiana, Georgia-Alabama, and Texas Tech-BYU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 202552 min

Week 14 Reactions: Rivalry Weekend Chaos and More Lane

Rivalry Weekend delivered chaos everywhere except the playoff race, which remains hostage to the Lane Kiffin – LSU saga. Stew, Bruce, and Ralph unpack whether Ole Miss will be able to let Lane coach a playoff game, then they run through the SEC coaching dominoes already falling. They react to Kalen DeBoer’s bold fourth-and-two call in the Iron Bowl, Oklahoma’s latest escape, and what an Alabama loss would mean for the bracket. Plus Miami’s playoff case and the ACC tiebreaker fiasco.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 30, 202555 min

Eric Morris to Oklahoma State + CFP Rankings Update

Eric Morris will leave North Texas to take the Oklahoma State job at the end of the season, sparking a debate: Is this the same as Lane Kiffin's situation at Ole Miss? Ralph and Bruce argue it's fundamentally different: G5 coaches are moving up with salary increases that could triple their pay, while Kiffin would be choosing between $12 million offers at blue blood programs.Bruce shares his history with Morris dating back to his days as "the Elf" at Texas Tech, and explains how Morris discovered Baker Mayfield, Cam Ward, John Mateer, and Chandler Morris before anyone else wanted them. Will Morris could bring quarterback whisperer magic to Stillwater?The latest CFP rankings show minimal movement after a clean weekend, but Ralph and Bruce game out chaos scenarios: What happens if Michigan beats Ohio State again? Could Oregon get bumped at 10-2? Would Texas Tech survive a Big 12 title game loss? Plus, they highlight breakout players ahead of Rivalry Weekend, and mailbag tackles whether paying players in 2000 would have prevented conference realignment and what on-field changes are transforming the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 26, 202539 min

Cal Fires Wilcox + Rivalry Week Playoff Chaos

Justin Wilcox is out at Cal after nine seasons following a blowout loss to Stanford in the Big Game. In a surprising twist, Nick Rolovich is named interim head coach. The guys discuss potential replacements, including Tosh Lupoi, Sean Lewis, and Jim Mora.Rivalry week is here with massive playoff implications. Could Alabama actually play themselves OUT of the playoff by losing the SEC Championship Game? Ralph and Stew debate whether the committee would drop a 10-3 Alabama team after losing a 13th game. They also discuss scenarios where Michigan beats Ohio State and crashes the at-large pool, and Georgia Tech upsets Georgia with head-to-head chaos. Plus, why the committee's head-to-head logic only seems to apply to certain conferences.Also, the guys make their picks for Texas A&M at Texas, Ohio State at Michigan, Miami at Pitt, and Tennessee at Vanderbilt, with one rivalry game upset each.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 202546 min

Week 13 Reactions: Latest on Lane + Playoff Tiebreakers

The Lane Kiffin sweepstakes continue. Oregon wins again, but can they win it all? What’s Oklahoma’s playoff ceiling? Kansas State loses a heartbreaker to Utah, and Chris Klieman delivers an emotional post-game statement. Plus, the guys dive into the wild world of ACC and SEC tiebreakers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 202545 min

Miami vs. Notre Dame + More on Kiffin

Should Miami be ranked closer to Notre Dame after their head-to-head win, or does the committee's approach of evaluating teams make sense? Bruce argues passionately for honoring the on-field result, while Stew defends the committee's decision to treat them as teams on separate tiers. Ralph suggests the real issue is process, and questions why SEC teams aren't facing the same scrutiny.Then they debate whether Lane Kiffin would actually leave Ole Miss before the playoffs if he takes the Florida or LSU job, and discusses the ultimatum from AD Keith Carter to decide his future by the Egg Bowl. Could a team be penalized by the playoff committee if their coach leaves mid-season, similar to how a team would be if their QB got hurt?Plus, a mailbag question on coaching hypocrisy: why do coaches get to do the very things they complain about with NIL and the portal? And a throwback to Jeff Jagodzinski's firing at Boston College serves as a cautionary tale for Ole Miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 202534 min

Franklin to Virginia Tech, Kiffin’s Timeline

Lane Kiffin faces an ultimatum from Ole Miss: decide on his future by the Egg Bowl, or else. With his family touring Florida and LSU campuses, Ralph and Stew debate whether he'll stay in Oxford or leave for a blue blood program, and whether he'll even be coaching the Rebels in the playoffs. Meanwhile, James Franklin is officially hired at Virginia Tech. How’s the fit?The guys explain why the Big Ten's $2.4 billion deal with UC Investments is now on pause after Michigan and USC pushback. Plus, they make their picks for the week's biggest games including Missouri at Oklahoma, USC at Oregon, Pitt at Georgia Tech, and BYU at Cincinnati.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 18, 202544 min

Week 12 Reactions: Who Clinched a Playoff Spot, and Who Could Actually Win?

Did Notre Dame clinch a playoff spot, and did Georgia eliminate Texas? The Aggies win, they extend Elko — but is their schedule deceptive? Ole Miss survives an upset bid by Florida in the Lane Kiffin bowl. The Sooners are in the CFP mix, USC win sets up a huge Big 10 matchup next week, and Georgia Tech nearly chokes against BC. Plus, a two-bid Big 12 is within reach, but there are too many 10-2 teams to fit in the playoff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 202552 min

Josh Pate on Becoming an Important Voice in College Football

Josh Pate, the host of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, joins Bruce and Stew to share his unconventional path from manual laborer to hosting one of college football's most popular shows. Pate reveals how he practiced sports talk in his truck for years before getting his break, and his "GPS approach" to making points. And he shares what he'd fix first if he became college football commissioner.Bruce and Stew also dive into LSU's messy attempt to avoid paying Brian Kelly's $53 million buyout, and debate whether Lane Kiffin will stay at Ole Miss despite openings at Florida and LSU. The mailbag tackles what you should actually DO with your $12 Trader Joe’s gift card, which NFL coordinators might be a good fit for open college head coaching gigs, and whether the Big Ten has become the villain of college football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 202546 min

Texas Tech Rising + Debating Playoff Ranking Methods

The second College Football Playoff rankings drop soon, and the guys dive into where things are heading down the stretch. How high could Texas Tech end up after dominating wins over BYU and other ranked opponents? Does Ole Miss deserve their lofty ranking, or is their resume thin?The guys lock horns on how these teams should be evaluated: Should the committee rely on computer rankings and strength of record metrics, or focus on head-to-head results and quality wins? Bruce gets frustrated with power rankings that have 3-6 Penn State in the top 25, Ralph defends using analytics as a starting point, and Stew tries to find middle ground.They also make their picks for the week's biggest games: Notre Dame at Pitt, Texas at Georgia, Oklahoma at Alabama, and Iowa at USC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 202535 min

Week 11 Reactions: Indiana Can't Lose

Indiana and Oregon survive close matchups as Texas Tech convincingly hands BYU its first loss. What's going on in the ACC? What's the SEC's path to five — or even six — teams getting into the playoff? And Stew gives the breakdown of the USC fake punt from his perspective as an in-person spectator from LA Memorial Coliseum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 202548 min

Ari Wasserman on Playoff Head-Scratchers

The first College Football Playoff rankings sparked immediate controversy, so who better to bring on to discuss it than Ari Wasserman from On3?  Is the committee leaning too heavily on both vibes and advanced metrics, over actual results? And if the rankings are out of whack, will they correct themselves by the end of the season?They also look at the best available coaching jobs, debate Auburn's ceiling, discuss why Florida has been a graveyard for coaches, and dive into Ari's biggest pet peeve.Plus, mailbag tackles Ralph’s playoff prediction formula, whether Florida State's win over Alabama actually hurt Mike Norvell's expectations, and why Kurt Cignetti didn't get a power conference job until his 60s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 202544 min

CFP Rankings Debut: Miami Snubbed? + Auburn's Coaching Search Begins

The first College Football Playoff rankings are out, and Ralph has a gripe: every head-to-head matchup mattered except Notre Dame-Miami. Ralph and Stew debate whether the Hurricanes got disrespected at #18 while the Irish sit at #10, and break down why the committee might be valuing progression over early-season results.There are blueprints for getting two Big 12 teams in the playoff, with BYU and Texas Tech both ranked in the top eight. They discuss Oregon's surprisingly low ranking at #9 despite being undefeated, Texas's position as the first team out, and whether the SEC could realistically get six or even seven teams into the playoff.Bruce joins to talk about who might replace Hugh Freeze, from James Franklin and Jimbo Fisher to rising stars like John Sumrall and Kenny Dillingham. Plus, the crew makes their picks for the week's biggest games: BYU at Texas Tech, Texas A&M at Missouri, Oregon at Iowa, and LSU at Alabama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 202539 min

Week 10 Reactions: Huge Week for CFP Implications

The playoff picture is becoming clearer. The seas have parted in the Big 12 to prepare for a huge BYU-Texas Tech matchup. Can the ACC get two teams in the playoff? Is Texas still alive, and does Arch deserve some grace? Hugh Freeze might be out at Auburn by the time you're hearing this. The guys debate whether Julian Sayin is really this good, or if any decent QB would look great throwing to these receivers. And the Big 10 has a great November unfolding, with Iowa, Oregon, and USC all playing each other. Plus, NC State, New Mexico, and Kennesaw State mentioned on shoutouts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 202549 min

“SEC Shorts” Creators on Satirizing the Madness of the SEC

Robert Clay and Josh Snead, the masterminds behind the SEC Shorts YouTube channel, join Stew and Ralph to discuss the evolution of their viral college football comedy videos over 11 seasons. They reveal the behind-the-scenes process of filming all day Sunday and editing until 4 a.m. to hit Monday morning deadlines, and explain why they'll never expand beyond SEC content despite the money. Plus, they share stories about their most popular character — Josh's “Vanderbilt Pimp” costume that landed him on College GameDay.The guys also react to breaking LSU news: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced at a press conference that LSU’s Board of Supervisors, not AD Scott Woodward, will hire LSU's next football coach. Stew and Ralph discuss how state politics and college football intersect in Baton Rouge unlike anywhere else in the country, and what this power struggle means for the coaching search.Plus, mailbag questions on Georgia Tech's trajectory, whether coaches will bail on playoff teams for better jobs, and a debate about whether a freshman All-American team could compete for a national title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 202544 min

Brian Kelly Out at LSU: What Went Wrong + Not Enough Coaches

Brian Kelly is out at LSU after just four seasons, with the Tigers set to pay out up to $54 million. Bruce breaks down the Sunday drama that led to Kelly's firing after the blowout loss to Texas A&M, including the power struggle with AD Scott Woodward over staff changes. Ralph explains how the awkward mix of "Kelly's guys" and "Woodward's guys" created underlying dysfunction, and why the cultural fit was doomed from the start. Plus, the crew debates Kelly's next move: what are the odds he’s coaching again next year? So many schools are looking for a new coach to turn it around, but there are no "sure thing" hires available. Lane Kiffin, Jon Sumrall, Willie Fritz, and Bob Chesney all have their pros and cons. Plus, the guys discuss the impossible expectations at these blue blood programs and make their picks for Vandy at Texas, Cincinnati at Utah, Oklahoma at Tennessee, and USC at Nebraska. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 28, 202543 min

Week 9 Reactions: LSU's Collapse + Is Texas A&M the SEC's Best?

Texas A&M took down LSU 49-25 at Tiger Stadium, and the guys debate whether Kelly's job is safe heading into a bye week before Alabama. They break down how Mike Elko has turned around Texas A&M in year one, with Marcel Reed emerging as a dynamic dual-threat QB and strength coach Tommy Moffitt getting revenge against his former employer.The crew discusses whether A&M is now the class of the SEC, debates if five SEC teams could make the playoff, and analyzes Steve Sarkisian's explosive postgame rant about Diana Russini’s NFL job report. Plus, BYU stays undefeated with a comeback win at Iowa State behind true freshman Jake Retzlaff, the Big 12 race gets even crazier, and Colorado gets embarrassed 53-7 by Utah as Deion's season spirals. Ralph defends Vanderbilt as a legitimate top-10 team after their defensive performance against Missouri, and the guys discuss Bill Belichick's overtime loss to Virginia and whether UNC will win another ACC game this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 202546 min

Coaching Carousel Chaos + Can Florida's Big Three All Thrive?

Ralph challenges Bruce and Stew on the way the media talks about coaching hires, arguing that the constant chase for the "hot name" creates unrealistic expectations. Using Jeff Brohm and Jedd Fisch as examples, Ralph makes the case that we go all-in on coaches after one big win — which leads to disappointment when ADs inevitably can't land everyone's top choice.In mailbag, can Florida, Florida State, and Miami all succeed simultaneously in the NIL era? The guys break down how the Sunshine State has changed since the '90s when all three won national titles. Plus, a deep dive into quarterback spending vs. offensive line investment. Is Diego Pavia proof you don't need to break the bank at QB?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 202541 min

Florida’s Coaching Search Begins: Lane Kiffin, Jedd Fisch, Jeff Brohm?

Billy Napier is out at Florida after a 3-4 start, and Bruce and Stew break down who’s next in Gainesville. Is Lane Kiffin tempted to leave his Ole Miss setup for the Gators’ national championship history and elite recruiting base? They debate whether the Florida job is still a blue blood destination in the NIL era, or if programs like Ole Miss have closed the gap.Jedd Fisch emerges as an intriguing candidate with deep Spurrier connections and Florida ties, while Jeff Brohm's elite play-calling and upset wins over top-5 teams make him a target — but would he leave his Louisville alma mater? Bruce and Stew also discuss Eli Drinkwitz and whether James Franklin could make the jump from one fired situation to another. Plus, the guys analyze contrasting statements from Florida State AD Michael Alford and Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh about their embattled coaches, and make their picks against the spread for the week’s biggest games, including Texas A&M at LSU, Ole Miss at Oklahoma, and BYU at Iowa State. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 202538 min

Week 8 Fallout: Miami Stumbles, Texas Tech’s Big 12 Grip Loosens, Hot Seats Get Hotter

Miami's undefeated season ends with Carson Beck’s four interceptions at Louisville, but the guys debate whether the ’Canes can still make the playoff at 10-2. Texas Tech loses to Arizona State, throwing the Big 12 race wide open — and raising questions about their quarterback situation.Georgia survives Ole Miss in a defensive slugfest, LSU falls at Vanderbilt (yes, Vandy is legitimately good), and the crew discusses which SEC team they trust most in a conference where nobody looks dominant.Brian Kelly and Mike Norvell’s hot seats are heating up after disappointing losses, Notre Dame's explosive offense is rolling with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price forming an elite backfield duo, and Stew shares his in-person experience watching UNC football and getting the classic "It is what it is" from Bill Belichick in the postgame presser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 202555 min

Alabama AD Greg Byrne on Buyouts, NIL Chaos & the Real Cost of College Football

As we get deeper into the buyout season, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne joins Bruce, Stew, and Ralph to pull back the curtain on college football's economics. Byrne addresses whether schools, as Stew wrote in a recent column, are “wildly irresponsible spenders,” or facing genuine financial constraints. He also explains what it's like sitting across the table from powerful agents.In mailbag, the crew debates whether Arch Manning deserves the criticism after a rough start to his Texas career, and Bruce and Stew disagree on what makes a coach "great" versus just "good." Plus, breakout players to watch this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 202550 min

Who Will Replace James Franklin?

Penn State has fired James Franklin after a shocking loss to Northwestern at home, ending his tenure after years of struggling to win big games. Despite the fractures beneath the surface that led to this moment, does it make sense to fire a coach who consistently wins 10 games?The crew breaks down the two frontrunners to replace Franklin: Curt Cignetti, who just pulled off the biggest win of the year by beating Oregon at home, and Matt Rhule, who has a close relationship with AD Pat Kraft but has his own problems against strong opponents. They debate whether Penn State should swing for the home run hire or play it safe, and which other candidates like Matt Campbell and John Sumrall could be in play.Ralph defends his controversial AP ballot that has Indiana at #5 despite their road win over Oregon, sparking a heated debate about resume versus the eye test. Plus, the guys make their picks for USC at Notre Dame, Georgia vs. Ole Miss, Alabama vs. Tennessee, and LSU at Vanderbilt, and give their upset specials for the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 202546 min

Week 7 Takeaways: Indiana Shines, Penn State Doesn't + Coaching Hot Seats

Indiana defeated Oregon, leaving no doubt that they're legit contenders. Penn State lost again, this time to unranked Northwestern. Texas soundly defeated Oklahoma, and Arch looked strong. And, an officiating fiasco in Auburn, USC upsets Michigan, players who impressed, and shoutouts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 202546 min

More UNC Dysfunction, CFP Expansion + Travel Whiners

Bill Belichick's North Carolina experiment is spiraling at 2-3, with on-field blowouts, staff suspensions, and a roster that might not be good enough to stabilize. Ralph, Bruce, and Stew debate whether the Tar Heels are stuck with him due to the $20M guaranteed contract — and whether powerful boosters who hijacked the coaching search will ever admit they were wrong.ESPN’s Kris Budden delivered a fiery rant about Big Ten coaches blaming losses on travel, sparking a debate: Is it a legitimate factor backed by the numbers, or just an excuse from highly-paid professionals? The crew digs into cross-country travel data, home field advantage, and whether 19-year-olds should be held to the same standard as NFL veterans.Plus, the guys debate CFP expansion scenarios, including whether 13-0 Group of Five teams could steal at-large bids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 202548 min

Sark’s Big Game Problem + Who’s Top Dog in the Big 12?

The guys debate whether Steve Sarkisian has a big game  problem after Texas’s loss to Florida. With a 2-8 record against top 10 opponents, is the criticism fair — or is Texas still the team to beat in the SEC? They break down the Red Zone struggles, offensive line issues, and what to expect when the Longhorns face Oklahoma’s elite defense.Ralph, Bruce, and Stew make their picks for that game and the weekend’s other biggest matchups, including Oregon-Indiana, USC-Michigan, and Alabama-Missouri. And in upset picks, can North Texas pull off the stunner against USF? The guys also discuss Texas Tech's rise as a legitimate Big 12 contender and debate whether the Red Raiders might actually be the best team in Texas right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 202545 min

Week 6 Recap: Penn State, Belichick, and Arch Fall Flat

Texas and Penn State were the number 1 and 2 teams before the season. After another week of bad losses, where do they go from here? UNC loses badly to Clemson, and Miami holds off a gritty comeback from Florida State. Plus, in shoutouts and players who impressed, the guys touch on Navy, UNLV, Old Dominion, and Pitt.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 202557 min

QB Disappointments + Heisman Dark Horses

The 2025 QB class was supposed to be special, but Bruce’s recent story reveals major concerns about Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, and Drew Allar. The guys break down why Manning is pressing at Texas, Klubnik's alarming regression at Clemson, and whether Allar is the next Christian Hackenberg.On the flip side, Dante Moore is blossoming at Oregon after leaving USC, and Garrett Nussmeier still has NFL believers despite LSU’s struggles. Plus, Ralph and Bruce debate Heisman contenders: Can Diego Pavia actually win it if Vanderbilt stays ranked? Is Fernando Mendoza the real deal at Indiana? And why Rueben Bain Jr.’s defensive dominance at Miami might not be enough to get to New York.Timestamps approximate:0:00 Intro1:00 Transfer RBs who haven’t lived up to expectations, and why transfers sometimes struggle6:33 The Disappointing QB Class19:25 Heisman Race: Moore, Mendoza, Pavia, Bain 32:38 Breakout Players of the Week: BYU, Michigan mentioned 39:07 Mailbag: Coaching Fit, Authenticity vs. Credentials43:10 Mailbag: Will All College Football Show Replay Conversations Like the ACC?45:56 Mailbag: Why has the JUCO pipeline declined? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 202551 min

Can Bobby Petrino Win Back Arkansas?

Bobby Petrino is back at Arkansas as interim coach, but Bruce says he’s not winning any popularity contests. Despite the baggage, Arkansas ranks second in the SEC in yards per play. Can Petrino navigate a brutal seven-game schedule, featuring five ranked opponents, to save his reputation — or even earn the permanent job?Ralph defends his AP ballot which has Penn State nine spots lower than the actual poll, sparking a heated debate with Bruce about Texas versus the Nittany Lions. Plus, the crew discusses Paul Finebaum's potential move into politics, and picks the week’s biggest matchups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 202557 min

Week 5 Takeaways: White Out Woes, Best Team in the SEC

Penn State lost in double OT to Oregon. Drew Allar doesn't look like a 5-star recruit, and once again, James Franklin can't win the big game. Ole Miss beats LSU, and is Texas A&M the best team in the SEC? Plus, the guys touch on Iowa State, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, San Diego State, and North Texas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 202549 min

Gundy Replacement Candidates + Mateer Injury Shockwaves

Mike Gundy's shocking Tuesday firing ends a 21-year era that transformed Oklahoma State from perpetual losers into Big 12 contenders. Ralph, Stew, and Bruce break down how Gundy single-handedly flipped the Cowboys' all-time record from sub-.500 to winning, and debate who might replace him.John Mateer's hand surgery could derail Oklahoma's Heisman frontrunner and SEC title hopes, but Bruce wonders if the playoff committee might actually give the Sooners credit for games missed without their star QB. Plus, in mailbag, a listener apologizes to Stew for doubting his Belichick skepticism, another asks whether Wisconsin should spend Luke Fickell's $20+ million buyout on players instead of firing him, and Bruce gets asked if we should buy the hype around USC's Jayden Maiava.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 202550 min

Ralph’s Terrible Week 5 Picks + Did OU Break the Rules or Not?

Oklahoma tried to hide a receiver. The refs said it was fine. So what exactly happened in Norman? The guys debate whether smart coaching or bad officiating decided Auburn-Oklahoma.Plus, Vegas doesn't trust the voters: LSU's ranked 4th, but getting points at Ole Miss. The crew picks the big games and Ralph takes four straight road teams because he's learned nothing. Bruce buys Indiana stock, Stew questions Miami's title chances, and everyone wonders if James Franklin can finally beat a good team in the White Out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 202549 min

Week 4 Recap: Dabo’s Descent; Coaches on the Hot Seat

Ralph joins the Sunday livestream to help break down which coaches are already on the hotseat, including Mike Gundy, Billy Napier, and Luke Fickell. Dabo Swinney’s job is seemingly safe, but Clemson is 1-3 for the first time in 17 years of Dabo — and things aren’t looking up. Plus, a non-call seals a Sooner victory over Auburn, and the guys analyze upsets in Salt Lake City, Madison, and Memphis.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 202551 min

Gary Danielson's Final Season + Fool’s Gold Teams

The legendary Gary Danielson retires at the end of this season. He joins for a conversation reflecting on 36 years of broadcasting, the greatest players he's ever seen, and his favorite Verne Lundquist story. Then in mailbag, the guys debate whether highly-ranked teams like Penn State and LSU are fool's gold.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 202556 min

UCLA & VT Clean House + Ralph Ranks 0-2 Irish #15

There were major coaching shake-ups this weekend at UCLA and Virginia Tech after embarrassing losses. Who will fill the void? Plus, Ralph's controversial decision to rank 0-2 Notre Dame at #15 on his AP ballot. Stew, Ralph, and Bruce also pick against the spread for the biggest games of the week, and select one upset each. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 202549 min

Brian Kelly Snaps, Arch Manning Booed, Notre Dame 0-2

Bruce and Stew get into Brian Kelly's post-game explosion following LSU's 20-10 victory over Florida. Did he have a point? Arch Manning gets booed at home, Notre Dame falls to 0-2 in a nail-biter against Texas A&M, and what's the new balance of power in the SEC? Plus, Bruce and Stew name the players who impressed them the most this weekend, and give their weekly shoutouts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 202553 min

AP Voter Drama, SEC Stock Check + Who Has the Best Uniform?

The guys dive into the controversy surrounding USC beat writer and AP Poll voter Haley Sawyer, after she placed Florida two slots higher following their loss to USF. They spotlight weekend breakout candidates, battle over college football's best uniforms, and tackle the burning question: Is the mighty SEC finally losing its grip? Plus, they debate whether Duke's reported multi-million dollar quarterback splurge is smart investing — or pure madness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 11, 202552 min

Is Clemson Overrated? Plus Upset Alerts + Political Ads Hit CFB

Ralph defends his latest AP poll decisions, sparking a debate over Clemson's ranking after their home loss to LSU and whether Oregon deserves to jump Georgia and Penn State. The crew makes their picks against the spread for the weekend's big games including LSU-Florida, Miami-USF, Georgia-Tennessee, and Texas A&M at Notre Dame. They also discuss the Arch Manning shoulder speculation following Steve Sarkisian's press conference, and break down why we’re seeing all these political ads during Saturday football.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 202543 min

Week 2 Takeaways: Mateer Leads OU to Big Win Over Michigan

Bruce and Stew go live to break down a bad week for the Big 12. Plus, Gundy pokes the bear—just how likely is he to keep his job this season? And how much can you really learn from destroying a cupcake opponent? They also dive into ACC title race percentages and spotlight standout performances from John Mateer and Dylan Lonergan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 202552 min

Money Talks + Mike Gundy’s Rocky Road

Stew quickly comments on Bill Belichick's rough start at North Carolina and the war of words between Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy and Oregon's Dan Lanning. The Athletic's Justin Williams joins the show to give context into the turbulent year Gundy’s had. Plus mailbag questions on how the hosts remain unjaded on thetransfer portal, Ralph’s special expertise on the AP poll process, and how mid-tier programs survive in the NIL era.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 202557 min

UNC Dismantled in Belichick’s Debut + Updated Rankings

The Belichick Era begins with a 48-14 drubbing by Sonny Dykes’ Horned Frogs. Bruce and Ralph discuss just how much the sky is already falling. Stew joins and all three argue over Ralph’s updated rankings after a huge Week 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 202559 min

Miami-Notre Dame Live Reaction

Carson Beck's Hurricanes held off a gutsy comeback attempt from CJ Carr and the Irish in yet another Week 1 Top 10 matchup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 202520 min

Week 1 Overreactions

Bruce and Stew try not to overreact to Arch Manning’s Week 1 loss to Ohio State, Florida State’s huge upset against Alabama, and LSU’s  victory over Clemson. They also give shout outs, and each picks a player who impressed this week. Thanks to those who joined this livestream. If you want to join, we'll be back on every Sunday this season at 8:30 a.m. PT, 11:30 a.m. ET. at www.youtube.com/@UCbhfrD1COvG40Mk7vvgaHIQ Also, for those of you who miss the old theme song — check it out on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/track/6KGdn6fXUZWwoovw7qk79I?si=8361954c45424813 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 202549 min

Lee Corso’s Last Hurrah, and Dave Portnoy vs. Ohio State

Ralph, Stew and Bruce discuss Lee Corso's retirement from College GameDay, sharing what he’s meant to them and reflecting on his journey from somewhat successful coach to television icon. Then they dive into the controversy between Ohio State and Dave Portnoy. It’s complicated! They also each predict their breakout star of the weekend, and on mailbag: are teams actually scouting each other through reporters videoing practices? Does it make sense to have two teams from the heartland open the season overseas? And a callback to one of Ralph’s earlier appearances on an Athletic podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 202552 min

Three Top-10 Matchups: The Best Week One Ever?

Bruce, Stew and Ralph break down a Kansas State-Iowa State thriller in Dublin, plus other stories emerging out of Week 0. Then, they preview the biggest Week 1 slate in recent memory. The trio analyzes the week’s three top-10 matchups, including the highly anticipated Texas-Ohio State showdown featuring Arch Manning's debut, LSU-Clemson in Death Valley, and Notre Dame at Miami. They debate whether this is the best opening weekend ever, and each host picks two favorite matchups this weekend. Plus, the guys give their shout-outs to standout Week Zero performances — including a game-winning kicker who learned his trade from YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 202553 min

The Audible’s New Look and Bold Postseason Predictions

The Audible is heading into Week 0 with a new look, new sound, and new co-host: The Athletic’s Ralph Russo. Stew, Bruce and Ralph break down their College Football Playoff picks, including why Oregon might miss out — and which unranked teams could surprise. Plus, preseason takes on new starting quarterbacks, and Bruce shares some insight on Kansas QB Jalon Daniels ahead of the Jayhawks’ Week 0 matchup against Fresno State. Read Ralph’s piece on how to boldly avoid going chalk in your postseason predictions: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6562192/2025/08/20/college-football-playoff-predictions-ap-top-25/?source=user_shared_article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 21, 202540 min

Welcome to a new season of The Audible

trailer

A new college football season brings big changes to The Audible. Bruce and Stew welcome long-time guest Ralph Russo in as a regular host. The show is also adding an extra episode and will be on your feed three times each week. Plus, video! You can now watch every episode of The Audible on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 20, 20251 min