The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>During What's Trending, Joe Ovies tells Joe Giglio that he feels this year's Duke basketball team has more fight to it than last year's team, even though last year's team may have had more talent, and it showed during Tuesday's win over Wake Forest basketball. </p> <p>Also during What's Trending, Matt Rhule has a lawsuit out against the Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper, Army Football recruit Larry Pickett Jr. joined the show to discuss his commitment to West Point, Tom Brady, the Carolina Hurricanes, and more. </p>

<p>Wes Durham of the ACC Network & ESPN previewed UNC hosting Pitt, and NC State at home against Florida State. Durham warns that UNC basketball can't overlook Pitt with the rivalry matchup with Duke looming on Saturday.</p> <p>Wes Durham of the ACC Network & ESPN discussed the 2023 ACC Football schedule, and that coaches should want to have a difficult schedule because it means the strength of the league is better, and raises standards.</p> <p>Plus, Tom Brady has retired from the NFL ... again. Are we buying it? </p>

<p>There is legislation in Georgia and South Carolina to move forward with legalized sports betting in those states, while many North Carolina residents are traveling into Virginia to make sports bets. WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy gave the latest on where sports betting stands with the North Carolina General Assembly. </p> <p>Also, #HeyJoe questions about Matt Rhule, The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper, and Beyonce coming to Charlotte. </p>

<p>Despite neither Duke basketball or UNC basketball being ranked, Joe Giglio tells Joe Ovies that AP rankings do not matter in college basketball. Ovies & Giglio also wonder what the rivalry will be like moving forward depending on who wins this game. They also feel it's a reset to the rivalry. </p> <p>After another comeback win last night for the Carolina Hurricanes, this time a 5-4 OT win over the LA Kings, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out that the Carolina Hurricanes' success will be measured in the postseason, and that top stars have to show up in the playoffs.</p>

<p>The ACC basketball season is ramping up as the calendar turns to February, all the big four ACC schools across the State of North Carolina are all in need of wins to get into the NCAA Tournament, but have to make sure they don't suffer any bad losses. Duke faces Wake Forest and UNC this week, while North Carolina also has a matchup against PITT. NC State is also in a 'can't lose' games against Florida State and Georgia Tech this week.</p> <p>Plus, more conversations about Frank Reich's introductory press conference with the Carolina Panthers. Also, Sara Civian of Bleacher Report shares what the Carolina Hurricanes could do at the trade deadline. </p>

<p>The ACC announced football schedules for the upcoming season. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out that UNC football head coach Mack Brown said the schedule was 'unfair,' but fail to see where that's the case. </p> <p>Also, the conversation about the Frank Reich press conference continues as Chris Lea of WRAL Sports joined the show to discuss the press conference, and what owner David Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer had to say about the hiring, and not choosing Steve Wilks. </p>

<p>Before Duke plays UNC basketball this weekend, they have to first face a Wake Forest team that beat them earlier this season. Also, what's the 'temperature' of the rivalry leading up to the first matchup of the season between the two rivals, and the first time Hubert Davis will be coaching against Jon Scheyer. </p> <p>Also, #HeyJoe questions about the Carolina Hurricanes Stadium Series game at Carter-Finley Stadium, and more.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers introduced Frank Reich officially as their head coach today. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss Reich's presser, and what the expectations are for Reich, what moves he needs to make, and how winning is the only thing that'll truly matter.</p> <p>They point out that the Carolina Panthers and head coach Frank Reich won't be successful if they don't get the QB position right. They point out that much of the onus falls on owner David Tepper, and GM Scott Fitterer.</p>

<p>The first matchup of the season between Duke basketball and UNC basketball takes place this Saturday in Durham at Cameron Indoor Stadium. During the Daily Download, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio are joined by Debra Morgan of WRAL to highlight her exclusive interview with former Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and the podcast that will come out with Coach K.</p> <p>Also, the conversation continues about the biggest headlines for NFL Championship weekend, including Giglio having a major issue with the officials in the Chiefs-Bengals game. </p>

<p>Former NFL WR, and current ESPN Radio host, Harry Douglas shared his thoughts on the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. He said it's hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes, but also voiced his disappointment of Germaine Pratt of the Cincinnati Bengals for scolding teammate Joseph Ossai after the game.</p> <p>Douglas also weighs in on the NFC Championship game between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, and gives the 49ers for gutting it out despite losing their QBs during the game. </p>

<p>NC State basketball earned a big comeback win on the road over Wake Forest basketball as the Wolfpack got a big game from DJ Burns. </p> <p>Also, more questions about officiating in both basketball, and in the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. </p>

<p>Are the referees to blame for the final between the Cincinnati Bengals vs the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game? Joe Giglio says the officiating was terrible and cost the Bengals the game. Joe Ovies believes complaining about officials is 'loser talk.'</p>

<p>A discussion came up about the Carolina Hurricanes and the regional sports network, Bally Sports, that broadcasts a majority of their games. Sinclair Broadcasting, who owns Bally Sports, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Will this have an impact long term on how fans will be able to watch the Carolina Hurricanes, and other regional sports teams moving forward?</p> <p>Also, further conversations about the AFC & NFC Championship games between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, and the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, respectively. </p>

<p>Chris Lea of WRAL and Bomani Jones of ESPN & HBO weighed in on the hiring of Frank Reich to be the Carolina Panthers head coach. They say owner David Tepper is going to have to answer questions as to why Steve Wilks was not hired as head coach.</p>

<p>Who is the next QB for the Carolina Panthers? With Frank Reich being named the new head coach, the question now turns to QB. Do the Panthers go through the draft, or go free agency? </p> <p>Also, #HeyJoe questions about the Carolina Hurricanes broadcasts with Bally Sports having issues, social media evolution, and more. </p>

<p>The conversation about the Carolina Panthers' head coaching hire is just as much about Steve Wilks not getting the job than it is Frank Reich getting it. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out how this doesn't happen often, but state why the conversation is taking place.</p> <p>Also, Ovies & Giglio discuss the passing of long-time play-by-play voice Billy Packer, who called many of the biggest games and moments in ACC basketball history.</p>

<p>During What's Trending, the conversation about Frank Reich being hired by the Carolina Panthers continued, including a discussion about what this means for interim head coach Steve Wilks. Joe Ovies points out that Wilks, Brian Flores, and others who have continued lawsuits out against the NFL regarding coaching hires, will continue to monitor the lack of diversity hiring in the NFL. </p>

<p>The first NFL head coaching hire of the offseason has been made, and it's the Carolina Panthers hiring Frank Reich. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports joined Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio to break down the hire, and why it was good to not go after Sean Payton.</p> <p>Jeremy Markovich of the NC Rabbit Hole Newsletter shared with Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio how there was almost a nuclear disaster in Goldsboro, NC in 1961. Markovich tells the story of the person who diffused nuclear bombs that accidentally dropped out of a plane.</p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes color analyst Tripp Tracy shared his thoughts on the Carolina Hurricanes' goalie situation after starter Frederik Andersen left yesterday's game against the Dallas Stars with an injury. Tracy said that rookie Pyotr Kochetkov is waiting in the wings in Chicago. </p> <p>Also, fans weigh in on the hiring of Frank Reich by the Carolina Panthers as head coach. </p>

<p>Frank Reich has been hired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Joe Ovies points out that the Panthers have a strong nucleus for Reich to build upon, but that QB is still the position that needs to be solidified.</p> <p>The Carolina Hurricanes reveal their Stadium Series Jersey! Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio weigh in on the jerseys for the both Canes and the Washington Capitals.</p>

<p>During What's Trending, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio shared their thoughts on the Carolina Panthers coaching search as a second round of interviews are taking place. They point out how Sean Payton may not coach this season, and wonder what that will mean for Steve Wilks. Also, Scott Rolen was selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame without much fanfare. Plus, the conversation continues about ACC basketball officials. </p>

<p>Wes Durham of ESPN and the ACC Network pointed out how the formula for NET rankings in college basketball has never been explained, and that metrics are constantly changing. Durham also tells Ovies & Giglio that NET rankings are churned out too early in the season with no guidance as to what goes into them.</p> <p>Wes Durham of the ACC Network & ESPN shares his thoughts on ACC officials with Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio, and points out how the ACC is consistently the highest rated conference in terms of officiating. Durham also understands the heat the officials are taking, and how the flow of the game comes to a halt in the last two minutes of a game.</p> <p>In a New York Times article, UNC athletics and star basketball player Armando Bacot was the central figure when pointing out how NIL deals for some athletes are more lucrative than others, and how that may not be fair to other athletes. Matt Brown of the Extra Points Newsletter points out this is how NIL deals work, and that this money is private. Brown, Ovies & Giglio also point out how athletes of niche sports have the opportunity to make money that they didn't before.</p>

<p>During #HeyJoe, questions were asked by listeners about the lack of consistency from ACC basketball officials, and how it's universally hated by all fanbases.</p> <p>Also, Joe Ovies tells Joe Giglio that he loves the pettiness and beefing in golf between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed.</p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out the large and inconsistent discrepancy in officiating from game to game in ACC basketball, and how it impacted the game between UNC & Syracuse. Plus, Ovies & Giglio state that replay is overused late in games and slows the flow of the game.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers have been conducting a second round of interviews with multiple candidates, including interim head coach Steve Wilks, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out who the leading candidate might be.</p>

<p>During What's Trending, lots of NFL discussions, including the Carolina Panthers starting a 2nd-round of interviews with some of the candidates they're already considering. Plus, Tom Brady snaps back at Jim Gray on Brady's 'Let's Go Podcast' when asked about his future. Plus, conversations about Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow ahead of the AFC Championship game.</p> <p>Plus, discussions about NC State vs Notre Dame, UNC at Syracuse, and Duke's loss to Virginia Tech in basketball. </p>

<p>After a tweet during the UNC-NC State basketball game, Joe Giglio has taken a lot of heat from UNC Basketball fans. The OG read some of those mean tweets from fans as Giglio explains the meaning behind the tweet.</p> <p>Also, Jordan Cornette of the ACC Network helped preview UNC at Syracuse, and NC State vs Notre Dame, and shares how many teams he thinks will make the NCAA Tournament from the ACC. </p>

<p>Pete Nakos, College Sports Business Reporter for On3.com, discussed NIL deals for college athletes, and if NIL collectives are sustainable. Plus, Nakos says it's hard to truly track the money because there's no public record.</p> <p>Also, answering #HeyJoe questions from fans, including questions about ACC basketball officiating, NC State vs Notre Dame, and UNC vs Syracuse.</p>

<p>Duke suffered a close road loss to Virginia Tech. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out that Duke is still a NCAA Tournament team, but differ on how far they can go. Giglio says the young talent for Duke has delivered, but Ovies says the defense for the Blue Devils will keep them in games.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers are continuing to interview potential head coaches, including Sean Payton and Kellen Moore. Does this mean Steve Wilks isn't the guy for the job? </p>

<p>During What's Trending, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio break down the NFL divisional round of the playoffs, including how poorly Mike McCarthy continues to mismanage late game situations, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals controlled the Buffalo Bills. </p> <p>Also, Ovies & Giglio talk the latest regarding the Carolina Panthers and their coaching search.</p> <p>Plus, more on NC State vs UNC basketball. </p>

<p>UNC Basketball beat NC State basketball Saturday evening, and the flow of the game with officiating had NC State fans upset with the discrepancy of calls. Joe Giglio & Joe Ovies opened up the phone lines to allow callers to gripe. </p> <p>Also, Ovies & Giglio weighed in on the NFL Divisional Playoff round, and how the Cowboys continue to mess it up for themselves, and how Joe Burrow continues to be 'the dude.'</p>

<p>There was a contrast in officiating between Duke vs Miami, and UNC vs NC State. Longtime basketball official Steve Schwartz gave a breakdown to Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio on the the mindset of officials heading into games.</p> <p>Also, answering #HeyJoe questions from fans. </p>

<p>UNC basketball earned a big home win over NC State. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio break down the win by the Tar Heels, and how the injury to Terquavion Smith will impact the Wolfpack moving forward.</p> <p>Also, the NFL Divisional Round produced predictable results with the Dallas Cowboys. The question is if Mike McCarthy will keep his job as head coach, or will Jerry Jones choose to make a change.</p>

<p>The NFL Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs kicks off this weekend, and there are questions surround the Dallas Cowboys and if they're built to truly win in the playoffs, or will Brock Purdy continue his hot streak for the San Francisco 49ers? Plus, how will Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' injured shoulder hold up.</p> <p>Plus, the big matchup in the AFC features the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. Will Josh Allen avoid the turnovers, and how will the Bengals protect Joe Burrow without several starters on the offensive line?</p> <p>Also, conversations about NC State at UNC, and UNC women's basketball getting their third straight ranked win, this time over Duke after having beat NC State & Notre Dame recently. </p>

<p>Bomani Jones of ESPN & HBO shares his thoughts on the upcoming Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, and what to expect from the weekend. Jones also weighs in potential NFL coaching candidates, and how former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is clearly the hot commodity, but points out how Steve Wilks should be given the job in Carolina based on the lack of QB talent he had to work with while cleaning up another coach's mess.</p> <p>Jones also shares his thoughts on how NIL money from collectives may not be as much as some people wish it to be, and how NIL deals could fall through because that's the nature of business. </p> <p>Also, discussions about Carolina vs NC State, and how the Carolina Hurricanes should handle the loss of Max Pacioretty. </p>

<p>Former NC State kicker, and Lou Groza Award winner for nation's best kicker, Marc Primanti shared this thoughts on Cowboys kicker Brett Mahar missing four PATs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and how kickers mentally fight through struggles.</p> <p>Also, discussions about the Carolina Hurricanes and the trade deadline with the injury to Max Pacioretty. </p>

<p>Joel Berry, former UNC basketball star and now with the ACC Network, gave his breakdown of the upcoming matchup between UNC basketball and NC State basketball. UNC basketball is also recognizing their 1993 Championship team at the game.</p> <p>After the injury to Max Pacioretty, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio say that it necessitate the Carolina Hurricanes making an aggressive move before the trade deadline, and that the team needs to take advantage of their window.</p>

<p>During What's Trending, Joe Giglio explains to Joe Ovies about how the ACC is getting rid of 'block seating' for the ACC Tournament this year, and Giglio is confused as to why they ACC is making the move when it seems that it didn't need to be made. Also, conversations about NIL, the Carolina Hurricanes, NFL, and more in What's Trending. </p>

<p>Brooke Pryor of ESPN shared her thoughts on the NFL season and potential coaching hires, and why teams have been waiting to interview Sean Payton before making their decision about head coach. Also, several coordinator positions have come open recently, but not the Pittsburgh Steelers with offensive coordinator Matt Canada.</p> <p>Jeremy Markovich of the NC Rabbit Hole described the crazy scene from earlier this week in Boone, NC where police were led on a chase by a man on a John Deere tractor that reached 20 mph.</p>

<p>Rumors continue to circulate about the Carolina Hurricanes being interested in Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat. Tripp Tracy, Canes color analyst, shared his thoughts on the Hurricanes potentially pursuing a trade, what are possible trade needs, and how there's still time to determine if there is a need. Also, Tracy shares his thoughts on goalie Pyotr Kochetkov being sent down to Chicago. </p>

<p>Joe Ovies points out the hypocrisy of college & universities when it comes to athletes on NIL deals, and how schools & conferences want to continue to control athletes.</p> <p>Joe Ovies tells Joe Giglio why the San Francisco 49ers will win the Super Bowl, and it's because former Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule will take credit for the success of Christian McCaffrey with the 49ers. Giglio also tries to warn #nebraska football fans about Matt Rhule.</p>

<p>Both NC State & UNC basketball earned wins on Tuesday in ACC play, setting up for a big matchup in Chapel Hill on Saturday. Who needs the win more? </p> <p>Also, discussions in the NFL, including potential QB moves this offseason. </p> <p>Plus, Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman will be playing several familiar opponents this upcoming season as Notre Dame released its football schedule for 2023, which includes trips to NC State & Duke, and matchups against Clemson, PITT, and his former school, Wake Forest. </p>

<p>On a podcast with former UNC basketball player Theo Pinson, NBA guard John Wall spoke about his recruiting visit to North Carolina, and said he had a negative interaction with UNC star Tyler Hansbrough, and that's the reason why he decided to go to Kentucky instead of staying local and going to UNC.</p> <p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio were also joined by Wes Durham of the ACC Network & ESPN to break down this Saturday's matchup between UNC & NC State basketball. </p>

<p>Vashti Hurt of Carolina Blitz gave insights on the Carolina Panthers head coaching search, and how we haven't heard much about Steve Wilks and his interview since his interview last week.</p> <p>Also, Notre Dame football announced their schedule for 2023, and it includes the dates for when the Fighting Irish visit NC State football and Duke football. </p>

<p>Both UNC basketball & NC State basketball both earned wins on Tuesday night, setting up for a big matchup between the two schools on Saturday in Chapel Hill.</p> <p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out that Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper still continues to chase names when it comes to the next head coach. Ovies points out that Tepper clearly has a type. and is trying to have a make a big, splashy move when it comes to the team.</p>

<p>It has been reported that the Carolina Panthers are set to interview former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton for their head coaching vacancy. Ovies & Giglio discuss potential coaching candidates, and how the team can be successful with interim head coach Steve Wilks. </p> <p>Also, more conversations about NFL Super Wild Card weekend. Also, Justin Crouch, GM of Appalachian Mountain Brewing joined the show to share how they've worked with Bojangles to develop a Hard Iced Tea.</p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio said they were surprised at the high level of play of New York Giants QB Daniel Jones, and feel Jones proved himself that he's capable of being a top player in the league. </p> <p>Also during What's Trending, Ovies & Giglio discuss the Carolina Hurricanes sending rookie Pyotr Kochetkov down to Chicago of the AHL after the return of Freddie Andersen, and if Kochetkov could still be the No. 1 goalie in the playoffs. </p> <p>Plus, conversations about Super Wild Card Weekend in the NFL Playoffs, NC State basketball, and more.</p>

<p>During #HeyJoe, a question was brought up to Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio about NC State basketball and head coach Kevin Keatts. With three consecutive wins, is NC State basketball good? Also, further conversations about UNC basketball and Duke basketball as we approach the latter part of the college basketball season.</p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss Super Wild Card weekend in the NFL, including the Dallas Cowboys blowing out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While there's speculation on Tom Brady's future, Ovies & Giglio believe that Brady doesn't want to go out one a loss like that one.</p>

<p>During What's Trending, Durham Bulls VP of Baseball Operations Mike Birling joined the show to explain how robot umpires will be used in Triple-A baseball this coming season as a way to improve the speed of the game, which would ultimately benefit crowds.</p> <p>Also, Brian Murphy of WRAL provided the latest regarding sports gambling and the State of North Carolina, and how sports teams and venues will be looking to have their own licenses. </p> <p>Plus, looking ahead to the NFL Wildcard Weekend. </p>

<p>Bomani Jones of ESPN and HBO's Game Theory joined Joe Giglio to break down the NFL Wild Card weekend, and he said that there aren't many compelling matchups, and that the Tampa Bay Bucs vs Dallas Cowboys is the most intriguing game.</p> <p>Bomani also weighed in on Lamar Jackson's knee injury and if this appears to be the end of his tenure in Baltimore.</p> <p>Plus, comedian JB Smoove stopped by ahead of his show in Durham, NC on Jan. 21st.</p>