Until Saturday: A show about college football

The Athletic's Michigan beat writer Austin Meek joins Andy to kick off The Athletic's 'State of the Program' series. For the full series click this link: https://theathletic.com/tag/cfb-state-of-the-program-2021/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesWhen are we going to get a Lenny & Cookie collab? Can I produce/edit that podcast instead? Well, I suppose I should stop being barking mad and tell you about today's show with ESPN's NFL analyst, Mina Kimes. Titular host of the 'Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny' and Andy navigate the NFL draft's most talked-about headlines, including who will pick Kyle Pitts (5:15); is Mac Jones destined for San Francisco (6:30); is Jones' evaluation similar to Herbert/Allen who were slept on in their respective drafts (11:15); is Justin Fields to Atlanta a dream scenario for both parties (15:15); sample size and Zach Wilson, and questionable quarterback narratives (19:30). Mina and Andy also discuss where Penei Sewell will go, Trevor Lawrence's wedding registry (and his recent comments), and the duo deliver their favorite players in the draft (26:00).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Mina Kimes on Twitter: @minakimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Max Olson joins Nicole Auerbach to discuss spring game takeaways. Bryce Young is poised to be Alabama's next star QB. Ohio State & LSU both had QB competitions on display. What can we expect from Bo Nix under new Auburn Head Coach Bryan Harsin. Is Georgia the team to beat in the SEC East with JT Daniels? Plus, last call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesAndy and Ari impart wisdom to the 'what now?' programs, schools that need to institute a different approach to recruiting, training, etc., in college football. What change in tactics should clubs like Nebraska, Tennessee, LSU, Arizona, and more employ to further their positions? The guys also rank their five most favorite Death Row Records albums.Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Run or pass to start a drive? Punting in plus territory? How should you make defensive substitutions? ESPN's Bill Connelly dives into advanced analytics that have changed the game & underscored when and where coaches are making the wrong decisions. Plus, how does ESPN's Football Power Index actually work compared to Bill's SP+ rankings? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesWhere to start...well, I suppose it's best to begin by introducing today's guest: he's co-host of the Shutdown Fullcast, member of MoonCrewLLC, Sinful Seven storyteller, Thinking Out Loud mainstay, and bewhiskered man, BUM CHILLUPS AKA Spencer Hall. Andy and Spence take a no-seatbelt, safety-harness-absent roller coaster ride through college football, covering Andy's recent play-calling adventure at FSU, the evolution of college football, including the implementation of NIL, Spencer's 2021 EDSBS Charity Bowl, the NFL vs. college football, shoe throws, Twitch and YouTube streams, and much, much more.Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Spencer on Twitter: @edsbs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach & Chantel Jennings wrap the Women's NCAA Tournament and preview the upcoming WNBA draft. A sport that was once dominated UConn is showing more parity because talented players are now going to schools from coast-to-coast. The 2021 tournament was overshadowed by gender inequality issues and the NCAA is now under the microscope and needs to be held accountable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theatheltic.com/andystaplesOne of the, if not the, hottest names on the playcalling coaching market, Andy Staples, details his experience coaching at Florida State's spring game. He and Ari breakdown Andy's approach to coaching, his biggest takeaways, and Florida State's 2021 outlook (4:00). What?! Ari's 'stars matter' legacy will live on? Ari and his fiancée are expecting a future college football-loving baby, and Andy dispenses some fatherly advice to the soon-to-be dad #Hotnready (25:30) Lastly, in honor of being so preoccupied with raising a child that you forget to eat, the guys rank quick, eleventh-hour frozen snacks you'd find in your local grocer's freezer section (38:00).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Dochterman ranks the 40 coaching hires in the Big Ten since 1999. The conference today has been shaped by these decisions over the last 22 years. Former great Wisconsin Head Coach Barry Alvarez announced his retirement as Badgers AD this week. He made three of the hires: Paul Chryst, Bret Bielema and Gary Anderson. Urban Meyer shaped the conference when he became the Head Coach of Ohio State. Plus, Barry Alvarez had a phenomenal career and his success as both a Head Coach and AD is one of the best jobs of establishing a program identity in the history of the sport. To read Scott's full story subscribe to The Athletic: www.theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesAndy is taking a well-deserved break from the Pac-12 commissioner campaign trail to coach Florida State's spring game! And, who better to join him than trick play aficionado, punter extraordinaire, and ESPN reporter, Andrea Adelson!? The co-coaches discuss which schemes and trick plays they will install (:45). Andrea grabs our ears with her story about punting for Florida and Steve Spurrier (7:30). The duo examine the state of FSU's program (16:30), including the athletic director's responsibilities (20:00); the transfer rule's impact (23:15); Norvell's regime (26:30); the quarterback room (29:30); competition and the Seminoles' brutal schedule (34:00).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Andrea on Twitter: @aadelsonESPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole Auerbach & Chris Spatola discuss Baylor's NCAA Tournament run to its first National Championship. 18 years after Scott Drew was hired at Baylor & famously said his goal was to win a National Championship the job is finally done. What happened to Gonzaga? After a 31-0 start to the season the Bulldogs couldn'[t get over the final hurdle. In fact, they didn't even get close. Nicole & Chris put both teams' season into perspective & give their last calls! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesYou asked and Andy and Ari answered! The guys pull from their mailbags in today's podcast and provide context, insight, and answers to your questions. Chiefly, is there really parity and inclusivity in college basketball? For example, despite Gonzaga's miraculous run, how many other mid-major programs have competed for a national championship (2:00)? Andy and Ari deliberate CBB's congruency, and could college football better its parity by expanding to an eight-team playoff? Who are some underrated draft-eligible quarterbacks to keep an eye out for next season (24:00). If programs were more staunch protectors of their recruiting borders, how would the college football landscape be affected (34:30)? Lastly, Andy and Ari rank their top-5 favorite vacation spots (44:45).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is joined by The Athletic's USC beat writer Antonio Morales to discuss his recent piece on USC QB Kedon Slovis. After a sophomore slump, can Slovis get back on track and lead the Trojans to a Pac-12 title? Clay Helton might need to win that trophy in 2021 to save his job. Plus, Andy & Antonio whip around the rest of the Pac-12. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole Auerbach & Michael Yam break down the 2021 Final Four. UCLA & Mick Cronin are on an unbelievable run that started in the First Four with a win vs. Michigan State. If this Gonzaga team was wearing a Kentucky or Duke uniform would people be calling them the best team ever? The 2021 NCAA Tournament will be one to remember. Houston is back in the Final Four for the 1st time since 1984. The Cougs will play Baylor in an all-Texas semi-final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesAndy sits down with Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence to discuss NIL and the earning power of athlete endorsements. The two review Opendorse's list of college basketball players with the largest social media following in the Elite 8 that stand to significantly profit when NIL takes effect. Plus, the pair look at names in college football, like Michael Penix Jr., who could earn advertisement revenue from big on-field moments (4:30).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Blake Lawrence on Twitter: @Blake_Lawrence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesAndy and Ari return in another ranking spectacular to order the top-10 Group of Five jobs. What? A disagreement right off the bat?! Why does Ari believe this Texas school is better than UCF (1:15)? Just how favorable do the guys think of the Bearcats (8:45)? Where does the program with the blue field land on the guys' list (9:45)? Who will crack the top-5: SMU or Appalachian State (17:00)? Which American conference club resides just outside the top-5's doorstep in Ari's eyes (20:00)? Is there a case to be made for Temple in the top-10, and who doesn't want to live in San Diego (22:00)? Should USF invest in new or upgraded facilities, could they be a top-10 G5 club (28:15)? Which universities just made the cut (30:30)? Andy and Ari serve up their honorable mentions and ponder which Pac-12 teams actually have more talent than the G5's best schools (35:30). The gents end their discourse by admiring the G5's entertainment value (42:00). In a new random ranking, the duo lists their top-5 television comedy series (52:30).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is joined by The Athletic's Seth Emerson who penned a piece titled 'An earthquake, a Twitter storm and a reluctant hero: Inside the 72 hours that saved the 2020 college football season'.Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1 a month for 6 months: www.theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathltic.com/andystaplesAndy welcomes the newest addition to The Athletic family, Sam Khan Jr., to the show! As The Athletic's 'Texpert', Sam's responsible for knowing all things Texas (which includes BBQ, which we'll get into later), so from his Lone Star satellite, what can he see happening with Steve Sarkisian in Austin (4:00)? What's is the first question the Longhorns must address this Spring? How will Sark use Bijan Robinson, and was Sam surprised by Tom Herman's departure (5:30)? Could Texas A&M and Jimbo Fisher compete for the SEC West championship belt this year (9:30)? Who's job is it to lose under center: Haynes King or Zach Calzada? #FreeCM4 (18:45)! Will Chandler Morris be eligible to play under Gary Patterson, or will Lincoln Riley refuse to release him? What's the next step for Baylor (21:45)? Will the Air Raid restore glory to Texas Tech (24:15)? Plus, Andy and Sam discuss their favorite Texas BBQ (27:00)!Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Sam Khan Jr. on Twitter: @skhanjr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach is joined by Fox Sports' Mark Titus to recap the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The Big Ten underperformed & Michigan is the only team that made the Sweet 16. What went wrong & when will the conference finally win a National Championship? Can Michigan pull it off this season? Gonzaga looks to be the clear favorite after the first weekend of play. Is this Mark Few's best team ever? Loyola-Chicago is once again going on a run but the committee didn't seed them properly. The Pac-12 has 4 teams in the Sweet 16. Final Four reset picks. Last call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy and Ari have ranked the best of the best jobs in all Power 5 conferences, now it's time to prescribe the worst of the worst. Even though they face stiff competition in the SEC, why is Vanderbilt Ari's best of the worst (8:00)? Can Bret Bielema turn Illinois from a Big Ten basement dweller to a top-3 team in the West division (13:45)? Which program that recently parted with its head coach surprised both Andy and Ari because of how sought after the vacancy is (19:30)? Which coach among the bottom-5 deserves consideration for Coach of the Year every year (26:00)? Why is Corvallis such an arduous place to establish a winning program (29:45)? As the vanguard in the 'Stars Matter Force', Ari understands the composition of successful teams. That's why this weekend, he made a lifetime commitment to his first, and last, 5-star recruit...his future wife! Andy congratulates Ari on his engagement and, subsequently, out-kicking his coverage, before imparting some martial advice (32:15). Lastly, the duo ranks their top-5 drama series (35:45).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesAndy and analytically inspired head football coach of Pulaski Academy Kevin Kelley joins the podcast! Andy and coach Kelley cover the basics of Pulaski's philosophy, including (almost) never punting and attempting two-point conversions every score (1:00). The psychology of Pulaski's approach is nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with its analytically-driven gameplans (2:15). What inefficiencies does coach Kelley seek to exploit each game (6:15), and how do they affect opposing teams' psychology (10:30)? What changes to his approach would he make at the collegiate level (13:30)? Kelley describes his relationship with New England Patriots head football coach, Bill Belichick, and discusses what he's gleaned from the coach's game preparation (15:30). How will Pulaski graduate and recent Patriot signee, Hunter Henry, be used in coach Belichick's 12-personnel scheme (21:00)? How have positional considerations changed over the years (23:15)? And, ALL HE WANTS IS $90K A WIN, KANSAS, MAKE IT HAPPEN (28:15).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Kevin Kelley on Twitter: @coachkelley1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month!: Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesIn honor of the 50th anniversary of the 'Game of the Century' between Nebraska and Oklahoma, the Cornhuskers and Sooners are scheduled to square off this season. However, Nebraska tried to avoid the matchup earlier this month, though they've since reaffirmed their commitment to the contest. Why did Scott Frost's unit try to duck OU? Mitch Sherman joins Andy to dissect the controversy (1:00). What were fans', and the guys', initial reactions when reports surfaced (8:00)? If Big Red had remained steadfast in their retreat, would that have been an admission that this team is not competitive (14:00)? Could fans have responded by ended the sellout streak (18:30), and what are fair expectations this year (21:00)? Lastly, the guys chat Frost's job security and how his squad's trajectory his year (23:30).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Mitch on Twitter: @mitchsherman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole is joined by former Nebraska Coach & current BTN analyst Tim Miles to preview the 2021 NCAA Tournament. The committee rewarded mid-majors while Michigan State & UCLA will play in the first four. Gonzaga is the #1 seed in the West and looks like a lock to make the final four. Baylor is the #1 seed in the more competitive South Region. Will #12 Winthrop beat #5 Villanova? Will 2 Big Ten teams make the Final Four? Michigan is without star player Isaiah Livers. Coach Miles has 2-seed Alabama in the Final Four. The 2021 Tournament will have a ton of upsets but expect #1 overall seed Gonzaga to win it all. Last call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaplesNoted ranking sorcerers and bracketologists Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman educate you on this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament...even though they don't know anything about this season's participants. Which team will win it all because of their mascot's unparalleled brilliance and meat-serving capacity (4:45)? Are we on the Illinois bandwagon (10:15)? Vaulting from one Big Ten school to another, how will Michigan fair this season, and what about LSU, and what about their football programs (16:30)?! Could we see a Louisville v. Rick Pitino matchup (27:00)? Plus, Bridgerton talk before we share our uninformed Final Four picks (35:15).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before being joined by Oklahoma University head football coach Lincoln Riley, Andy reacts to a deluge of news, including Texas and the "Eyes of Texas" controversy; Jeff Long out as KU's AD, and Michigan State and NIL (:15). Riley and Andy begin by discussing his recruiting strategy as well as dipping into the transfer portal and the 1-time transfer rule (10:15). Riley speaks on DC Alex Grinch's contributions and the Sooners' defensive improvement (18:30). The two also confabulate over Spencer Rattler's development, and what characteristics does Riley look for in a quarterback (24:30)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Lincoln Riley on Twitter: @LincolnRileyJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy and The Athletic's Matt Fortuna react to Kansas and Les Miles parting ways following reports of alleged sexual harassment of female employees while Miles was at LSU. Is Jeff Long's firing soon to follow? Where do the Jayhawks go from here? The guys highlight candidates for KU's vacancy, and Andy proposes an unconventional, though potentially effective, solution in Kevin Kelley.Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Matt on Twitter: @Matt_FortunaJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach welcomes Big Ten Network and ESPN college basketball analyst Robbie Hummel to the show! As we enter the most exciting time of the college hoops season, Nicole and Robbie discuss the importance of conference tournaments, teams to trust, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy and Ari cap their weekly series of ranking Power-5 jobs based on a 5-year projection by honing in on the Big 12 and Pac-12. Wait, there's controversy right from the jump? Which Power-5 job is more fecundatory, Texas or Oklahoma (2:15)? As challenging ranking the top-two spots were, positions three through five is a monolithic undertaking (13:30). Where does Iowa State fall after its impressive year (17:00)? Kansas State has a blueprint to success (21:30). Which program has impressed both guys' thoroughly, however, they aren't keen on its continued/future success (25:30)? Lastly, Andy and Ari discuss KU's stretch of lackluster performance and the Les Miles scandal (31:00). The duo then ranks the top Pac-12 positions, starting with USC (34:00). Which two Pac-12 programs have developed a reputation for being "cool" (37:00)? Arizona State should be far better than where they are currently (47:45). Which school skyrockets up Andy's rankings mid-discussion (56:30)? Which school checks in last (1:10:00)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWassermanJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theatheltic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy welcomes Coastal Carolina University head football coach Jamey Chadwell to the show! The two chat about CCU's spring practices, and the cadre of veterans on this year's team (:30). Has playing in primetime and against household-named opponents help the Chanticleers' reputation (2:00)? Chadwell then shares his story of becoming CCU's head coach (5:00). The duo discusses the minutia of Coastal Carolina's option offense and Grayson McCall's 2020 campaign (8:00). Was there any doubt CCU would beat Troy? Chadwell breaks down the Chanticleers' last-minute, game-winning drive against the Trojans (16:30). Lastly, CCU's steward reflects on the lead-up to the BYU contest, and he and Andy kibbitz about Sonny's BBQ (19:30).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Jamey Chadwell on Twitter: @CoachChadwellJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy and the latest candidate for "Dad of the Year" (who are we kidding, he's a shoo-in), Max Olson, discuss 2020 FBS stop rate standings. Which units topped college football in stopped drives percentage and why wasn't it Alabama (3:45)? Oklahoma is gradually building its defense into a top-tier clamp-down squadron (7:45). The Sooners weren't the only Big 12 school to frustrate offenses (13:30). What factors contributed to Iowa being the nation's best stop rate team (18:00)? Can LSU right last year's wrongs (20:30), and Mississippi State and Ole Miss are two intriguing SEC teams that, when/if their defenses improve, could cause problems (25:00). Amid the late-night diaper changes and feedings, you have to find a way to distract yourself. Max found that time-eater in "Billions". He and Andy rank their favorite characters from the series, plus, when Max's boy turns six, he'll be hearing a lot of Clancy Brown, that ol' salty dog (31:15).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Max on Twitter: @max_olsonJoin The Atheltic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach welcomes Fox Sports' Adam Amin to the show! The two Chicagoans have survived the winter & are looking forward to the NCAA Tournament later this month. A college basketball season without fans has been...weird. Luckily, the tournament will have 25% capacity. Michigan, Gonzaga, Baylor & Illinois all have the pieces to potentially win a title. Plus, what has the transition from calling CFB to NFL games been like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Monday so be prepared to hear Ari Wasserman rank things, and, in this case, "things" are the SEC's jobs. All right, I guess I can probably begin this show description by listing off 2-14 because No. 1 is a no-brainer...wait...Alabama isn't the best gig in the conference (1:00)? Alabama isn't in Ari's top-2 (6:30)? Where does Florida check-in (15:30)? Which job is more desirable: Kentucky or Auburn (23:15)? What omen of ill-fortune has befallen College Station (28:15)? Controversy alert in Rocky Top! Tennesee twitter, weight in (34:30)! Could Ole Miss scrape their way out of the bottom five soon (44:30)? After skimming over programs 11-14, Andy and Ari rank their top eats at 2 AM from a list comprised of Taco Bell, gas station hot dogs or pizza, Crystal or White Castle burgers, and three bags of pizza-flavored Combos (51:45). To wrap things up, Andy regales us with the best Cinnabon story ever (59:00).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWassermanJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy welcomes University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive lineman and NFL hopeful Quinn Meinerz to the show. Meinerz walks Andy through the process of his upcoming Pro Day. What is the procedure for a Pro Day amidst a pandemic (1:30)? Meinerz reflects on his time at UW-Whitewater and how it shaped him into the player he is today, plus, what was it like participating in the Senior Bowl and never having snapped a football in a live setting until then (2:15)? CANADA WORKOUT Youtube video...that's all I gotta say (7:30). Having trained and practiced alongside one of his peers, Rashawn Slater, an early-round NFL prospect himself, what did Meinerz learn from that experience (9:45)? What were Senior Bowl practices like and who was his favorite player to play against (13:30)? So, Meinerz broke his hand and still wanted to play/start in the Senior Bowl...hardcore. Plus, what's his response to "how much do you love football"? A question routinely posed by scouts and coaches during the interview process (19:00)? Did Meinerz work during college? How has wrestling shaped his football career, and what's with the "Belly of the Beast" (20:15)? Lastly, what has a wider reach on social media done for Meinerz's chance to give back, and did he ever, in his wildest dreams, believe he'd be an NFL player (29:00)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Quinn Meinerz on Twitter: @QMeinerzJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indiana University head football coach Tom Allen joins Andy to discuss an array of topics, including recruitment and what traits, characteristics he seeks in a potential Hoosier (1:00). Allen then describes his club's mantra L.E.O. (Love each other), and how his players have embraced this philosophy (3:30). Through all Allen's travels, positions, expectations, etc. how has he remained true to himself (8:30)? What was it like working for Hugh Freeze (12:00)? How will Indiana respond now that there are expectations for them to perform well (19:00)? Plus, what went into the 2-point attempt, and subsequent conversion, against Penn State, and what's next (20:00)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Tom Allen on Twitter: @CoachAllenIU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you thought a global pandemic meant college football's drunken sailors (ADs) would stop spending absurd amounts of money on football coaches you were wrong. Nicole & The Athletic's Chris Vannini unpack the Tennessee situation as well as others across the country where money seems to be growing on trees. Plus, Deion Sanders' Jackson State career starts with drama & 'Selection Sunday' is less than three weeks away. Last call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another rank-filled edition of The Andy Staples Show and Friends, Andy and Ari order the Big Ten's jobs based on a 5-year projection. Sure, number one is obvious (rhymes with Toehio Fate), but what about the guys' second-best job in the conference, and why is it Wisconsin (3:45)? Will Penn or Michigan round out the top-3 (9:00)? Is Lansing an attractive enough location to put Michigan State in the top-5 (16:00)? Which school would win a national title if Nick Saban or Dabo Swinney coached there (22:30)? Who should be ranked 7th; Minnesota or Rutgers (29:30)? OK, let's talk about Nebraska (39:30). Plus, our bottom three (47:45). Andy tasks Ari with ranking Chili's, Applebee's, P.F. Chang's, Outback Steakhouse, and Olive Garden while also considering he has a $50 gift certificate (53:15). Lastly, we further explore the inner workings of Ari's mind as he dispenses life advice, gambling style (1:03:30).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWassermanJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy welcomes on former Florida State and National Championship fullback, Freddie Stevenson, who persevered through poverty, homelessness, a near career-ending injury, and more to achieve his NFL dreams, and, ultimately, finding his true calling in life.Rundown:(2:00) Childhood(4:30) A dollar in mom's pocket(8:00) Career-threatening injury; Florida State(14:15) Fullback?!(16:30) The NFL(19:00) Out of the league and in trouble(24:30) Connecting with others and dad's guidanceFollow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Freddie Stevenson on Twitter: @strugglemade105Own your own copy of Freddie's book now!: https://amzn.to/2ZvMmtCJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy welcomes University of Oregon head football coach Mario Cristobal to the show! Cristobal explains his and his staff's process when evaluating offensive linemen (1:00). What traits does he look for in a lineman? And has the current, and presumed future, success of former Duck offensive lineman, Penei Sewell, help in recruiting? What does recruiting the 2022 class look like (5:30)? Will there be an even greater onus on virtual recruitment? How have competitive practices shaped the Ducks (10:15)? How does Oregon's quarterback room look, and what qualities do the coaching staff seek in their signal callers (13:30)? Cristobal discusses his relationship with offensive line coach Alex Mirabal and his mentorship of the Ducks' front five (18:30). Plus, for coaching candidates, how does a typical coaching interview with Cristobal go (20:15), and Cristobal was nearly an agent for the US Secret Service (24:15)?!Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Mario Cristobal on Twitter: @coach_cristobalJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Jayson Jenks joins Nicole to discuss amateurism & college football. Why do people believe that amateurism is what makes the sport great? Jayson looks back at the history of amateur sports & projects what will change in the future compared to the past. The upcoming Supreme Court decision will have a massive impact on what college football looks like in 2021 and beyond. Will the players get (gasp), paid to play? Get used to this discussion, because it's not going anywhere in a pivotal decade for college football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's no better ranking than an 'Ari Ranking', so that's exactly what Andy, and the aforementioned Ari, are doing. Courtesy reader Tom: Assume all the ACC coaches retire all at once, rank the job openings based on a five-year projection (2:15). So, Clemson's pretty good. Why don't we place them first until we sort out the rest of the rankings? Which Florida school holds an advantage over the other (7:15)? Who's fourth best (14:00)? Why does Ari believe NC State is below Virginia Tech? Andy and Ari deliberate Louisville's position (22:30) before looking at Boston College (27:30), Georgia Tech (31:30), and the rest of the field (34:45). Andy then lists the best and dirtiest professions in the country and asks Ari to rank them (40:00). Why would you want to be an orthodontist (aside from the money)? We don't want our fingers chomped off! What's more boring and stressful than a data scientist? Ari will let you know. Is being a horse inseminator better than being a sewer inspector (50:00)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWasserman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler joins Andy to discuss his Mock Draft 3.0. Now that the draft order is set, Dane projects where college football's top prospects will get drafted. Trevor Lawrence leads a group of potential 1st round QBs & his pro day is on Friday. Dane also accounts for some potential trades that might take place on draft day based on need. Will the Panthers move up for Justin Fields? Where is the value outside of the big-name-can't-miss players? With the Super Bowl in the books, it's officially draft season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy welcomes new South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer to the program. Beamer starts by providing insight into virtual visits, and what's it's like to recruit over Zoom (:30). Beamer discusses his history at South Carolina and what it was like being a part those late-2000, early-2010 teams that featured players like Stephon Gilmore and Alshon Jeffery (3:00). Also, is there an advantage to having coached in Columbia before, and being able to relay those experiences to recruits? Andy then focuses on South Carolina's multiple transfer additions and how those seasoned players will help the Gamecocks in Beamer's first year (12:30). Though still early in his tenure, according to Beamer, what's his squad's offensive identity, and what knowledge gained from his time in Norman can he apply to this team (17:15)? The pair also discuss South Carolina's quarterback room; Beamer making a name for himself and players' ethos (24:30).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Shane Beamer on Twitter: @CoachSBeamerJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole is joined by The Athletic's Andy Bitter to discuss his story on Super Bowl Champion Head Coach Bruce Arians & his roots at Virginia Tech. Arians' successful career on the field can be attributed to his philosophy on life off the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your annual post-Super Bowl reminder: those guys on the field are genetic and physical freaks. Andy and Ari react to the Tom Brady Buccaneers' Super Bowl win over Kansas City. The two take time to zero in on each teams' roster composition, and how players' star rankings factored into the outcome (6:30). There are few discussions with your child more important than that of star rankings, ambitions and odds. Andy recalls his conversation with his kids about pursuing their dreams, but to remember the probability of success and that fallback plans are a must (11:30). Which type of team is more likely to succeed: one loaded with physical freaks with little football sense, or a squad with average athleticism and incredible football knowledge (16:45)? In talking about talent, what made Iowa State's season all the more incredible was accomplishing what they did with few highly-ranked players (30:00). Also, which future, and young, former college coaches gone pro are going to succeed because of their ability to get the most out of their team's talent?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWassermanJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 per month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Earth is healing. EA Sports' college football video game will one day be in our hands, that is now a fact. Andy and The Athletic's Oklahoma Sooners scribe Jason Kersey have longed for the days of Dynasty Mode (2:00). With everyone caught up in the moment, it's important to revisit how we arrived here (4:00). Assuming we snag a PS5, which player during the game's hiatus do we want to play as the most (12:15)? The guys swap their favorite football video game stories (14:15) before chatting about Oklahoma's recent big name transfers (17:00). Arkansas-Arkansas St. is finally coming to Little Rock, and an obituary for the history books is shared (25:00).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Jason on Twitter: @jasonkerseyJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Executive Director of the Reese's Senior Bowl Jim Nagy joins Andy as the two discuss Senior Bowl practices and Saturday's game (1:15). Nagy shares how he and his team managed the number of Covid-19 cases during the week. He also discusses the importance of players being seen in front of scouts and talent evaluators. Who was Nagy's favorite player at the Senior Bowl? *cough* Quinn Meinerz *cough* (4:45). How did Mac Jones fair during the week, and which of his skills stood out to coaches (12:00)? How were participants put in the best situation to succeed by Nagy and other personnel, and how were their skills assessed? (15:45)? Who should we be on the lookout for in 2022, and which player(s) stand to gain the most from their bowl appearance (19:45)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Jim Nagy on Twitter: @JimNagy_SBJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach & Stadium's Michael Felder ask the important question: was it worth it for Tennessee? Since Jeremy Pruitt's firing and Josh Heupel's appointment there has been a mass exodus of players from Rocky Top. Why has the February National Signing Day lost all of its luster? Last call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You ask it, Andy and Ari (might) answer it! In this edition of 'Dear Andy', the guys discuss if program-building experience is a requisite for being a head coach and if Josh Heupel can pull Tennessee up from the depths of the SEC (1:15). Also, where do the Volunteers rank among SEC football programs (15:30)? Can we please stop photoshopping recently hired coaches in their new school's drip before they even step a foot on campus (24:15)? What's the probability Steve Sarkisian flips Quinn Ewers back to Texas (28:30), and how can you possibly judge a coach's ability to run an organization by what he orders at a steakhouse ( but we did it anyways - 33:30)? Segueing seamlessly into this iteration of Random Rankings, what are the guys' favorite steakhouse sides (36:15)?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Ari on Twitter: @AriWassermanJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sound the siren! There's a new head coach in Knoxville! It's, it's...Josh Heupel? Andy reacts to Rocky Top-bound Heupel and what lead to the former UCF head coach's hiring (:15). Andy then welcomes David Ubben, The Athletic's Tennessee Volunteers chronicler, to analyze the Vols' newest coach (4:00). Was Heupel Tennessee's realistic first choice (6:30)? Will Knoxville's newest resident win in the SEC (8:15)? Andy and David list coordinators that could fill Heupel's staff, including a name from a intraconference school (15:00). The Athletic's Group of Five wordsmith Chris Vannini chats with Andy about Heupel's departure from UCF, a move that isn't particularly to fans' chagrin (22:45). The duo discuss the program's AD opening, and why it's so coveted (25:45). What's the potential profile of the Knights' next head coach (28:45), and what sitting coaches could be up for the gig?Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow David on Twitter: @davidubbenFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVanniniJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy and National College Football Insider for The Athletic Bruce Feldman discuss the biggest names and storylines in this year's Senior Bowl. Ex-Georgia and Wake Forest quarterback, Jamie Newman, has a chance to put his talents on display in Mobile (1:45). With all the talent at signal caller in this year's Senior Bowl, how will Newman respond? Could the intrigue and questions surrounding Kylin Hill be answered on Saturday (5:45), and which player would best fit into the Kansas City Chiefs offense right now? The depth of talented defensive tackles in this year's draft is shallow, so who could make a name for themselves in front of NFL scouts this weekend (14:30)? Andy and Bruce converse about which players who opted out this college football season could use a solid outing in Alabama (19:15). Lastly, the duo discusses Tennessee's (still) vacant head coaching position (25:45).Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Bruce on Twitter: @BruceFeldmanCFBJoin The Athletic for just $3.99 a month. Visit: theathletic.com/andystaples Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.