Early Break

It's a Wild Card Wednesday….what's on Bill's mind today? If you're seeking out someone to trust for any type of remodel in your home, call Randy at Deinert Contracting--(402) 417-5204 Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Rhule's podium session, he said that when a team grows up, it realizes it has control over close games and lacks panic as a result He said Nebraska has an excellent roster and the Iowa loss was painful but maybe the pain that the team needed…do you believe things can finally change for the better this year and onward in close games for Nebraska? Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As always, email your questions for Sip, Jake & Bill to earlybreak937@gmail.com or tweet them Also, SONG OF THE DAY (sponsored by Sartor Hamann Jewelers): Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When asked at the podium about why Indiana backed out of a home-and-home with Virginia, the Indiana head coach said, “we figured we'd adopt an SEC scheduling philosophy, and focus on our conference games” He's not hiding from the image of taking away a Power 4 matchup, noting that losses hurt more than wins help right now…so is he wrong? Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rhule said he knew when he took over in 2023 it would take a while to fix Nebraska and now it's “close to fixed”…we'll see if that is evident right away or not Rhule mentioned that he wouldn't have brought Dylan Raiola to Media Days if he wasn't proud of his work and the expectations set upon him, and what he Raiola did last year was really difficult.. Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Final thoughts on Media Days kicking off today for the B1G in Vegas and ACC in Charlotte… Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jake Retzlaff had a good year for BYU last year, but due to a seven-game suspension coming for violation of school rules, he's opted to transfer to Tulane Some thought he'd be a Power 4 QB, but Tulane continues their run of getting good players….watch out for the Green Wave Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cleveland.com had their media poll yesterday include Illinois at No. 4 and Indiana at No. 6…very much so contenders to win the league Last year, both teams were great stories with the Hoosiers making the playoffs and Illinois winning 10 games…what happens this year with expectations and a target on their backs? Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

 The Titans announced yesterday that Levis would undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, as he was battling with the No. 1 overall pick in OTAs for the starting job The timing of the move might surprise people with training camp starting up next week…but it's now the Cam Ward Show in Nashville… Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let's not forget the excitement that went into Raiola's commitment to Nebraska---instant discussion of Nebraska being an upper-half B1G team (which they are projected this year) but hopefully more than that Raiola's still not seen as a top-tier QB in the league, but his hype was top-tier….what do Nebraska fans expect from him this year? Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a Bugaboo Tuesday, but Bill is gone…what's bothering Jake today? Also, SONG OF THE DAY (sponsored by Sartor Hamann Jewelers): Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's also a 3-day event, and we won't see Bill Belichick until Day 3 from Charlotte… Today, commissioner Jim Phillips speaks, and we'll also hear from Miami, SMU, Stanford, Cal and Virginia Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone, so things won't get underway until 1pm our time from Media Days with Tony Petitti kicking things off…then we'll hear from Illinois, Rutgers, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and Ohio State Who is more interesting from Day 1….Ohio State, Illinois or Indiana..if not Nebraska? Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Final thoughts on Scheffler's dominance and a look ahead to Media Day again tomorrow… Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What was the best of the weekend for our listeners in sports, life, etc.? Text us at (402) 464-5685 to tell us… Winner gets a $25 gift certificate to Valentino's Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The “Blue-Chip Ratio” has been around since 2013, and breaks down programs and their recruiting to see if they have what it takes to win it all. 18 teams showed up this year on the list—which indicates those programs have signed more 4 and 5 star recruits than 2 and 3 star recruits over the previous 4 recruiting classes This ratio doesn't factor in the portal, which might change a lot of things going forward—but it's still been right in assessing the potential candidates to the win the CFP Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Everywhere you look that assesses toughest places to play fails to mention Memorial Stadium anymore, which is a good assessment based on how Nebraska has played the last 10 years and the losses they've had at home But if the Huskers do take a leap this year and are in the playoff conversation, it should be a tougher place to play automatically…but will it going forward? What needs to change besides simply winning more games? Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart went undrafted and signed with the Bengals, but has been working out with A&M all offseason and rumors had been going that he was still going to try and return to A&M and play football If he would pursue coming back to A&M, it would require a lawsuit against the collegiate governing body—this of course would be an attempt to get one more year of NIL and hope to get drafted the next year….is that a story in years to come? Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a Football Facts Monday but Bill is gone today…what does Jake have in his place? Also, SONG OF THE DAY (sponsored by Sartor Hamann Jewelers): Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What a difference a couple of months makes: back in early May, people were concerned about Scheffler because he was winless on the season. Then, he went to a small event and blew away the field, won the PGA Championship the next week, and yesterday capped off a dominant win at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush Scheffler was 17-under and won by 4 shots, but it really wasn't that close. He had a 7-shot lead midway through his first 9 holes yesterday… Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Raiola will lead the way for Nebraska with a few other players and Matt Rhule, and it will be interesting to see how confident they talk in Las Vegas vs. being humble and trying to prove things on the field What do you hope to hear from the guys and what do you hope NOT to hear? Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What are the guys up to this weekend?Jake is back on Monday! Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See what Sip and Nick are feeling this week!Don't forget to join the Wall of Fame at Smoking Gun Jerky of Nebraska order now! Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For the first time ever, BIG Media Days is being held in Las Vegas, NV. Which team intrigues the guys most?Who are you most looking forward to talking to?Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Since Bill is out today, Nick is going to take over with an inaugural episode of "Nick's Tricks"What are some over/under win totals that Nick likes this upcoming CFB Season and why?Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dylan lands at #40 in the list of College Football Quarterbacks...are you surprised that he's that low? What are realistic expectations for the sophomore, ahead of a season where he needs to make a significant jump?Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sip fills us in on Friday and how he's "aging gracefully"Plus, a Song of the Day with some Vegas flavor Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As much as each side wants to show how big and bad they are, at some point either the SEC will have to add a ninth conference game or the BIG will have to be willing to play the 5+11 model.Nick brings up the idea of doing both! Every team is required to play a power opponent AND the SEC has to play nine conference games.Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

With all these conversations surrounding revenue sharing and NIL, is a place like Rutgers the safest job in CFB? Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bill's going where?!?!Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fox Sports is in conversations with Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy about potentially joining BIG Noon Kickoff each week and hosting Barstool content on FS1This comes day after Fox Sports announced they had let go of Joy Taylor, Emmanuel Acho, and a couple of Fox Sports personalities AND cancelling three FS1 shows.Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On3's Pete Nakos surveyed 17 different stakeholders around college football—head coaches, administrators, GMs, NIL collectives, and agents---and had them all rank who they believe is spending the most on rosters All 17 “stakeholders” had Texas on their ballot, and there's been reports of anywhere between $25-40 million in spend for this year's team….followed by Texas Tech, who could be as high as $28 million for their team Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cool Parenting Tips ThursdayShow Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After transferring from Boston College, Castellanos spoke a few weeks ago saying Alabama didn't "have Nick Saban to save them"He claims he made the comments to fire up his own team and not cause issues, stating he wanted to fire his time up and build confidence for his 2-10 team of last year.Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

SONG OF THE DAY: Here for a good time - George Strait (2011)Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pryce Sandfort and Kendall Blue spoke to the media on Wednesday and Sip was there... what stood out?How should Nebraska build a rosyer when they're not big NIL spender in comparison to other B1G teams?Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brett McMurphy of On3 reported on Wednesday that the B1G and Tony Petitti will not back off from their stance of CFP ExpansionB1G wants 4 AQ's, while the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 want 5 and 11 at-large bidsWhat type of advantage does the BIG have being able to go last in the media days circuit? Big 12 was two weeks ago, SEC is this week, while the BIG Media Days aren't until next week.Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Day 3 of SEC Media Days today features Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma… Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

SEC Media Day 3 Preview, plus who has the hottest seats in CFB right now?Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Big Ten Media Days is next week in Vegas, and Nebraska goes on Tuesday…is there a pressing question right now that you have for Matt Rhule and his program ahead of Year 3? -f Nebraska went the way of Indiana and refused to play a single marquee non-conference game for playoff purposes, how would that be received by the fans? What's more important…good, intriguing games or easy wins? Jaidyn Doss entered the portal and is getting interest from Kansas State and Kansas…why didn't it work out for him here? Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a Wild Card Wednesday….what's on Bill's mind today? If you're seeking out someone to trust for any type of remodel in your home, call Randy at Deinert Contracting--(402) 417-5204 Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Yesterday, it was reported that Indiana had canceled an upcoming home-and-home series with Virginia in 2027-28…and instead scheduled home games with Kennesaw State (2027), Austin Peay (2028), and Eastern Illinois (2029) For the next 5 years, the Hoosiers now have 9 games scheduled vs. non-AQ teams, 4 games vs. FCS teams, and ZERO Power 4 non-conference games. Curt Cignetti is playing the game and you can get mad at him all you want or realize nothing is stopping him if strength of schedule doesn't matter compared to overall wins for playoff consideration Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As always, email your questions for Sip, Jake & Bill to earlybreak937@gmail.com or tweet them Also, SONG OF THE DAY (sponsored by Sartor Hamann Jewelers):"Gimme Three Steps" - Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On3 put out their list of Top B1G QBs for 2025 and had this in order: Drew Allar, Luke Altmyer, Fernando Mendoza, Nico Iamaleava, Dante Moore, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, Bryce Underwood, Demond Williams, Jr., and Mark Gronowski Ohio State has playoff aspirations and their QB is seen as 7th best in the league…and Michigan expects a good year but QB is unknown for a freshman…are we overlooking the QB position when assessing those specific teams? Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Day 2 featured Texas, Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia at the podium…Kirby Smart discussed that even in today's NIL age, it's still a relationship sale to athletes---not a transaction The Hugh Freeze golf angle was of course addressed throughout the day…what else was said at the podium? Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

MLB All-Star Game tonight…can the Stool commit to watching an inning of it? Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ESPN put out their list from NFL Executives yesterday of the Top 10 QBs in the NFL and had these, in order: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today features Auburn, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee as the featured schools for the SEC… We'll probably have more questions for Hugh Freeze about his golf game from the media…and what's the question for Sark and Texas? How do you get over the hump and is Arch Manning capable of doing that and living up to all the hype on him? Show Sponsored by NEBCOOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

CBS Sports put the NFL coaches into 3 separate tiers, and in Tier 1 were these coaches, in order: Andy Reid, Sean McVay, John Harbaugh, Nick Sirianni, Dan Campbell, Jim Harbaugh, Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O'Connell, Mike Tomlin, Sean Payton, and Sean McDermott Putting the coaches in 3 tiers vs. 7-8 tiers seems easier to assess…is saying there are 12 elite/”cream of the crop” coaches proper for the current league? Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy said yesterday on WJOX Radio in Birmingham that he doesn't think that Saban is officially done coaching, per what connections are telling him Paul Finebaum seemed to think the 73-year-old retired coach is not coming back to coaching…but wouldn't you advise him to stay away if he was? Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a Bugaboo Tuesday…what's bothering Bill today? Also, SONG OF THE DAY (sponsored by Sartor Hamann Jewelers): Show Sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBALOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy