The College Football Chaps

On this episode we are joined by Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde to talk about his sporting memories from years of covering sports.We talk college football, Olympics, horse racing, basketball and NFL in a packed episode. Particularly,Pat's memories of following the Olympics and watching his daughter qualify for the Tokyo gamesthe noise in Jordan Hare on the night of the legendary "Pick Six"watching Christian Laettner in his prime at Duke and how Cooper Flagg compareswhere he was when Jack Nicklaus won his last Masters jacketand we couldn resist the opportunity to ask Pat his thoughts on the current Nico Iamaleava situation at Tennessee and how this impacts on the college game going forward.It's a packed episode!

It's April already and with 143 days to go until the college football season kicks off, the Chaps mull over some of the April Fools Japes circulating college football social media.On this episode we talk,why can't ASU have a maroon field?Coaches Sanders and Saban expand their AFLAC relationship in Colorado?Are Georgia Black Uni's back? And we hope Oregon's pink ones are indeed a joke...Matt Rhule does Strictly with Harper Murray!It's true with "golden" tulips in South Bend, the honeymoon is over & we are back to hating Notre DameIt's not a joke but there's free food in Myrtle Beach!

On this episode, the second in the series of guests favourite sporting memories, ESPN/ SEC network & Marty and McGee's Ryan McGee joins the Chaps to recall some of his memories from over the years covering sports.Hear Ryan talk about,his entry into sports with Johnny Majors at the University of Tennesseebeing taken out by a North Carolina State linebacker aged just 13playing kids end zone footbal wtih Lane KiffinRyan's Rose Bowl memoriessideline reporting on his Dad's final game officiatingScooping up some Fighting Irish dirt!If you love sports anecdotes, this epsiode is not to be missed!

On this epsiode we kick off our new series "Tell me a story" with guests recalling their favourite sporting memories and telling us about the sporting memorabilia that they have accumulated along the way.On this episode, Director of Communications for the Southeastern Conference, Chuck Dunlap tells us about...his love for sports growing up in Mississisppithe story of how he became a New York Mets fanjoining the SEC and the incredible memories of 25 years of SEC sportsa virtual tour of his sporting momentos from his time working in the SEC

On this episode we talk all things UNLV Rebels with Fox Sports, Las Vegas Anchor Paloma Villicana. We chat...The changing face of Sports in Las Vegas with UNLV benefitting from the surge of pro sports in the CityThe job that Barry Odom took on and how good a job he did with Rebels footballWhat Dan Mullen brings to the Running Rebels programZach Arnett as DC demonstrating UNLV's growing ambitions as a programExciting times to be a Rebejs fan with Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea at QBTh expectations for UNLV this coming seasonThe future of the Mountain West Conference

On this episode we welcome back Seth Saunders from the Saturday in Athens podcast for a retrospective of the season just finished. So on this episode we chat,The good, the bad & the ugly (what worked, what didn't, what do we never want to see again..?)What did we learn?Individual highlights of the seasonA Georgia Bulldogs 2024 report card with a look forwad to 2025

While the season may be over, college football news stops for no-one. So on this episode the Chaps talk over what has been grabbing the headlines during February, including...Co-ordinators jumping ship for big money. Is this sustainable as a revenue sharing model comes into view?Is Matt Rhule right about cancelling his public Spring practice?Are expectations for Arch Manning wholly unrealistic?ESPN extends contract with ACC thru 2036 : can the conference (in its current state) remain together? Or is divorce (FSU, Clemson) inevitable?Trent Dilfer is 7-17 in two seasons in Birmingham, AL but will return for a third season. What say the Chaps?

On this episode we catch up with our good friend John T Edge, author and host of the excellent TV show, True South. We chat abouthis recent trip to the UK, his highlights and favourite foods from the tripWhat chance a True South international special?How well Texas and Oklahoma fits into "Southern" cultureThe place that the humble hotdog holds in American cultureSome of John T's favourite personal interest stories from this seasoncan we get him to share his best Mac n Cheese recipe?

On this episode, the Chaps preview the 2024 season National Championhip game between THE Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We talk....Is Ryan Day & Ohio State exonerated now that they have made it to a Championship game? Or do they still have to win it?Despite Chip Kelly's excellent record with Oregon, he has never won a National Championship. Arguably that Ducks team was one of the best teams College Football has seen. Does Chip Kelly's resume deserve a natty?What are the Keys to victory for the Irish?Offensive line injuries again for the Irish. Is the well deep enough to plug the gap made by the injury to Anthonie Knappe?Which coach (Jason Day or Marcus Freeman) most likely still to be in the same job in 3 years time & will they have won multiple Natty's?The Chaps Predictions

Happy New Year to all our listeners! On this first episode of 2025 we chat....Round up of FCS Championshio game between NDSU & Montana State.Now at CFB PlayOff semi final stage, has the 12 teams playoff format left us with the best 4 teams in CFB? The positive impact of the CFB Playoff on Bowl game TV viewing figuresFinal 4: Texas v Ohio State & Penn State v ND previewsOur Predictions !!!!

On this special episode we sit down with Buffalo Bulls Head Coach, Pete Lambo. During our discussion we talk about....How important playing in a bowl game is to the Bulls programTaking over an underachieving program which has underperformed & expectations at the start of the season? What lessons he took from coaching  in the MAC in his first stint at Ball State that helped prepare for the Buffalo jobThe keys to a successful special teams unitHis experience at South Carolina & Beamer BallThoughts on the changing face of the college game & how NIL and the transfer portal has changed the head coaching role.Expectations for 2025

It's time for our College Chaps Christmas special and who better to share this episode with than our old friend and "4th Chap" Laura Rutledge. On this episode we talk....Our highlights of a truly exceptional college football seasonLook forward to the first round of Playoffs & which games we are most looking forward toIn a season of college football chaos will there be more shocks in the playoffs? Our MVP of the season?Who would be our ideal college football Secret Santa & what gift are they getting?Ho Ho Ho!

On this podcast the Chaps celebrate 200 episodes & look forward to a weekend of conference championship games,SEC Championship game : who wins?What happens to the loser in the rankings?How should Conference Championship games impact the rankings?Has the BIGXII been the most entertaining conference to watch this year?

On this episode during Thanksgiving, the Chaps give thanks for a truly fantastci and chaotic football season. We talk...who will make it to the Conference of Chaos Championship game in Dallas?can USC spoil the Irish run into the Play offs?What to make of the SEC and who will win in the Texas v Aggies game to book a place in Atlanta?BIG10 - is it a done deal?

On this episode we talk with our guest, Chris Gordy of the Locked on SEC podcast about the events across the SEC and the impct these are having on the College Football Playoff rankings. On this epiosde we talk,What does the playoff committee do with Georgia & Tennessee this week?Is Brian Kelly on the hotseat in Baton Rouge?At this stage who makes it to the SEC Championship game...but first who wins Texas v Texas A&MWinners & losers of Arizona St v BYU & Ohio St v Indiana - how will this impact the rankings?

The Beautiful Chaos of College football editionIn this episode the Chaps discuss... The importance ofTulane & Navy game in relation to the AAC Championship game (with Army having a bye week)Chaos in the ACC with Miami losing and SMU on track for a Conference Championship appearanceOle Miss and Alabama back in the running with defeats of Georgia & LSUA Texas v Texas A&M end of season shootout?College football playoff rankings,,,what if?Georgia beats Tennessee?Ohio State play Indiana and lose?Army runs the irish close?Who is vulnerable in the rankings right now?Chaos reigns and we love it!

It's Bonfire night in the UK, the US General Election & the first week of CFB Play Off rankings, so on this podcast....what is happening at USC? Where did it go wrong? Is Lincoln Reilly to blame?Rankings will be out shortly (after we recorded) : who must be in/ who's stock is going to fall?/what about the irish?Tix under $20 is back plus.....Tix with unlimited funds makes its debut!

On this episode the Chaps talk about the chaos of the college football season this far,Only ten unbeaten teams remain : Oregon, Penn State, Miami, Iowa State, BYU, Indiana, Army, Navy, Pitt & Liberty (plus 2 others) highlighting the changing face of college football - good or bad?Texas A&M sit atop the SEC, game against LSU this weekend is huge. Imagine a situation where TAMU is still top going into the Texas game…!Tulane got off to a rough start but are building a head of steam. Army & Navy has still to play the Irish & the Army/Navy game still to play. Could the Green Wave be the best team in the ACC when it all played out?We have to talk about those USC Trojans: Sarkisian talks a lot about building his team to cope with playing in the SEC & to challenge for Championships. Why hasn't Lincoln Reilly done this?Tickets under Twenty!

On this episode it's just the Chaps, but who better to look forward to the season's biggest game in Austin this weekend, but alsoTexas v Georgia previewhow good a job Curt Cignetti is doing in Indianaour Group of 5 watch continues - its a fantastic chaos of a race for a play off spotTickets under Twenty!

On this episode the Chaps speak with special guest, The Show Pony - Chris Childers from The Full Ride Show on Sirius XM College Sports Radio. On this episode the Chaps talk, From heroes to zeros : Bama beats Georgia, Vandy beats Bama - college football is in chaos!Vandy fans march the goalposts down Broadway - why we love college football!Red River previewOhio State @ Oregon preview and what this game means for the BIG10 and Playoff chances?Which team do we NOT want to face in the CFB Play Off at this stage?

On this epsiode we meet up with our good buddy Chris Marler from the 4th & Wrong podcast, Locked On South Carolina, 1045ESPN Louisiana & Cover Crimson (he is a busy guy!) to talk...Alabama v Georgia : did we experience the best college football game ever? What did we learn about the Tide & the Dawgs?UNLV are ranked! Are they a better team with their QB2?Lane Kiffin is under pressure. Could Ole Miss “miss” a play off berth? Army & Navy both 4-0 and sit atop the AAC. Could the triple option appear in the CFB Play Off?Tix under Twenty is back and bigger than ever!

On this episode the Chaps talk with Saturday Down South's Connor O'Gara to talk...what benching Jackson Arnold means for the Sooners playoff chanceswhat on earth is happening in AuburnAre Mack Brown's days numbered in Chapel HillGeorgia v Alabama previewGroup of 5 prospects and play off contendersTix under $20 is back and chaotic.... 

On this episode the Chaps have the honor of speaking with Lieutenant Gneral Rich Clark who is also the Executive Director of the College Football Play Off Committee. On this episode the Chaps talk to Rich about...His time as an Air Force pilot and being involved in fly overs at college football gamesHis hugely successful time at Air Force Academy football Could a service academy repeat that feat and be truly competitive in todays ever changing game?What are the biggest challenges that the CFB Play Off Committee faces this year as the format changes from four to 12 teams?Has conference realignment complicated the play off commitee's job of picking the best 25 teams this season?Can more than one Go5 team make it into the College Football Playoff this year?How does the Play Off committee maintai the integrity of Bowl Games as the Play Off expands?What does success look like for the Committee at the end of the season?

On this episode its week 3, so the Chaps ask What have we learned so far? How have the Conferences fared so far? Who are the teams contending : Texas, Georgia, Ohio State?Teams pretending : Oregon, Michigan?Is Nebraska back?Is Tennessee a contender?What about Miami?The Bill O'Brien effect in Chestnut Hill…..Time for Tix under $20!

On this episode the Chaps are joined by Next Round Live's Auburn & Alabama reporter, Emily Grace McWhorter. We talk,Key takeaways from Auburn, Alabama fall campsWhat does an acceptable season for the Tigers look like?Tigers confidence that PaytonThorne can step up to the next levelCan Auburn be a play off team?Changes at Alabama under new head coach, Kalen DeBoerHow will the Alabama defense shape up this season?Tix under Twenty is back! Prediction time : Notre Dame @ Texas A&M

With just a week until the Kansas Jayhawks kick off the 2024 season, the Chaps sit down with Head Coach, Lance Leipold to talkhis thoughts and desires about playing Kansas Jathawks games internationallythe new faciiities being built in Lawrence and the challenges this brings in 2024how his time coaching in the MAC at Buffalo prepared him for a job in the BIG XIIthe challenges ahead this season in a new look conference, a very different schedule, technological changes and a supersize CFB Play offthe best stadium atmospheres he has played and the road games he is most looking forward toupdates on his superstar QB, Jalon Daniels and expectations for the new season

On this episode the Chaps have the remarkable opportunity to chat with the head coach of the Sewanee Tigers, Andy McCollum. In what is a hugely motivational episode the Chaps talk to Coach about,what led him to Sewanee to take charge of Tigers footballCoach McCollum's hopes and expectations for the new seasonAfter 43 years coaching, what motivates Coach to continue into the new seasonWhat success looks like for the Tigers this yearHow the Tigers schedule compares this yearHow his first year in charge compared with his expectationsThis is a fantastic episode!

On this episode The Chaps talk to author, Colby Newton about his latest book "SEC Football: How a regional league became a national obsession".We chat with Colby about,how the idea for the book came abouthow conference expansion made the SEC more popularwhat might the next 30 years look like for the SECthe impact of recruiting on the growth of the leaguesliding door moments that changed the course of historyand given Colby's experience working in Bowl games, we get him to talk about his favourite memories from Bowl games

It's been a few weeks since the Chaps last caught up so with less than 4 weeks to go until the season starts, the Chaps chat about..media days round upwho is likely to be the dark horse for the season and unexpectedly secure a CFB Playoff spot?who is being overhyped?which teams schedule is likely to put its head coach on the hot seat?who is good enough to win the Natty?

It's officially talkin' season and on this episode the Chaps talk with special guest Andy Staples to discuss...Texas & Oklahoma join the SEC! Breath of fresh air for the conference or tough year ahead for the rookies?What are we most excited about for the new season ahead?We appoint a new CFB commissioner - what should be his opening season kick off game?Which program is flying under the radar at this point?Are we buying or selling stock in Hugh Freeze, James Franklin and Lincoln Reilly? 

On this episode the Chaps have the opportunity to sit down and chat with Mountain West Commissioner, Gloria Nevarez. We talk.....The Commissioner's thoughts on the demise of the PAC 12What its like to be only the seond woman to lead a FBS conferenceWill the Mountain West formalise its football arrangements with Washington State & Oregon State?The Commisioner's view on further conference realignment?What keeps the Commissioner awake at night?The Commisioner's thoughts on the recent significant uptick in interest in women's collegiate sportsCould a Mountain West football team play outside the US, in Ireland ot the UK?Will more than one Group of 5 team involved in the CFP?This is a fascinating and packed episode and a great opportunity to hear the thoughts of a FBS Conference Commisioner!

On this episode the Chaps discuss the nominations for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame including why Aaron Donald should not be a CFB HoF'er and absolutely why Mike Leach is!The Chaps also debate ESPN's Football Power Index and marvel at some of the results of the algorithm.....Another must listen episode from the best college football podcst east of the Mississippi!

On this episode the Chaps talk with the Coordinator of Officials for the Southeastern and Sunbelt conferences.John talks about his lengthy career as a referree both in College and in NFL Europe and his current role as Coordinator.The Chaps also ask John about 2023 and 2024 rule changes and what his fondest memories of refereeing in College are!!

The Chaps kick off their 6th season covering colleage football and in this episode discuss the news from around the conferences and all that has been going on in and around the college game.how well prepared is Oklahoma for the SEC with the news that General Booty has transferred?Can Dillon Gabriel replicate Marcus Mariota's success in Eugene?Kirby Smart gets paid - big!Is an equilibirum being found in the transfer portal with news that Clemson, LSU arent using transfers to fill rosters?

In this episode the Chaps pour over the most recent news coming out of college football...Reggie gets his Heisman back!What is happening with a proposed CFB Super league?Are the Texas Aggies running scared of the SEC?Winners & losers of Spring footballthe Transfer portal is open - who is disappearing and reappearing from it?It's another packed episode of College Football content!

After the success of the Chaps Texas roadtrip, on this episode they jump back into their rental cars for the ultimate road trip - the West Coast! From San Diego to the City of Angels, Seattle and Eugene the Chaps cover the miles to create their ultimate college football road trip. But how on earth does North Carolina and Pennsylvania come into this road trip.....well listen on.....

In this episode the Chaps discuss the rapidly changing landscape of College Football as we know it!Is this the end of the beautiful game? Or is change good and making CFB better?We discuss what a Superconference might look like and that come to the conclusion that money is the root of all evil!And what about the independence of the Fighting Irish!

The Chaps love College football. The Chaps love the USA. The Chaps love to travel. So what better an episode than to plan a road trip!The premis of this episode is simple. Three Chaps, three cars and a CFB schedule containing only teams from Texas.Where does this trip take us? Do we stay in state? Do we end up in the same stadium at the same time? It is a Texas sized episode.....

On this episode the Chaps catch up on the hot news items of the last few weeks.One of our favourite coaches to talk about, Chip Kelly jumps ship to the Buckeyes & Bill O'Brien jumps from the Buckeyes to Boston College. What does Oli think of this hire?We talk about Deshaun Foster taking over the Bruins job & find out what the Chpas think of the new EA Sports College Football teaser being released - excited or Nah?Finally is the Kirk Herbstreit row with Georgia fans over Dylan Rayiola a story or not? Listen to find out!

It's Burns night in Scotland so the chaps compare Jim Harbugh to a Haggis (?) and ask who will replace Jim in Ann Arbor - surely there is only one contender?Will Michigan see an Alabama style exodus from their roster when the portal opens up or will their academic offering save them?The Chaps look at the personnel moves across the college landscape and grade the head coaching hires.And finally is this a make or break year for Ryan Day and why is Steve Sarkesian the next Nick Saban?It is a truly packed episode!

On this episode George & Alex talk about the news that has shocked the college football world - that Alabama Head coach Nick Saban is retiring!the timing of his announcementIs Saban going out at the top?Was 2023 his greatest achievment so far?Was the changing landscape of college football the reason for Saban's decision?What should Bama look for in a new Head coach?Who is on the shortlist and who should get the job?Where does Nick Saban sit amongst the greatest sports coaches of all time?

On this episode the Chaps pour over the outcomes from the CFB Play Off semi finals - just how good are Michigan and Washington? What were the keys to their success? How do the Chaps see the National Championsip Final playing out and who do they predict will win? Finally, should the Heisman vote take place after the semi-finals? A hotly debated question...

As Christmas gets ever closer the Chaps reunite with John T Edge of True South to talk about Christmas in Mississippi, Season 6 of the Show, the Ole Miss project to save William Faulkner's cottage and to use it as a writers retreat as well as John T's Christmas food favourites! Get into the festive mood with this awesome guest and episode!

As the Chaps get ready for Christmas, ESPN's Marty Smith joins the Chaps to talk about his book "Sideline CEO". Marty talks about the project, which was five years in the making and tells some fantastic tales of the conversations he had with head coaches such as Nick Saban, Lane Kiffin, Mack Brown, Doc Rivers, Tom Izzo, Urban Meyer and Dabo Swinney to name a handful. We talk about the remarkabe turnaround job that Nick Saban has performed in Tuscaloosa this season as well as some personal moments from conversations with Lane Kiffin. This is a must listen episode and you also need to go buy this fantastic book (available from all good booksellers).

On this episode the Chaps have a very funny conversation with comedian, Josh Mancuso to find out how his famous college mascot comedy skits came about, which fan bases he interacts with most and just how did Auburn fans react to his War Eagle skit? We also talk about Josh's beloved Tennessee Vols and how the Vols will get on aganst Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. No conversation would be complete without doing some SEC Bowl predictions.

On this episode the Chaps talk with the Tulane Green Wave's sideline reporter, Maddy Hudak about life in New Orleans and of course the Green Wave. What legacy does Willie Fritz leave behind? What is his greatest achievement during his time in NOLA? With his announcement to attend the Senior Bowl, what does the future hold for Michael Pratt? What does the future for Tulane look like and who is going to be in charge? If you like Go5 football, this is an episode not to be missed!

Where did the year go?On this episode the Chaps catch up with their good friend, the Big Man - Eric MacLain to talk about the Atlantic Coast Conference and the upcoming conference championship game.- Can Louisville win their first ACC Championship?- Does Florida State stay unbeaten without Jordan Travis?- How do the Cardinals beat the Noles?- What are the CFB play off implications for FSU from here on in?- What has happened to those Clemson Tigers?- Who is Eric's ACC coach of the year? - And... should Mike Elko have been so quick to jump from the Duke ship?It's a packed episode!

On this episode its Rivalry Week and the Chaps talk about those games which will have a meaningful impact on Conference Championship games and the CFB Play Off positions. Is it winner takes all in the BIG10? What craziness is about to happen in the BIG12 and no LA teams in the run for a PAC12 Championship. Wut?But as its Rivarly week it wouldnt be a Chaps podcast without a preview of the Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl, Palmetto Bowl, Apple Cup and Florida v Florida State! What a week of football!

With the recent firings in the SEC the Chaps host their now infamous but somewhat overdue "Hotseat Special", where we talk about those coaches under pressure - fairly or unfairly so. So buckle up if you're a fan of the Aggies, Hail State Bulldogs, Penn State, The Irish, Trojans, Bruins or Razorbacks - your teams are getting the treatment on this episode! Ps Alex swears a LOT on this episode!

On this episode the Chaps get into the detail of the Michigan sign stealing scandal with ESPN's Adam Rittenberg who is close to the story and who provides a fascinating insight to what is going on and how things might unfold. But there is also football to be played and the Chaps & Adam preview Michigan travelling into Happy Valley to play the NIttany Lions and the ramifications this game may have on the BIG10 and the College football play off. We also talk College football rankings and of course there is time to pick our Tickets under Twenty!

On this episode the Chaps chat with SEC Commisioner, Greg Sankey. Amongst the hot topics of college football its Halloween so the Chaps get the opportunity to ask the Commisioner what his favourite Halloween candy is! But also there is the opportunity to ask of the chances of a SEC game being played outside of the US, ongoing discussions around TV rights and showing college football in the UK and Ireland, bringing Texas and Oklahoma into the SEC & the throny subject of having microphones in helemts in college football! It's another packed and awesome episode