The Opening Drive

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Get an entertaining recap of all sports scores and developing stories as you start your day. Features intriguing guests, controversial topics, and hard-hitting news. It’s what everyone will be talking about around the water cooler. Jeff Siembieda and JJ Buck host weekdays from Albuquerque on KNML-AM, The Sports Animal.

Cumulus


    • Feb 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 2,515 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Opening Drive

    NCAA or Bust

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 43:35


    Everyone wants to play in the NCAA tournament. How did the Lobos comeback at Fresno State? What do you expect from UNM at Nevada? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Finish Strong

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 38:17


    New Mexico State men's basketball coach Jason Hooten discusses the Aggies roller coaster ride in CUSA play. When will scheduling issues start to impact athletics in terms of extended travel? UNM's comeback means the bubble did not burst. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Golden Comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 44:47


    The Lobos needed their biggest comeback ever to beat Fresno State. What impressed you about their response? The United States is a hockey nation now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Can You Do

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 42:46


    The NBA is tried of tanking. What can they do? A new stadium would be nice, but will the phase plan works? College coaches are still getting paid! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Them?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 37:22


    Would you want to see UNM play a neutral court game against San Diego State? How do you feel about non-conference games against teams leaving the Mountain West? What should UNM be looking for in an Athletic Director? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What's a Real Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 44:10


    UNM is moving forward with the final candidates for the AD job, what qualifications would you like to see? How does Eric Olen feel about the situation? What happened with Aggie basketball? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New Thought

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 40:38


    Right or wrong, how should coaches handle college players? Is New Mexico United shifting their stadium plan to the Fair Grounds? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bubbly

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 38:27


    Jerry Palm, PalmBrackets.com, gives his updated bubble thoughts on UNM/SDSU, the Big-12 race and how the Big-10 is shaping up. Are college coaches complaining more about their players? Are referees a problem in basketball? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ceiling

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 44:24


    Bubble implications that affect UNM. The Big-12 shake up due to injury. West coast Big-10 teams can't win. The Lobo women walk-off the Lopes in Phoenix. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Coaching Style

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 43:35


    What is going on with Mic Cronin at UCLA? MLB drama! A little Tuesday shake-up across the Mountain West Conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Shake Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 36:28


    The Lobos dealt with Air Force, while San Diego State and Nevada dropped games. Would an undefeated team be left out of the NCAA Tournament? Are athletic department deficits only going to keep growing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Finish Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 43:32


    The Lobos cruised past Air Force; what stood out? Who will be UNM's x-factor the rest of the season? How did other results shake up the Mountain West? Ty Murray and Holly Holm in studio!? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Coach Speak

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 41:27


    What did Lobo men's basketball coach Eric Olen have to say about player growth and what his team is focused on with Air Force in town? What should coaches say about their team is they are struggling? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tang Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 38:39


    Kansas State fired their men's basketball coach for cause, will they win and who could be in line to take the job? Big-10 or Big-12, who is better? UNM women's basketball has a third quarter issue. Why did the MAC add Sacramento State? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play to the End

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 42:37


    Are mid-major teams forced to run up the score in games? Did the NBA find a nice groove with their All-Star format? Tag season is underway in the NFL. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Try to Win

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 41:22


    The NBA is having the tanking debate again. Can they fix it? Why teams should try to win all the time and not get too focused on losing. With a new AD and President on deck, what are Lobo coaches thinking about? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rankings

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 32:54


    What do coaches around the Mountain West think of the current men's basketball jobs and programs? Why it's OK to not have a Lobo game this Saturday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    All-Star

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 42:38


    It's time to eliminate All-Star games and do this! What does college eligibility mean? The comeback kid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jason Eck

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 28:50


    New Mexico head football coach Jason Eck drops in studio to discuss the offseason, conference changes, building in year two and the future of Lobo athletics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trust

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 40:48


    Why Coach Eck has the right mindset to be successful long term. The Lobos need to look in the mirror, defensive effort against the Lopes. What is Maxx Crosby worth? Any one close to his talent available leading up to the NFL draft? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Adjust

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 37:42


    What do you expect to see from the Lobos at Grand Canyon? This years quarterback market, good luck. An Olympic blunder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lopes vs Lobos

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 42:50


    What do the Lobos need to do to end their two game losing streak? Players stepping up vs adjustments. Are any other FCS schools See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How About Half

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 40:34 Transcription Available


    Why Mountain West over the PAC for North Dakota State? Who has become the scapegoat for the Patriots? How many picks should you be able to trade? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Going Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 36:16 Transcription Available


    People still feel strongly about Lindsey Vonn's Olympic decision. Is Kansas the hottest basketball team in the country? Will Miami University get an at-large bid? Enjoy what you want. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New Look

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 42:43 Transcription Available


    What does North Dakota State bring to the Mountain West Conference? What does that say about FBS football? Will more teams have duel conference affiliations? How does Jason Eck feel about the offseason? What will Super Bowl 60 be remembered for? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lock Back In

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 41:56 Transcription Available


    The Lobos battled Boise State and the refs. What changes would you like to see? Where do the Lobos sit on the bubble now? Enjoy what you want at halftime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trust Him Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 38:15 Transcription Available


    The 2018 quarterback class featured Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. The first to get to a Super Bowl and win, Sam Darnold. North Dakota State to the Mountain West! (For Football). After losing two in a row at home, what can the Lobos do to get back on track? What adjustments would you like to see? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Super Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 43:51 Transcription Available


    How did Seattle bottle up the Patriots offense? Sam Darnold had one of the biggest 180's in quarterback history, can he back it up? The Lobos slipped up down the stretch against Boise State. What adjustments are needed? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Voice It

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 45:36 Transcription Available


    Bob Socci, the voice of the New England Patriots, joins the show to break down the year and the vibes around the team. What will decide UNM-Utah State at The Pit? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Building Brackets

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 42:10 Transcription Available


    What does Jerry Palm's new bracket look like? Which Mountain West team is on the outside looking in? What you need to know about the Mountain West's new media rights deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Get Ready

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 45:21 Transcription Available


    Are you ready for a late-night Pit battle? What do the Lobos need to do to beat Utah State? What happened around the Mountain West last night? A massive NBA trade deadline. Which deals will make a difference this season? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Strength of Schedule

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 36:42 Transcription Available


    Does it matter who you beat to get to the Super Bowl? Who is the best freshman for UNM? What will this week tell us about the Mountain West regular season championship? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    In Doubt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 37:19 Transcription Available


    Unexpected NBA star on the move? Will Tom Brady be a first ballot Hall of Famer? Rivals point the finger at each other. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ballers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 41:00 Transcription Available


    Lobo basketball, men and women, have some big time freshman. Do the New York Giants have an owner issue? Everyone is a Pro Bowler! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Needed Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 44:56 Transcription Available


    What has happened to New Mexico State in conference play? Will Major League Baseball shake up their divisions? Should they create the 'Best Returner of the Year' award? Halfway though conference play who stands out for all-conference? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Good Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 43:25 Transcription Available


    The Lobos found themselves in a little San Jose shootout. 2-0 on the road and tied for 1st place, what jumps out about their recent play? Is the Mountain West Freshman of the Year a battle between two Lobos? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Enjoyable

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 42:24 Transcription Available


    The Lobos have become a team that is easy for the fans to root for. Who will be fining college football players next season? The Vikings are thinking of what could have been. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Levels

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 45:44 Transcription Available


    Can Diego Pavia make it in the NFL? What are scouts saying? The Lobos added to their quarterback room, who will start for them next season? What's the spread for UNM at San Jose State? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    MW Tiers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 43:40 Transcription Available


    Are there only three contenders for the MW regular season title? What are the Lobos focused on this weekend at San Jose State? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Retro

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 38:24 Transcription Available


    UNM has crushed it with their retro theme and for women's basketball hiring Don Flanagan in 1995 changed everything. When do you need a new stadium? New or phases for UNM? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play the Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 42:24 Transcription Available


    Start times can be challenging. Who could make a trade for Joe Burrow? What is the worst job in the NFL right now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Conference Race

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 43:19 Transcription Available


    The Lobo women got a huge win at home. The top teams are starting to separate themselves on the men's side. Is it a three team race? Who are the Raiders and Cardinals waiting on for their head coach? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bracket

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 40:01 Transcription Available


    Jerry Palm, Palmbrackets.com, shares his thoughts on his newest bracket, having three teams in from the MW right now and what to watch at the top. Who is upset about playing big midweek conference games? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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