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


    • Jul 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 2,092 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Opening Drive

    Standing Strong

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 43:26


    New Mexico offensive lineman, Richard Peirce, joins the show to discuss the new coaching staff, why he stayed at UNM and what he expects from the Lobos this season. How wide open is the Mountain West Conference? Does college football need an NFL makeover? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Opprtunity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 37:59


    Who is poised to bounce back in the NFC West? The app you need to enjoy Albuquerque's beer scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Standout

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 40:36


    A new big time rivalry in sports? What was jumping out in Summer League including a performance from a former Lobo. Did the Rockies find their next star? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Moving Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 36:09


    Jeff catches up with former Lobo quarterback Devon Dampier. How many misses did the Mountain West have when it comes to the worst football hires of the last 25 years? How are you feeling about United's stadium deal and what New Mexico needs sporting wise? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 41:22


    What was the vibe at Big-12 media days? Will coaches help push college football towards an NFL model? A super star that is OK with staying in one place. Grand Canyon is joining the Mountain West this season. What will the impact be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mid Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 40:18


    Josh Suchon, voice of the Isotopes, shares his thoughts on the huge week in Albuquerque and his thoughts on the MLB All-Star game format. Who will rise into the top-3 in the Eastern Conference next year? Was Kevin Durant not playing up to his potential with the Suns? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Grammer Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 38:56


    Geoff Grammer, Albuquerque Journal, discusses the addition of Grand Canyon this year for the Mountain West, how he feels New Mexico is as a sports state and what needs to be invested in from a sports standpoint to benefit New Mexico. Who will anchor the new look Mountain West? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Future of NM Sport

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 38:43


    With some big time projects coming our way (United's Stadium, UNM building around their venues) what does the future hold for sports fans in New Mexico? What projects do you want to see? What do you want to see invested in? How can UNM and NMSU compete in this new landscape? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Right Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 41:00


    From JT Topping to Devon Dampier, how do Lobo fans feel about successful players transferring? What jersey will you remember LeBron in? Are there any other great players in that category? Will NIL money take over college in-season tournaments? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Support

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 37:15


    The Pirates keep letting Paul Skenes down. Who will start the All-Star game for the NL? What will the buzz be surrounding USA soccer going into next years World Cup? Should this WR get paid? Will a former Lobo play a role in who wins the Big-12? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Everyone Gets One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 41:34


    Do you like how every team is represented in the MLB All-Star game? How do you complete a trade involving seven teams? UNM's center is on campus. Will he be ruled eligible? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    KT FA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 42:10


    Lobo legend and NBA veteran, Kenny Thomas, shares his thoughts on NBA Free Agency, who he likes in the west and how the Lakers should handle the final year of LeBron's contract. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Moving Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 38:58


    Do you like the philosophy we are seeing from UNM football and basketball; players who were productive at a lower level getting the opportunity to play up? What is TJ Watt worth? Can you win going all in on defense? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    P.A.I.D

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 39:12


    Who struck gold and who struck out in day one of NBA Free Agency? Should LeBron have opted out? What does the PAC's future look like after adding Texas State? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 States

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 42:15


    ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Christine Williamson, joins the show to discuss going live at Isotopes Park on Wednesday. A big move in the NFL. What does it mean for both teams? Who is on the hot seat? Best in baseball. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The State Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 39:52


    With Texas State heading to the PAC-12 what does that mean for the Mountain West? What level of investment makes sense for the remaining MW programs? How big of a week is it at Isotopes Park? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    One More Run

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 40:11


    With LeBron James opting into his contract for next season, what can the Lakers around the edges? With free agency on deck, who has positioned themselves the best? What do you think of Holly Holm's return to boxing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Growing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 44:30


    12 or 16, what should the College Football Playoff be and who is bickering about it? Should states use funds to help with university revenue sharing in athletics? Does the WNBA have a problem with how players are playing against Caitlin Clark? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    QB Confidence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 38:43


    How much was Diego Pavia offered to leave Vanderbilt? Which second year quarterback will respond thanks to defense? Rookie questions, Sanders uh oh and is Dart going to start? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best Match

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 40:13


    If Tyrese Haliburton can play, he should play. How can the Pacers force a game seven? Is the Stanley Cup the best trophy? Streaking: Dodgers going up, Yankees going down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Did They Say

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 38:36


    Lobo forward Chris Howell and Head Coach Eric Olen met with the media, what are they focused on early in summer workouts? LeBron James is moving the goal posts and it's not going over well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Eye Test

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 40:28


    With the Lobos roster at 14 and 12 players on the floor practicing, how do the pieces fit together for men's basketball? Sacramento State is making some waves, will the Mountain West/PAC-12 feel it? How will the Pacers handle Tyrese Haliburton's calf? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lobos Basketball First Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 40:05


    The Lobos took the floor in front of the media, did they pass the eye test? What are fair expectations for UNM this year? Geoff Grammer, Lobo beat writer for the Albuquerque Journal, joins the show to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    KT Rise Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 43:17


    Lobo legend and NBA veteran Kenny Thomas shares his thoughts on the decision to stay with Tyrese Haliburton. What does he expect from the Pacers in game six. Where should Kevin Durant go? Are the Magic a conference final contender? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 37:08


    Are the Red Sox already questioning trading Rafael Devers? Would you turn down $8 million in NIL money to stay? Do you agree with Ohtani returning to the mound? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Selfish or Not

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 40:42


    Was Tyrese Haliburton selfish or did the Pacers make the right call letting their star play through pain? Where did the series shift for the Thunder? Best player you have ever seen? Ohtani is back! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Great Finish

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 44:16


    A life changing Sunday at the U.S. Open. What will decide Game 5 of the NBA Finals? Do you need a star for a big time moment to matter? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Making Noise

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 36:34


    Did the Red Sox make the right move trading Devers? How big of a move was this for the Giants? A quarterback under pressure? Of course they want to win a championship. Who needs to be more than a game manager? The best in baseball is back on the mound. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Blockbuster Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 41:44


    An epic finish at the U.S. Open. A huge MLB trade. A huge MLB trade. Who won, who got it wrong and where do they rank now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why So Upset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 37:42


    What has some fans so upset with the future of college athletics? Your U.S. Open breakdown and golf tip from Sandia Golf. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    In OT

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 39:44


    The U.S. Open is living up to its reputation. What stood out from round one? Did Edmonton pull a Pacers in the Stanley Cup Final? Why are rookie deals being held up in the NFL? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lovo on UNM Athletics Moving Forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 18:54


    University of New Mexico Athletics Director, Fernando Lovo, joins the show from the NCAA Track and Field Championships to discuss UNM's runners, the House Settlement and what UNM is doing moving forward to comply and be successful in athletics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What's the Limit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 38:47


    How much should and can UNM invest to compete in the Mountain West? How tough will the U.S. Open course be? Are the Bengals playing real football or fantasy football? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Inside with the AD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 38:18


    University of New Mexico Athletics Director, Fernando Lovo, joins the show from the NCAA Track and Field Championships to discuss UNM's runners, the House Settlement and what UNM is doing moving forward to comply and be successful in athletics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    We Have a Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 41:27


    The Pacers keep winning and showing that they are a championship team. How did they slow down OKC in game three? What is Kevin Durant worth? Any movement with the PAC-12/Mountain West discussions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mental Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 43:42


    Is the investment where it needs to be for Lobo athletics to succeed? Could the NL Cy Young winner have a losing record? Isotopes Manager Pedro Lopez joins the show to discuss the offensive outburst and why things at the Triple-A level can be more mental than physical? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Investment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 35:59


    What will the Lobos roster look like moving forward when it comes to scholarship players? How much money should schools be investing in football? Is the NCAA heading in the right direction? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Playoff Bound

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 40:07


    What will the wild card race in the AFC look like? Are the Steelers better off with Aaron Rodgers? Which pass rusher should get paid? Why does everyone keep saying no to the Knicks? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Chillin' with KT

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 43:37


    Lobo legend and NBA veteran, Kenny Thomas, shares his thoughts on game two of the NBA finals, just how good and big is SGA? How does he feel about college athletes getting paid by the schools? Can Lobo football be a sneaky conference team this season? Who returns the most in the Mountain West? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    House Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 36:31


    New Mexico State acting Athletic Director, Dr. Amber Burdge, joins the show to share what she has heard this weekend from fellow AD's when it comes to the House Settlement and what direction NMSU is going to go when it comes to revenue sharing and development. Mini camp storylines that matter in the NFL. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Setting the Table

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 40:49


    How will non power conference schools handling paying athletes directly? What does that mean for the fans? Does the House Settlement help or hurt the future of college athletics? Are the Oilers soft? How did Florida pounce in game three. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Legendary Loy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 41:21


    Coach and agent, Steve Loy, who was Phil Mickelson's agent among other greats is going into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame. How did he come to manage 'lefty' and what does the world get wrong about Phil. The Lobos roster sits at 14. What could the rotation look like for Eric Olen next year? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    House Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 38:33


    Now that it is finalized, what is next for college and athlete compensation following the House settlement? Would the WNBA work in Albuquerque? Where does Jason Eck fall in the coaching move rankings? Is Anthony Richardson done in Indy? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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