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On today's show, Pat, Darius Butler, AJ Hawk, and the boys are joined by 3x Super Bowl Champion, 2x AP Coach of the Year, Bruce Arians to recap last night's Monday Night Doubleheader and to wrap up week 2 of the NFL season as a whole. Joining the progrum to recap last night's massive win, the culture change in LA, his relationship with Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaughism's, and much more is 4x All-Pro, 4x Pro Bowler, and current superstar Safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, Derwin James Jr.. Later, West Virginia Head Football Coach, Rich Rodriguez joins the show to chat about a massive Backyard Brawl against Pitt, if the hard edge is starting to form, and more. Make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/thepatmcafeeshow or watch on ESPN (12-2 EDT), ESPN's Youtube (12-3 EDT), or ESPN+. We appreciate the hell out of all of you, we'll see you tomorrow. Cheers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After surrendering a 10-point lead at Pitt a season ago, West Virginia overcame a 10-point deficit to force overtime and then beat Pitt 31-24, giving head coach Rich Rodriguez a bit of redemption along the way. Hosts Nick Farrell and Sydney Cariel recap the action.
In episode 43 of the Gold & Blue Breakdown show, Couz and Jonathan preview WVU football's upcoming game against the Pitt Panthers. In what will be the 108th edition of the Backyard Brawl, Pitt travels to Morgantown to face the Mountaineers in Rich Rodriguez's first game back against a Power 4 team. It's a chance for Rich Rod to get redemption for the 2007 loss that ended his first run as the head coach for WVU. In this episode, the guys will look at keys to victory for West Virginia, key position battles to watch, a key player that can provide a spark for WVU and they will give their score prediction in the end. #wvu #wvufootball #wvumountaineers Sources: Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ DraftKings Sportsbook: https://www.draftkings.com/ Appalachia Digital: http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
Couz is joined by @talkingcfbwithJJKitchen to preview the upcoming Backyard Brawl between WVU football and Pitt. J.J. will educate Mountaineer fans on what they can expect on Saturday from the Panthers. They will talk about key players to watch on both sides of the ball, the history between Pat Narduzzi and Rich Rodriguez, whether WVU's loss to Ohio was really that bad, and more. #wvu #wvufootball #backyardbrawl Talking College Football with J.J. Kitchen: https://youtube.com/@talkingcfbwithJJKitchen?si=VBOmlrKDHLJdo-0o Sources: Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ DraftKings Sportsbook: https://www.draftkings.com/ Appalachia Digital: http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
Comments from Mountaineer coach Rich Rodriguez prior to the Pitt game. Chris Peak from Panther-Lair.com.
Mistakes in the first half and poor offensive execution in the second half doomed WVU in a 17-10 loss to the Ohio Bobcats. Now, head coach Rich Rodriguez says the Mountaineers have to make corrections quickly ahead of next week's Backyard Brawl and the start of Big 12 Conference play later this month. On the latest postgame edition of The Gold and Blue Nation Podcast, presented by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery, hosts Nick Farrell and Sydney Cariel share their takeaways from Saturday's game and bring you postgame sound from Rodriguez.
College football does not waste time. Seven days after opening its season to the roar and adoration of Mountaineers fans, West Virginia will travel to Athens, Ohio for a much anticipated showdown with defending MAC champion Ohio University. It's been 76 years since a Mountaineer football team played in Athens. The uniqueness of the visit has some calling it one of the biggest home games in the Bobcats' history. A sold-out crowd, that will include thousands of WVU fans, will be featured in a matchup between the defending MAC champions and Rich Rodriguez's rebuilt Mountaineers. In this episode, the "Guys" dive deep into the Ohio roster and breakdown the keys to the game. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.
West Virginia vs. Ohio College Football Pick Prediction 9/6/2025 by Tony T. Recent Box Score Key Stats West Virginia at Ohio 4PM ET—West Virginia went 6-7 last year. Rich Rodriguez returns for his first year in this tenure with the school. Ten starters return. The offensive line returns no starters. Last year the Mountaineers struggled with quarterback accuracy and rushed for 4.5 yards a carry.
The start to the second chapter of Rich Rodriguez's tenure as West Virginia's football coach was a success. In earning a 45-3 victory, the Mountaineers displayed the DNA of a Coach Rod team. WVU played fast and physically dominated visiting Robert Morris on the scoreboard and stat sheet. In this episode, the "Guys" dive deep into the numbers and what it all means as West Virginia quickly turns its attention to Saturday's date at Ohio University. Listener questions and comments complete the show.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez earned his 61st win at WVU in 45-3 fashion over Robert Morris. The game, as does any season opener, featured plenty of good and not-so-good moments. We recap the action on this episode of The Gold and Blue Nation Podcast, presented by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery.
On today's show, Pat, AJ Hawk, and the boys chat about tonight's slate of college football games to kick off week 1 of the season, as well as everything happening in the NFL with the season one week away. Joining the progrum to chat about Nebraska football tonight, Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, as well as Bussin' with the Boys' new partnership with ESPN, 9 year NFL veteran, co-host of Bussin' with the Boys, Will Compton. Next, 3x Super Bowl Champion, former GM of the Cleveland Browns, current GM of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Michael Lombardi joins the show to chat about how the team is coming together and what he expects Monday night against TCU, and some of the different contractural situations in the NFL. Later, Head Coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Rich Rodriguez joins the show to chat about rebuilding the culture at West Virginia, what it takes to obtain a hard edge and how long it takes him to figure out whether or not a player will be a good fit, his coaching style, this upcoming season and much more. Lastly, ESPN Senior NFL Insider, Adam Schefter joins the progrum to chat about the news that the Cowboys are officially open to hearing trade offers for Micah Parsons, and that the Cowboys would like to get this situation resolved one way or another before their Make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/thepatmcafeeshow or watch on ESPN (12-2 EDT), ESPN's Youtube (12-3 EDT), or ESPN+. We appreciate the hell out of all of you, we'll see you tomorrow. Cheers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
YES!It's time for the first game preview of Rich Rodriguez's first season back in Morgantown. On Saturday, the Mountaineers pull the curtain back on a new chapter of West Virginia University football. What should we expect? Go ahead and take a guess. (No one really knows)There will be over 120 players on the field between the Mountaineers and visiting Coloniols of Robert Morris. That speaks volumes about the new world of college football expedited by a coaching change. In this episode, the "Guys" breakdown the matchup and what it all means. Listener questions and comments complete the show.
College football insider Max Olson of ESPN.com joins the show to break down the most compelling season openers, including Auburn's high-pressure trip to Baylor and West Virginia's dramatic roster overhaul under Rich Rodriguez. Olson shares insight on Nebraska vs. Cincinnati, Texas vs. Ohio State, and how the transfer portal has reshaped programs heading into 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jacksonville St vs. Central Florida College Football Pick Prediction 8/28/2025 by Tony T. Recent Box Score Key Stats Jacksonville St at UCF 7PM ET—Jacksonville St finished at 9-5 last season. Charles Kelly enters his first season as head coaching taking over for the departed Rich Rodriguez. The Gamecocks return six starters. Jacksonville ST averaged 36 points per game with 443 yards.
Ryan Decker and Cody Nespor preview West Virginia football's season opener against Robert Morris this week on the Gold and Blue Nation Podcast. They also give an overview of what should be a wide-open Big 12 title race this season and review WVU's first depth chart of the year. Hear from WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez on why he has hope for the Mountaineers this year.
Rich Rodriguez thoughts on Game One vs. Robert Morris. RMU head coach Bernard Clark, Jr.
It's here! The countdown to one of the most anticipated West Virginia football seasons has entered GAME WEEK. On Saturday afternoon, Rich Rodriguez will navigate the sidelines of Mountaineer Field for the first time in 17 years. It's an event that many thought would never happen, and a needle-mover for the college football world. The return of Rodriguez brings with it more questions than answers. Can Coach Rod rekindle his Mountaineer magic? Can a rebuilt WVU roster play with the Hard Edge the coach demands? We'll begin to learn the answers on Saturday when Robert Morris provides the opposition to kick off WVU's 135th season of football. In this episode, the "Guys" put the Rodriguez return into perspective and answer listener questions and comments. 3 Guys returns Thursday with their preview of Saturday's game.
We made it! Football is here! Week 0 may only be a small sample size, but if you ask Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey, they don't care because we finally get to watch games. Even with Week 0 being only a few games, we are already getting a Top 25 matchup in Ireland. "Farmageddon" goes to Europe for this Big 12 rivalry as 22nd ranked Iowa State takes on 17th ranked Kansas State. Andy, Ross and Steven talk about the keys to this game and the impact this may have on a wide open Big 12. Plus, they dive into what to expect out of the Big 12 conference and how we could see Week 0 evolve into a much larger slate of games in the future. Could Week 0 become the new Week 1?Later in the show, Ross goes in-depth on his conversation with West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez. He chronicles the journey of the former West Virginia hero turned pariah being welcomed home! The guys discuss Rich Rod's stops along the way and how it always felt like West Virginia was where he wanted to get back to. The two-time Big East Coach of the Year led the Mountaineers to four Big East titles, but the football landscape is much different this time around. What are the expectations from the Mountaineer faithful? What is considered success and what are the realistic expectations in this new age of college football? Finally, bold season predictions must be made before games are played, otherwise the predictions become far less bold. That is exactly what the guys do to wrap up the show as the guys predict an underdog SEC team who may surprise some people, a guess at who will make the CFP and a prediction of who will win it all!The final College Football Enquirer before the season kicks off. Let's go! (4:39) - "Farmageddon" preview and the future of Week 0 games(28:12) - Rich Rod's journey to return to West Virginia(50:44) - Bold season predictions Subscribe to the College Football Enquirer on your favorite podcast app:
Rich Rodriguez and the WVU football coaching staff has brought six new players into the program from the transfer portal during Fall camp. In this episode, Couz will discuss that and whether or not it's a sign of desperation for the Mountaineers. He will take a look at all six of the players and tell what role they could fill for WVU. That includes the most recent addition, which was offensive lineman, Jude Edwards. Couz will break down his game and talk about why he may be a diamond in the rough type of player. #wvu #wvufootball #transferportal ___________________________________________________ Sources: WV Sports Chat: https://wvsportschat.com/2025/08/17/with-only-two-weeks-until-the-season-starts-wvu-football-continues-to-build-roster/ WVU Sports: https://wvusports.com/sports/football/roster?sort=position ____________________________________________________ ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/16/25
WVU football coach Rich Rodriguez has complimented his quarterbacks multiple times since the start of Fall camp. He's even hinted that the Mountaineers could potentially throw the football more than they run it in 2025. With Rich Rod known as a run-first coach, this came as a surprise to many WVU fans. In this episode, Couz is going to explain why West Virginia being a pass heavy team, or at least a more balanced team, can be a winning formula in Morgantown. Couz will bring stats from some of Coach Rodriguez's previous stops and talk about why the strategy may work for the current Mountaineer team. #wvufootball #wvu #richrodriguez ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
Since the 2025 season marks the beginning of another new era for college football, Mike Asti welcomed Bill Bender of the Sporting News back on Mike Drop to discuss health of the sport and what the future may look like. They also talked Rich Rodriguez's return to West Virginia in the back half of the show.
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/13/25
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/12/25
NIL is now permitted for West Virginia high school athletes - we discuss with Metronews' Greg Carey;Question of the Night: Which former West Virginia high school athlete would have made the most money from NIL had it been allowed previously? Rich Rodriguez press conference and TE coach Michael Nysewander discuss football camp.
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/11/25
Big nonconference game announcment from the WVU men's basketball program; Football camp continues with an update from Tony Caridi and interview clips from Rich Rodriguez.
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/9/25
The second run for Rich Rodriguez as head coach of the WVU football program begins on August 30, 2025. How many games will Rich Rod win in his first season back? Couz and Jonathan give you their thoughts in episode 39 of the Gold & Blue Breakdown show. From the season opener against Robert Morris, to the Backyard Brawl, to nine games of Big 12 play; the 2025 college football season is full of exciting games for the West Virginia Mountaineers. With so much parity in the Big 12 Conference, and with so many question marks for WVU, it's even harder to know what to expect for this upcoming season. How good will Pitt be this year? Can Arizona State be even better than they were in 2024? Does losing Travis Hunter make Colorado more beatable? Can Utah turn things around this year? All of these are questions that Couz and Jonathan will tackle in the episode. #wvu #wvufootball #wvumountaineers ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
WVU football coach Rich Rodriguez announced at his daily press conference that only two running backs were active for practice; Jahiem White and Diore Hubbard, due to injuries and eligibility concerns of the other backs. He also announced the possible addition of one legacy running back, Andre Devine. Couz will talk about the situation in the WVU running back room and the addition of Devine in this episode. One of he ineligible running backs, Tye Edwards, is one of four players suing the NCAA over their status because of antitrust law. Couz will provide an update on that case and explain why the West Virginia players have a chance to be successful and play for the Mountaineers this season. #wvu #wvufootball #richrodriguez Sources: @samcehrlich on X (formerly Twitter) WVU Sports Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/8/25
Football camp continues...interviews with Rich Rodriguez, Jarod Bowie, KK Tarnue
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/7/25
When it comes to Rich Rodriguez, what you hear isn't always what you get. The veteran WVU football coach regularly uses his press conferences to send messages to his players, coaches and fans. So, how do you decipher Coach Rod? That's just one of many topics the "Guys" discuss as the Mountaineers begin week two of preseason practice. The crew also presents an historical summary of the winning percentage for first-year coaches in the Power 4 conferences. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/6/25
Tony Caridi joins the show to talk about fall football camp; Rich Rodriguez meets with the media and sound from offensive lineman Kimo Makane'ole
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/5/25
The WVU football program has been waiting on the NCAA to approve waivers for four of their incoming transfer players for 2025. The players have now sued the NCAA to try and get eligibility for the season. In this episode, Couz breaks down what this means for Rich Rodriguez and the West Virginia team. He will also give some details about the lawsuits and will reference an article from Rivals. #wvu #wvufootball #richrodriguez Source: Rivals/On3: https://www.on3.com/sites/wv-sports/news/four-wvu-players-sue-ncaa-over-eligibility-rules/ ⭐️Sponsors: ⭐️ http://appalachiadigital.com/couz/ Get Your Tailgating Stuff HERE: http://victorytailgate.pxf.io/CouzCornhole
The West Virginia head coach is constant entertainment at the podium, going from one time talking about only 2 RBs who made it through practice to then talking about how this generation has it better than anyone else He discussed how people in the past in the state would work 24/7, even after their shift at work ended, and now said there's a brand new ice cream machine for the players…quite the commentary from the head coach Show Sponsored by MIDWEST BANKOur Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/EARLYBREAKAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 8/4/25
Post practice comments from Rich Rodriguez & Nicco Marchoil.Joe Brocato on the road at high school football camps.
Hour 2 of Friday's 3 Man Front included the guidelines for Conrad's One Chip Challenge this afternoon, Rich Rodriguez calling out entitled college athletes & your great texts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
WVU football post practice comments from Rich Rodriguez & Senior Offensive Assistant Travis Trickett. TBT Talk.George Washington High School rising senior and Wright St. committ Noah Lewis.
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 7/31/25
Day two practice thoughts from WVU coach Rich Rodriguez & Defensive Coordinator Zac Alley.WVU AD Wren Baker from halftime of Best Virginia TBT game.
Richard and Alex preview Conference USA, as the league adds Delaware and Missouri State. In this episode:* Liberty remains the favorite, even with a downgrade at QB* Sam Houston is primed for regression after 10 wins and a coaching change* WKU goes back to a strategy that has worked time and again: portaling an entire offense from a lower-level program* UTEP might have a bit of juice under Scotty Walden* Jacksonville State slams the reset button after winning the league and seeing Rich Rodriguez return to West Virginia* FIU has … reason for optimism?* Missouri State is making an ambitious play by jumping to FBS, and we aren't sure it will work out well—at least not in the win column* Delaware looks poised for a smoother transition* Kennesaw State will be much more interesting, but still not good* Middle Tennessee is hunting for reasons for optimism* Louisiana Tech's coach looks to forestall what might be inevitable* New Mexico State makes changes after a turbulent offseasonProducer: Anthony Vito This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.splitzoneduo.com/subscribe
Rich Rodriguez Press Conference 7/30/25
He's colorful, opinionated and the ultimate definition of a "FOOTBALL GUY". Robert "Dusty" Rutledge begins his second tour of duty with West Virginia University's football program as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief of Staff for head coach Rich Rodriguez. In this episode, Rutledge gives a behind-the-scenes look into over 40 years in the coaching business. From his days as the last known college player-coach to his ongoing battle with cancer, it's an entertaining and informative visit with a key member of the Mountaineer football program.
Shehan Jeyarajah, college football writer for CBS Sports, returns to the show to join Alex and Richard for a meaty preview of the Big 12. You may enjoy Shehan's recent report on the details behind Texas Tech's NIL boom. In this preview:* Arizona State loses Cam Skattebo but still has so much returning from a team that nearly made the playoff semifinals* Iowa State has questions … and probably answers* Cincinnati likely has its best team under Scott Satterfield, which isn't saying a ton but could still be fun* Colorado probably (famous last words) will be less of a media circus* Baylor has huge upside with a full year of Sawyer Robertson at QB* Kansas State needs a less sloppy season from Avery Johnson* BYU's linebackers rock, but the QB situation does not* Oklahoma State asks: Does Mike Gundy have one last job in him?* UCF reunites with Scott Frost but may find that the world has changed* Texas Tech spent millions of dollars on the No. 2 transfer portal class. Shehan explains the nuts and bolts of how the Red Raiders are trying to get a bang for their buck, and the group talks about reasonable expectations* WVU has Richard deeply intrigued as Rich Rodriguez comes home* TCU can't waste a quarterback like Josh Hoover* Kansas has Jalon Daniels back, a solid defense, and medical questions* Houston brings on Conner Weigman, who's hoping for a better second act* Arizona might no longer be the offense-first dynamo we thought they were* Utah should be much better … but how much better?We then award Big 12 preseason awards such as the Split Zone Duo Dude of the Year, the Low-Key Cool Game of the Year, and the Coach Who's Most Likely Not to Return. Thanks to Shehan for joining us and to you for listening.Tell us why you love college footballLeave us a voicemail, and we may include it in an upcoming show. You can leave us this voicemail in one of two ways:* Calling our Google Voice number: +1 201-429-5147* Submitting via this link: https://voicecast.app/szdLet us know your favorite team if you've got one, and leave your name or don't. We just want to hear why you enjoy the sport.Cool stuff from Split Zone Duo's partners* Use SZD20 for 20% off your first order at Homefield.* Enter your favorite CFB road trip at our Nokian Tyres landing page, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win free tires.Producer: Anthony Vito This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.splitzoneduo.com/subscribe
Who are the best head coaches in the Big 12 heading into the 2025 college football season? Heartland College Sports' Pete Mundo rank all 16 Big 12 coaches from top to bottom. Find out where guys like Mike Gundy, Lance Leipold, Kalani Sitake, and newcomers like Rich Rodriguez and Scott Frost land on the list.In this video:Coaching rankings from No. 16 to No. 1!Breakdowns of each coach's resume and 2025 outlook!Who's rising, who's falling, and who's under pressure!