Couch and The Rube
By: Graham Couch & Jason Knick
Language: en
Categories: Sports, Football, Basketball
Graham Couch and Jason Knick are a dynamic duo that get together every afternoon to discuss Michigan State and Big Ten football and men’s basketball, Detroit pro sports and the buzz nationally. The show is a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking all-in-one radio and podcast experience for the Michigan State, Michigan and Detroit sports fan whose assorted interests also might include the outrageous national story, sports gambling and life’s relatable predicaments. Hosts Graham Couch, a sports columnist at the Lansing State Journal, and Jason Knick, “The Rube,” bring you two hours a day of the topics and stories that grab you...
Episodes
Ep. 1099: Hot Take Monday
Dec 15, 2025Ep. 1098: Twitter Question Friday
Dec 12, 2025Ep. 1097: Talkin' MSU's Pat Fitzgerald, College Football Playoff mess, Tigers and Scott Harris angst
Dec 10, 2025We opened with a conversation on how real and scary Michigan basketball might be. Then a conversation with NBC Sports' Nicole Auerbach on the College Football Playoff mess and what can be fixed, and her thoughts on Michigan State's hiring of Pat Fitzgerald (10:00). Plus, discussions on frustrations with the Detroit Tigers' Scott Harris and his inability to meet fans where they are (36:00), and the Detroit Pistons and fears they might make a dumb move (50:00).
Duration: 00:56:33Ep. 1096: Hot Take Monday: An MSU basketball, football and College Football Playoff bonanza
Dec 08, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State basketball after its loss to Duke and concerns and lack of concern going forward, on MSU football and Pat Fitzgerald's staff, on the College Football Playoff mess and how to fix it, on MSU hockey, how to spend $401 million and more.
Duration: 02:14:25Ep. 1095: Twitter Question Friday: 401 million answers on MSU football and basketball
Dec 05, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State football, basketball and athletics — on the $401 billion donation from Greg and Dawn Williams, on why MSU basketball is winning as it is and how it'll fare against Duke, on Pat Fitzgerald and MSU football's roster and staff, on the Lions, what we would do with $401 million and more.
Duration: 01:46:00Ep. 1094: Pat Fitzgerald arrives at MSU with vigor and MSU basketball keeps rolling
Dec 03, 2025We opened with a discussion on Pat Fitgerald's introductory press conference at Michigan State and the initial impression he made, followed by our thouhts on MSU basketball's win over Iowa (15:00). Then a conversation with Detroit Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor on Pat Fitzgerald and MSU football, MSU hoops and the Detroit Lions (21:00). Plus, a look at an epic weekend in the NFL and the college football conference championship games and the bets we like (56:00).
Duration: 01:10:59Ep. 1093: Hot Take Monday: Jonathan Smith is out, Pat Fitzgerald in as MSU's football coach
Dec 02, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State firing Jonathan Smith and the hiring of Pat Fitzgerald as football coach, on MSU basketball, who Jeremy Fears is becoming, facing Iowa and Duke, on frustration with the Detroit Lions and Brad Holmes, and more.
Duration: 02:44:42Ep. 1092: Hot Take Sunday: MSU football pain and coaching flubs; and the Lions live on (sort of)
Nov 24, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football, a frustrating loss to Iowa, Jonathan Smith's future, what J Batt might be thinking, MSU basketball and the shooting guard position, concern over the Lions and more.
Duration: 01:37:53Ep. 1091: Twitter Question Friday: MSU basketball's changed ceiling; MSU football's future
Nov 21, 2025We answered your questions — on Michigan State basketball and what MSU's win over Kentucky means for the season, on MSU football and Jonathan Smith, the circumstances when he was hired and his future, on the Pistons, Tigers, Lions, and more, including a couple stories definitely worth telling.
Duration: 02:13:38Ep. 1090: Hot Take Monday: MSU football fury, Lions angst, and MSU basketball recruiting happiness
Nov 17, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football, the NCAA penalties, Jonathan Smith, J Batt, Alan Haller, etc., on Lions angst and Jared Goff and Dan Campbell, on MSU basketball recruiting, on life and hope and more.
Duration: 02:28:04Ep. 1089: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball improves the vibes, as does Dan Campbell the play caller
Nov 10, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State basketball after MSU's win over Arkansas, on the notable positives and concerns (at shooting guard and shooting) coming out the game, on MSU football (and its appreciated absence), the Big Ten's take on the refs at Minnesota, on the Lions and Dan Campbell taking over as offensive play caller, on the Tigers and Tarik Skubal, on marriage, flirting with baristas and more.
Duration: 01:56:52Ep. 1088: Twitter Question Friday: MSU basketball's prognosis and big MSU football decisions
Nov 07, 2025We answered your questions — on Michgian State basketball, lineup decisions, the prognosis for this MSU season and the addition of new recruit Jasiah Jervis, on MSU football and the decisions ahead with Jonathan Smith, and how the Luke Fickell situation is similar and different, on the Tigers, Lions, MSU hockey and the Big Ten Network's issue with hockey, on fighting with your spouse, crimes we've committed and more.
Duration: 02:18:28Ep. 1087: MSU basketball lands an important recruit; and Nick Baumgardner on the Lions, MSU football
Nov 05, 2025We opened with a conversation on new Michigan State basketball commitment Jasiah Jervis and what landing him means to MSU's program. Then a conversation with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on the Lions' Super Bowl prospects and the state of MSU and Michigan football (22:00). Plus, this week's football picks and best bets with Harry Gagnon (42:00).
Duration: 01:00:51Ep. 1086: Hot Take Monday: Michigan State football's future and Detroit Lions concerns
Nov 03, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State's football program and future, on Jonathan Smith, on MSU accepting CMU's apology, on the Lions and injury concerns and what to do at the trade deadline, on Halloween and more.
Duration: 02:10:46Ep. 1085: Twitter Question Thursday: MSU football's future and MSU basketball's present
Oct 30, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State football, the coaching situation, the game at Minnesota, the program's NIL resources, on MSU basketball after the exhibition against UConn, on the Tigers and Skubal, the Lions and Hutchinson, Halloween and more. Plus, Harry Gagnon joined us for our football picks and best bets (1:03:00).
Duration: 02:14:40Ep. 1084: Hot Take Monday: MSU football angst, apathy and where to go from here
Oct 27, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football, Jonathan Smith, what the program should do next, on AD J Batt, QB Aidan Chiles, the loss to Michigan, the Pistons, Red Wings, MSU hoops and more.
Duration: 02:11:16Ep. 1083: Twitter Questions: What's best for MSU football vs. Michigan? And MSU basketball thoughts
Oct 24, 2025We answered your questions — on Michigan State football, the future of the program and what outcome is best for the Spartans against Michigan, on MSU basketball after the Spartans' exhibition game against Bowling Green, on the Tigers, the NBA's gambling problem, life and more.
Duration: 01:59:35Ep. 1082: Gov. Whitmer and Shawn Windsor on the MSU-Michigan rivalry, the Lions and more
Oct 22, 2025We opened talking Lions and MSU football and what's at stake for the program and Jonathan Smith this Saturday against Michigan. Then a conversation with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on the MSU-Michigan rivalry, her MSU football memories and NIL (24:30). Followed by a conversation with Detroit Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor on MSU football, the coaching situation, the game against Michigan and the Lions (36:00). Plus, Harry Gagnon joined us to pick this week's football games and with his best bets (1:03:30).
Duration: 01:31:37Ep. 1081: Hot Take Monday: MSU vs. Michigan football looms, as angst over Jonathan Smith rolls on
Oct 20, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football and Jonathan Smith's tenure, on MSU's matchup with Michigan, on MSU basketball and hockey, and more.
Duration: 01:57:52Ep. 1080: Twitter Question Friday: An MSU football therapy session
Oct 17, 2025We answered your questions — largely on Michigan State football, on what's gone wrong under Jonathan Smith, how the rest of the season might unfold, what's next and who's next, and more. Plus, MSU basketball, NFL conspiracies, Tarik Skubal, and a few stories worth telling.
Duration: 02:24:03Ep. 1079: MSU football and Jonathan Smith, the Tigers, Lions, oh my! What did we miss?
Oct 15, 2025We opened with a discussion on the state of Michigan State football after last week's eye-opening loss, and where things are with Jonathan Smith as MSU hits the road to face Indiana this Saturday. Then a conversation with Indianapolis Star Hoosiers writer Zach Osterman on how Curt Cignetti is winning at Indiana, why that program is taken off and whether the Hoosiers might overlook the Spartans (28:00). Followed by a conversation with The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen on the Tigers' offseason and what next year's team might look like (57:00). Plus, the Rube's thoughts on the Lions (1:28:00) and a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:35:16Ep. 1078: Hot Take Monday: Pitchforks after an MSU football mess at Nebraska
Oct 06, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — largely on Michigan State football after a mess of a loss at Nebraska, and concerns about Jonathan Smith's tenure as MSU's coach. Plus, some Tigers and MSU hoops.
Duration: 02:16:20Ep. 1077: Twitter Question Friday: Can MSU football win at Nebraska? Can Izzo own the rev-share era?
Oct 03, 2025We answered your questions — on Michigan State football's chances against Nebraska and the program's outlook long-term, on MSU basketball and what national expectations should be for this MSU team and Izzo recruiting in the rev-share era, on the ALDS-bound Tigers, the Lions, and more.
Duration: 01:27:40Ep. 1076: Previewing MSU football at Nebraska; Izzo lands a recruit; our football picks with Harry
Oct 01, 2025We opened talking about Tom Izzo and MSU basketball's latest recruit, Julius Avent. Then a conversation with longtime Nebraska columnist Steven Sipple on the Huskers and what to expect in the matchup with MSU football (17:00). Plus, our college football and NFL picks and best bets with Harry Gagnon (40:00).
Duration: 01:06:42Ep. 1075: Hot Take Monday: An MSU and Big Ten football, Tigers, Lions and Ryder Cup bonanza
Sep 29, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football and what the weekend in the Big Ten said about the Spartans, on short- and long-term concerns, on the college football fan experience, on the Tigers punting on the division as they head to the playoffs, on the Lions (bless the Lions), on the Ryder Cup and American fans, and more.
Duration: 01:50:51Ep. 1074: Twitter Question Thursday: Tough questions for MSU football and the Tigers
Sep 25, 2025We answered your questions — on Michigan State football and whether the program is capable of returning to prominence, on Jonathan Smith and Joe Rossi, on MSU basketball's team this season, on the Tigers' future and who if anyone should pay for this collapse, on the Lions, living your best life without your spouse and more.
Duration: 02:05:07Ep. 1073: Hot Take Monday: MSU football frustrations and Tigers historic hell
Sep 22, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football, MSU's defense, Jonathan Smith and Joe Rossi and more coming off a loss at USC, on Michigan football, the Tigers hellish and historic slide and more.
Duration: 01:32:28Ep. 1072: Previewing MSU football at USC with the LA Times' Ryan Kartje; and Twitter questions
Sep 17, 2025We opened with a conversation with LA Times USC beat writer Ryan Kartje on USC football and Michigan State's matchup with the Trojans on Saturday night (8:00). Then we answered your questions on MSU football, the Tigers and more (35:00). Followed by our picks and best bets for this week's college football and NFL games (1:33:00). Plus, leftover listener takes from Monday (1:44:00).
Duration: 01:55:26Ep. 1071: Hot Take Monday: MSU football's vibes pointing down, Lions' vibes back up
Sep 15, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football and concerns about MSU's team and coaching (and injuries) heading into Big Ten play, about why Jonathan Smith is unlikely to be interested in the UCLA job, about Michigan football, the Lions' decisive win over the Bears and Ben Johnson and what it means going forward, on the Tigers and more.
Duration: 01:33:49Ep. 1070: Twitter Question Friday: MSU football, the Tigers, Lions and worst fan interactions
Sep 12, 2025We answered your questions – on Michigan State football and what's important for the Spartans to get out of this week's game, on Michigan football, on the Tigers as the postseason nears, on the Lions' facing a must-win, on worst-fan interactions and more. Plus, our best bets and football picks at the end.
Duration: 01:45:30Ep. 1069: Previewing MSU football vs. Youngstown State, talkin' MSU hoops and AP poll hysteria
Sep 10, 2025We opened with a conversation with Youngstown State football writer Neel Madhavan ahead of the Penguins' game at Michigan State (6:00). Then what's behind the AP poll hysteria (21:00) and what to make of MSU basketball's non-conference schedule (30:00). Plus, leftover listener takes on MSU football, the Lions and more (36:00).
Duration: 01:08:35Ep. 1068: Hot Take Monday: MSU football joy, U-M football and Lions misery
Sep 08, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football's 42-40 overtime win over Boston College, what the win meant and what we learned about MSU's team, on Michigan's loss at Oklahoma and where the Wolverines' season is headed, on the Lions' awful performance against the Packers and concerns for the season, and more.
Duration: 01:35:49Ep. 1067: Twitter Questions
Sep 04, 2025Ep. 1066: Hot Take Labor Day: How we feel about MSU football after the Spartans' opener
Sep 01, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football after its season-opening win over Western Michigan, on the play of Aidan Chiles, the offensive line, the concerning second half, Michigan's opener and other Big Ten shows, on the Lions, Tigers, life and more.
Duration: 01:46:45Ep. 1065: Twitter Questions: How to evaluate MSU football in its opener vs. WMU
Aug 28, 2025We answered your questions — on Michigan State football heading into Friday night's opener, on MSU basketball, on the early moves by AD J Batt, on the Tigers, our knowledges of pop culture and more.
Duration: 01:33:08Ep. 1064: MSU AD J Batt's media roundtable; previewing MSU-WMU football; and Week 1 picks with Harry
Aug 27, 2025We opened discussing MSU athletic director J Batt's roundtable with reporters Wednesday on a number of issues — NIL, MSU's resources, what to do with CMU, etc. Then a conversation with WMU football play-by-play voice Robin Hook on what to expect from the Broncos in their matchup Friday night against the Spartans (15:00). Plus, our Week 1 college football picks and best bets with Harry Gagnon (37:00).
Duration: 01:00:59Ep. 1063: Hot Take Monday: MSU football hopes and concerns as the seasons begins
Aug 25, 2025We dug into our takes and yours on Michigan State football hopes, predictions and concerns heading into the season opener, on perceptions of Michigan football, on the Tigers' postseason rotation, the Lions at receiver, The Rube at LIV, life and more.
Duration: 01:29:23Ep. 1062: Twitter Question Friday
Aug 22, 2025Ep. 1061: Shawn Windsor on Michigan football's punishment, MSU basketball and the Tigers
Aug 20, 2025Detroit Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor joined us for a conversation on Michigan football's NCAA punishment and his column on it, whether the Tigers are World Series contenders, and Michigan State's basketball team (8:00). Then Harry Gagnon joined us as we went around the horn with our favorite college football and NFL futures bets (39:00).
Duration: 01:06:15Ep. 1060: Hot Take Monday: MSU football, Michigan and the NCAA, CMU and the devil
Aug 18, 2025We dug into our takes and yours on Michigan State's football team as the opener nears, on Michigan football's NCAA punishment and shame (or lack thereof), on CMU athletics deserving punishment and shame, on the Tigers, Lions, and more
Duration: 01:19:34Ep. 1059: Twitter Question Friday: What to make of the NCAA's punishment of Michigan football
Aug 15, 2025We reacted to the NCAA's punishment of Michigan's football program, Jim Harbaugh, Connor Stalions and Co., and answered your questions on the NCAA and U-M, CMU, as well as MSU football, the Tigers and more.
Duration: 01:20:43Ep. 1058: A conversation with GFed on 100 stadiums in 100 days, and best bets with Harry
Aug 13, 2025A conversation with Garrett Fedewa, better known as GFed, for his videos trying to find his way into stadiums and stay as long as he can after games. He talked about his journey, best Stadiums in the Big Ten and college football, and his next venture, 100 stadiums in 100 days (7:00). Then, our best bets with Harry Gagnon — season soccer futures, a couple college football and NFL props, a FedEx Cup picks from Harry and The Rube (34:00).
Duration: 01:00:21Ep. 1057: Hot Take Monday: MSU football as the season nears, the Tigers, Lions, and people watching
Aug 11, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football and the state of the defense and other areas, on MSU basketball's need for go-to players to emerge, on the Lions' injuries, the Tigers' season, what MSU fans want for CMU, people watching in East Lansing, and more.
Duration: 01:30:20Ep. 1056: Twitter Questions
Aug 08, 2025Ep. 1055: Hot Take Tuesday: MSU football, the Tigers, and why Couch is a Rube
Aug 05, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football and Joe Rossi's comments about MSU's receivers, on the Spartans' schedule and how much of it is truly a toss-up, on the Tigers coming out of the trade deadline and Jason's experience at Comerica on Monday night, on why Couch is actually the Rube and more.
Duration: 01:26:11Ep. 1054: Twitter Question Friday: MSU football, CMU's punishment and the Tigers' trade deadline
Aug 01, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State football, position groups of intriguing, what-ifs in program and MSU history, on CMU and proper punishment, from shunning to death, coverage of U-M football, the Tigers and the trade deadline and more.
Duration: 01:21:24Ep. 1053: MSU football camp takes and Scott Dochterman on the Big Ten and college football
Jul 30, 2025We opened with our takes on Michigan State football after the first day of fall camp — including on Aidan Chiles, the backup QB situation and the good news and potential concerns about MSU's defense. Then a conversation with The Athletic's Scott Dochterman on the Big Ten's preferred College Football Playoff format, scheduling and this season's contenders and dark horses in Big Ten play (13:30). Then our friend Harry Gagnon joined us for golf and baseball bets (41:00). And finally, the NCAA finally moves in on CMU (56:00).
Duration: 01:00:51Ep. 1052: Hot Take Monday: MSU and Michigan football season win totals and MSU basketball recruiting
Jul 28, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State basketball and the addition of Carlos Medlock Jr., on MSU and Michigan football season win totals, on message board rumors, media coverage, the Tigers as sellers or buyers, and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:43:10Ep. 1051: Twitter Question Friday
Jul 25, 2025Ep. 1050: Hot Take Monday: MSU football, hoops, hockey, Tigers, Tiger vs. Scheffler and U-M football
Jul 21, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football, basketball and hockey, including the addition of a massive new recruit, and on the Tigers and the decision to pull Tarik Skubal before the end of the seventh inning Sunday, on Scottie Scheffler and the Tiger Woods comparisons, on U-M fans and coverage of U-M football, and more.
Duration: 01:16:34Ep. 1049: Twitter Questions: MSU football expectations, Aidan Chiles vs. Bryce Underwood and more
Jul 18, 2025We answered your questions about minimum expectations for Michigan State football in Year 2 under Jonathan Smith, on MSU basketball, coverage of Michigan football, Aidan Chiles vs. Bryce Underwood, the Tigers' needs, and plenty of "July topics."
Duration: 01:39:33MSU basketball developments, Chris Castellani on the Tigers, and British Open bets
Jul 16, 2025We open talking Michigan State basketball, including on Carson Cooper's 3-point shooting and the player and person Trey Fort could be for the Spartans. Then a conversation with Chris Castellani on the Detroit Tigers, how good this team really is and what needs to be done before the trade deadline (14:00). Plus, our best British Open golf bets with Harry Gagnon and a couple college football and NFL futures picks from Harry (40:00).
Duration: 01:07:52Ep. 1047: Hot Take Monday: MSU football and hoops, the Tigers' slide and U-M football
Jul 14, 2025We returned from vacation, digging into our takes and yours — on Michigan State football and likely wins and pivotal games, and MSU basketball and the growth of a couple players, on Michigan football amid continued scandal, the suddenly sliding Tigers, and some "July topics", including a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:48:55Ep. 1046: Twitter Question Thursday
Jun 26, 2025Ep. 1045: MSU basketball at the Moneyball Pro-Am and talkin' Tigers with Cody Stavenhagen
Jun 25, 2025We opened with a conversation and takeaways on Michigan State's basketball team — Coen Carr, Cam Ward and more — after opening night at the Moneyball Pro-Am. Then a good conversation on the Tigers with The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen (20:00). Plus, baseball and golf bets and some football season-win over-unders with Harry Gagnon (44:00).
Duration: 01:00:03Ep. 1044: Hot Take Monday: MSU football recruiting momentum, an MSU basketball injury and the Tigers
Jun 23, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on MSU basketball after the Kaleb Glenn injury, MSU football's surge in recruiting, what the Tigers should do to solve their pitching woes, the Pistons offseason and more.
Duration: 01:36:45Ep. 1043, Part 2: Twitter Questions: MSU basketball hopes, MSU football and the Tigers
Jun 13, 2025In the second of a two-part podcast, we answered your questions on MSU basketball, including an injury to a big man and hopes for Kur Teng, on MSU football, J Batt, CMU, recruiting violations and the Tigers.
Duration: 00:50:32Ep. 1043, Part 1: Twitter Questions: MSU football vibes and recruiting, and the Blue Wall
Jun 13, 2025In the first of a two-part podcast, we answered your questions on Michigan State football and changing vibes and recruiting, on Jonathan Smith expectations, on the Blue Wall and more.
Duration: 00:57:04Ep. 1042: Talkin' MSU athletics and the Tigers with Shawn Windsor; U.S. Open bets with Harry
Jun 11, 2025A conversation with Detroit Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor on MSU athletics and football after the hire of athletic director J Batt, on Michigan vs. the NCAA, the surging Tigers, and his night in jail (7:30) Then Harry Gagnon joined use as we tried to redeem ourselves with our U.S. Open best bets and more (48:00).
Duration: 01:17:04Ep. 1041: Hot Take Monday: How the House Settlement impacts MSU football and athletics
Jun 09, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on how the House vs. the NCAA settlement impacts MSU athletics, on MSU's football roster, on the proper NCAA punishment for U-M, how J Batt should handle CMU, on the Tigers chasing big dreams, the French Open finals and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:49:48Ep. 1040: Twitter Question Friday: What will J Batt's impact be on MSU football and athletics
Jun 06, 2025We answered your questions on the priorities and initial impressions of new Michigan State athletic director J Batt, on his influence on Jonathan Smith's MSU football program, Batt's power within MSU, on MSU basketball's roster relative to last year at this time, on U-M and the NCAA, MSU hockey recruiting, the Tigers, troughs, stadiums, untold stories and more.
Duration: 01:50:53Ep. 1039: Hot Take Monday: MSU makes a statement in hiring J Batt as athletic director
Jun 02, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State's new athletic director, J Batt, what we think of the hire, the challenges ahead at MSU, on MSU football and hoops, on the Tigers and Lions, people that annoy us and more.
Duration: 01:26:24Ep. 1038: Twitter Question Friday: MSU football and basketball, NIL, the Tigers and "Michigan Men"
May 30, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State football and whether fans should have faith in Jonathan Smith and for how long, on MSU basketball and whether Jase Richardson or another headliner could have been brought in through the transfer portal, on MSU's NIL situation, on U-M hoops and being a "Michigan Man", on how our show began and what we think of each other, on the Tigers and trades that make sense and more.
Duration: 01:55:15Ep. 1037: Hot Take Monday: MSU football and basketball, and Tarik Skubal's future with the Tigers
May 27, 2025We dug into our takes and yours on Michigan State football and Jonathan Smith, on MSU basketball and Jase Richardson, NIL and the state of college sports, on the Tigers and Tarik Skubal and his future with the team, along with some deep thoughts on life and sport.
Duration: 01:36:15Ep. 1036: Twitter Question Friday: MSU basketball concerns, football angst, and awkward moments
May 23, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State basketball concerns and MSU football angst, questions about the state of the Spartans' football program and how fans feel about Jonathan Smith, and on the Tigers, freakin' Totten Hotspurs, awkward moments in life and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:59:09Ep. 1035: Talkin' Tigers and Lions with John Niyo; plus MSU football recruiting fan angst
May 21, 2025We opened with a conversation with Detroit News columnist John Niyo on the Detroit Tigers' start to the season, the story lines and what's real about this team and what might not be, and on the Lions' schedule, advantages and disadvantages and the window ahead (6:00). Then our discussion on MSU football fan angst stemming from a local recruit's decision (38:00).
Duration: 01:02:51Ep. 1034: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball and football, the Tigers, Lions and more
May 19, 2025We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball, the Spartans' new point guard, next year's roster and Tom Izzo's approach to the transfer portal, on MSU football and donor support for Jonathan Smith, on what the Tigers still need, the Lions schedule, bad golf bets, life's predicaments and more.
Duration: 01:36:51Ep. 1033: Twitter Questions: MSU football and basketball, the Tigers, the Rube in prison and more
May 09, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State football and basketball, on the state of both programs, Tom Izzo and Jonathan Smith, on MSU's athletic director situation, sports that could be cut, on punishment for Michigan football, on the Tigers, on The Rube in Prison, and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:49:40Ep. 1032: Challenges for MSU's new AD, Cody Stavenhagen on the Tigers, and best bets with Harry
May 07, 2025We opened with a discussion on Michigan State athletics and the challenges ahead for the next AD. Then a conversation with The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen on the Tigers' season, roster and future (13:00). Plus, our best bets on NBA, NHL, golf and soccer with Harry Gagnon, who also just killed a rattlesnake with his bare hands (39:00).
Duration: 01:00:00Ep. 1031: Hot Take Monday: MSU's athletic director and donors, and Sherrone Moore's suspension
May 05, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State's athletic director, on Alan Haller and MSU's donors, on the football program and Jonathan Smith, on U-M's self-imposed suspension of Sherrone Moore, on the Tigers, the Pistons and more.
Duration: 01:35:14Ep. 1030: Twitter Question Friday: On Alan Haller's firing and MSU football and athletics
May 02, 2025We answered your questions on the firing of Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller and the reasons for it, whether it was justified, what MSU needs in its next AD for its football program and athletic department, on MSU's basketball roster, the Tigers, Pistons and more.
Duration: 01:23:35Ep. 1029: Hot Take Monday: MSU football and hoops, the Pistons, refs, Tigers and NFL draft
Apr 28, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on the state of MSU football and basketball, and MSU sports in general, on fan concerns and negativity around the Spartan football program and whether it's overdone, on the Pistons and accountability for refs, on trusting Brad Holmes, on Shedeur Sanders, the Tigers, why anyone would ever attend an NFL draft, disappointing our parents and more.
Duration: 01:37:31Ep. 1028: Twitter Questions: The state of play with MSU basketball and football, and the NFL draft
Apr 25, 2025We answered your questions on Michigan State basketball and football and the state of play with each — MSU basketball recruiting and portal targets, the lack of juice around the MSU football program and more. Plus, the Lions' NFL draft, Shedeur Sanders, the Pistons, the best Tigers' storylines, and a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 01:41:21Ep. 1027: James Edwards on the Pistons and MSU hoops; Nick Baumgardner on the Lions and MSU football
Apr 23, 2025We were joined by The Athletic's James Edwards for a conversation on the Pistons-Knicks playoff series, the future of the Pistons, and the state of MSU basketball (5:00). Then a conversation with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on the Lions' NFL draft priorities, the Lions roster, his favorite players atop the draft, and the state of MSU football (31:30).
Duration: 00:58:52Ep. 1026: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball and football transfer portal hopes and angst
Apr 21, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on the likelihood Michigan State basketball will add a heralded freshman (say Darius Adams) or transfer, on MSU football losing Dillon Tatum to the transfer portal, on how fans, writers, administrators and coaches all stink right now at handling the offseason in college sports and why that is, and on the Pistons' playoff chances, the Lions' draft, Tigers vibes and bets, and more.
Duration: 01:38:01Ep. 1025: Twitter Questions: MSU basketball lands another transfer. What to make of the roster now?
Apr 18, 2025We answered your questions – on Michigan State basketball, the addition of transfer Tre Fort, what else the Spartans need or might do in the portal, the rotation next season, Michigan and Purdue making portal moves, what to think of MSU football this spring, the Tigers, the Pistons, life advice and more.
Duration: 01:54:52Ep. 1024: Hot Take Monday: Next moves for MSU basketball, and Rory at the Masters
Apr 14, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball entering a pivotal time with the transfer portal, on MSU's roster needs, on Tre Holloman and Kalen Glenn, on MSU football, on Rory and the Masters, the Tigers, Pistons, adults wearing jerseys, our goof-ups and more.
Duration: 01:35:36Ep. 1023: Twitter Questions: MSU basketball reels in a transfer. How does he fit? What's next?
Apr 11, 2025We answered your questions – on Michigan State basketball, the addition of transfer Kaleb Glenn, how he fits, what MSU still needs most in the portal, on MSU's roster, adult fans wearing jerseys and more.
Duration: 02:01:52Ep. 1022: MSU basketball in the portal, Brendan Quinn from the Masters, and Masters bets with Harry
Apr 09, 2025We opened talking about Jase Richardson's departure from MSU and the fan base's lack of trust in Tom Izzo when it comes to the transfer portal. Then a good conversation with The Athletic's Brendan Quinn, from Augusta, on covering the Masters, this year's storylines, the NCAA tournament and how MSU stacked up with the teams in the Final Four (8:00). Plus, Harry Gagnon joined us for a whirlwind of Masters best bets (39:00). And, lastly, why the Tigers are winning (1:02:00).
Duration: 01:05:36Ep. 1021: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball, the transfer portal and the Tigers
Apr 07, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball, MSU's roster, the transfer portal, NIL, Michigan's program, the Tigers, Pistons and more. Plus a couple stories worth telling, including The Rube getting into an altercation in the parking garage before the show.
Duration: 01:41:50Ep. 1020: Twitter Question Friday: MSU basketball's next chapter and more
Apr 04, 2025We answered your questions – on Michigan State basketball, MSU's roster next season, the transfer portal, Tre Holloman, MSU football, the Tigers and more. Plus a couple stories worth telling, including stories of the times we both fell for scams recently.
Duration: 02:14:04Ep. 1019: Talkin' MSU basketball and the transfer portal with Shawn Windsor, and leftover hot takes
Apr 02, 2025A good conversation with Detroit Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor on Michigan State's basketball program, the transfer of Tre Holloman, next season's roster, and what'll take for MSU to compete for a national championship (7:00). Then our Final Four best bets, plus baseball, golf and soccer bets with Harry Gagnon (39:00). Finally, we dug into the remaining listener takes from Tuesday's show – on MSU basketball and more (58:00).
Duration: 01:41:53Ep. 1018: Tuesday Hot Takes: MSU basketball postmortem and Tre Holloman in the transfer portal
Apr 01, 2025We dug into to the news that Michigan State's Tre Holloman has entered the transfer portal — why it happened, what it means for Holloman and MSU. Plus our takes on Xavier Booker and Gehrig Normand leaving, on MSU's Elite Eight loss to Auburn and the season the Spartans had, on MSU hockey and the absurdity of a one-and-done NCAA tournament in that sport, and more.
Duration: 01:20:42Ep. 1017: Joe Rexrode on MSU vs. Ole Miss, Twitter Questions and picks with Harry
Mar 26, 2025Former MSU beat writer Joe Rexrode – who covers the SEC and Ole Miss and Auburn – joined us for a conversation on the Spartans' Sweet 16 matchup with the Rebels and potential games against Auburn or Michigan (8:00). Then we picked the NCAA tournament games and got into some baseball futures with Harry Gagnon (29:00). Plus, we answered your questions on MSU basketball and more (43:00).
Duration: 01:18:21Ep. 1016: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball heads to the Sweet 16
Mar 25, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball's NCAA tournament win over New Mexico and the performances by MSU's players, the Spartans' matchup with Ole Miss in the Sweet 16, the possibility of facing Michigan again in the Elite Eight and the angst surrounding it, the end of Cinderellas and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 02:06:14Ep. 1015: The MSU basketball-Bryant matchup and our NCAA tournament picks and best bets
Mar 19, 2025We're joined by the Providence Journal's Bill Koch for a good conversation on Michigan State's men's and women's opponents in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Bryant and Harvard – what makes those teams tick and what are their chances against the Spartans (12:00). Then the great Harry Gagnon joined us for our NCAA tournament picks and best bets (34:30). Finally, a story worth telling from The Rube on his epic fail when trying to talk to golfer John Daly (1:01:00).
Duration: 01:06:47Ep. 1014: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball, U-M's title and the NCAA tournament
Mar 17, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball's NCAA tournament draw and matchups, the rotation going forward, lessons the Spartans should have learned last weekend, on Michigan's trolling in after winning the Big Ten tournament, the Wolverines' NCAA tournament seed and more.
Duration: 01:49:01Ep. 1013: Jeff Kohler on MSU basketball, and Twitter questions on MSU/U-M tension and more
Mar 12, 2025We opened with a conversation with Jeff Kohler (father of MSU's Jaxon Kohler) on this MSU team, why they've been so good, on Jaxon's journey with the Spartans, his interactions with fans, what it's like being a parent of a player in this day and age, and his thoughts on the skirmish at the end of the MSU-Michigan game Sunday. Then we answered your questions on MSU hoops, Dusty May, the blue wall, the All-Big Ten teams, the Big Ten tournament and more (32:00).
Duration: 01:51:26Ep. 1012: Hot Take Monday: MSU basketball ends the regular season with a kiss and a shove
Mar 10, 2025We dug into our takes and yours — on Michigan State basketball, the win over Michigan, the Wolverines' standing at center court as MSU tried to honor its seniors, Dusty May's response, the Spartans' chance of moving up to a No. 1 seed, the value of the Big Ten tournament and more.
Duration: 01:35:39Ep. 1011: Ant Wright on MSU and Big Ten basketball; and MSU football moves game to Ford Field
Mar 05, 2025We opened discussing MSU football's season finale being moved to Ford Field, the reasons it makes sense and why folks shouldn't be concerned with what's right for other schools. Then a good conversation with Ant Wright on MSU, Michigan and Big Ten basketball (19:00). Plus, a conversation on the most enjoyable MSU basketball season's under Tom Izzo and where this one ranks (40:00).
Duration: 00:58:00Ep. 1010: Hot Take Monday: A Michigan State basketball (and hockey) bonanza
Mar 03, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball, whether the time is now to go after a national championship, on Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, Jaden Akins and Jeremy Fears, on Jase Richardson's future and NCAA tournament seeding, on Michigan basketball, the Big Ten tournament, on MSU hockey and more.
Duration: 01:51:40Ep. 1009: Twitter Question Friday
Feb 28, 2025Ep. 1008: Hot Take Monday: Michigan State basketball is rolling toward a Big Ten title
Feb 24, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball's win over Michigan and whether MSU is becoming a contender nationally, on whether Jase Richardson should be the Big Ten's freshman of the year, on Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman and Xavier Booker, the week ahead against Maryland and Wisconsin, on Michigan and their center proposing to his girlfriend after a rivalry loss, on Jared Goff vs. Matthew Stafford, the Tigers and more.
Duration: 01:56:42Ep. 1007: The MSU-Michigan basketball rivalry rises again, and Twitter questions
Feb 20, 2025We went inside the Michigan State-Michigan basketball matchup and talk Big Ten hoops with Greg Waddell from the Sleepers Podcast (8:00) and then answered your questions on MSU basketball, from lineups to certain players and the matchup with the Wolverines. That and how to deal with unseemly nose hairs and more (35:00).
Duration: 01:56:47Ep. 1006: Hot Take Monday: What MSU basketball beating Illinois means for this season
Feb 17, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball's win at Illinois, what we should take from it and what it means for MSU's season going forward. Plus, fragile fans, Tigers season wins over-unders and more.
Duration: 01:33:31Ep. 1005: Twitter Question Friday: MSU basketball, zone defenses, 3-pointers and Tom Izzo
Feb 14, 2025We answered your questions and ours – on Michigan State basketball and this MSU team's shortcomings, on Tom Izzo and the roster, on Michigan basketball, the Lions, things we do when our wives leave and more.
Duration: 01:30:52Ep. 1004: Michigan State basketball hits the skids
Feb 12, 2025We opened talking about Michigan State's basketball team after its loss to Indiana – the why it happened, where things are going wrong and the reasons for long-term concern and not to panic yet. Then Illini writer Jeremy Werner joined us talk about MSU's game at Illinois on Saturday and the buzzsaw the Spartans are walking into (25:00). Then more MSU hoops talk – on the game with Illinois and on why this skid is so disheartening (35:00). Plus, Harry joins us to talk Super Bowl, NFL futures, baseball and college hoops bets (46:00).
Duration: 01:08:42Ep. 1003: Hot Takes: Epic day for MSU basketball and Jase Richardson; Super Bowl lessons for Lions
Feb 10, 2025We dug into our takes and yours – on an epic and critical second half performance by Michigan State's basketball team, on Jase Richardson and MSU's lineup decisions, on Michigan hoops, Spartan hockey, what the Lions can learn from the Super Bowl.
Duration: 01:12:41Ep. 1002: Twitter Question Friday: An MSU basketball bonanza
Feb 07, 2025We answered your questions – a ton of them on Michigan State basketball – on fixing MSU's shooting woes, where this team is going, playing time decisions, the roster moving forward and more, and on Michigan hoops, what the Lions should trade for Myles Garrett and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling.
Duration: 02:02:00Ep. 1001: MSU basketball's bad trip to LA, Joe Rexrode, and our Super Bowl prop bets with Harry
Feb 06, 2025We opened talking Michigan State basketball after the Spartans' loss to UCLA. Then MSU beat alum and Athletic national college writer Joe Rexrode joined us for a conversation on MSU basketball, the Big Ten and SEC and more (13:00). Plus, our Super Bowl picks and favorite prop bets with Harry (41:00).
Duration: 01:04:03