It’s Official – UCLA is Joining the Big 10
Fred, Art, and guest Mark Mancini debate the merits of the UC Board of Regents’ judgment in favor of letting the UCLA Bruins leave the Pac-12 to join the Big 10. How will it affect the Pacific conference, and can UCLA’s troubles be traced back to decisions made by Dan Guerrero and Larry Scott? Does Noah Syndergaard have what the Dodgers are missing in the pitching lineup? And is Baker Mayfield bringing much-needed enthusiasm to his backup QB position on the Rams?
Big Changes for the Dodgers
Fred and Art are in a quandary about the recent shakeup of the Dodger team they know and love. Trea Turner and Jason Heyward have switched teams, and other key players are off to try their luck elsewhere. What is Andrew Friedman’s rationale for these and other changes, and how will the fans handle it? Will Baker Mayfield be able to save the Rams? And does Caleb Williams have the Heisman within reach?
What Makes a Great Coach?
Fred and Art welcome sports Historian Matthew DiBiase, author of the books Lords of the Gridiron II: Pro Football’s Greatest Coaches and Lords of the Gridiron: College Football’s Greatest Coaches, who shares his insight on football and college and pro coaches. Have Antonio Brown’s recent troubles stemmed from too much fame too soon? What does Matthew think of LA coaches Kelly, Riley, and McVay? And should Jerry Jones comment on a recently unearthed high school desegregation protest photo?
A Cornucopia of Thanksgiving Football
Fred, Art, and guest Mark Mancini are ready to dig into the annual feasts of Thanksgiving and football, with college and pro games in abundance. Could Caleb Williams nab the Heismann with his next USC victory? Ben Simmons faced an icy reception in Philly, returning to his old city for the first time as a Net. Will it be better in Brooklyn? Mick Cronin and Sean McVay are trying to out-think their opponents, and their teams’ performances are suffering. Can they turn things around in time?
The Fight for the Victory Bell
Fred and Art are looking forward to the big UCLA-USC game at the Rose Bowl this weekend, as Art was a former kicker for USC. Will it be a QB shootout in the passing game between Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Caleb Williams? Which team takes home the Victory Bell? In baseball, there’s a big deal on the table for Joc Pederson, and Aaron Judge is deciding where to play next year. How much will Judge’s 62nd home run ball bring in at auction?
Is Football Undergoing a Paradigm Shift?
Fred and Art are concerned that some of the NFL teams who have been so dominant in recent seasons appear to be making rookie moves on the field, with seasoned professionals like Sean McVay and Aaron Rodgers using unconventional play strategies. Has football dramatically changed? Which NBA team has named Jacque Vaughn as their new head coach? And with the Dodgers reshuffling the team roster, will Trea Turner stay in LA next season?
Coaches and Commissioners
Fred and Art raise questions about some of Rams’ coach Sean McVay’s decisions, such as when he sent QB Cooper Kupp in with less than a minute to go to try to save the Rams from a loss to the 49ers. Was that wise? They also wonder about the state of some suspensions in the NBA and how Commissioner Adam Silver is dealing with discipline within the organization. Will he make Kyrie Irving sit out for his anti-semitic tweets?
The World Series Begins in Houston
Fred and Art race against technical difficulties to discuss their predictions for the World Series, beginning with Game 1 in Houston on Friday. Will this finally be Dusty Baker’s year to win a long-awaited championship with the Astros, or do Aaron Nola and the Phillies have plans to ensure that doesn’t happen? Where is Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the field of top NCAA QBs? And are Tom Brady and the Bucs ready for the Ravens in Tampa Bay?
When Bats Go Cold
Fred and Art wonder how the Dodgers went from winning 111 games in the regular season to losing three games in the playoff series with the Padres. Was it down to decisions made by manager Dave Roberts, or was he acting on behalf of franchise president Andrew Friedman? Why was Bob Costas pulled from calling the Yankees vs. Astros game? And will Zach Charbonnet help the Bruins continue their winning streak up in Oregon?
Things That Make You Go Hmm…
Fred and Art are scratching their heads over some things that have them puzzled, from the noticeably low fan attendance at the Rose Bowl for UCLA football, the questionable calls made by Chargers’ coach Brandon Staley, and some controversial remarks made by Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville, a former college football coach. Are the Dodgers being over-managed in the postseason? And on a more positive note, what does the future hold for USC QB Caleb Williams?
