Welcome to the Big Ten, SoCal
Fred, Art, Laura Snoke, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran question the networks’ decision-making process in the scheduling of UCLA and USC’s games against formidable foes on Saturday. Why the simultaneous kickoff times? Will Bruins’ coach DeShaun Foster be a match for veteran Brian Kelly? Which school has dropped six sports programs in the latest NIL development? Will Bryce Young be given the chance to reach his potential? And just how did Shohei Ohtani achieve those mind-boggling stats?
Will History Be Made in the MLB?
Fred, Art, and Mark marvel over the numbers being put up by Shohei Ohtani as he inches toward an unheard-of 50-50 season. Will he cap off 2024 with a return to the mound in October and an MVP award to boot, or is the Phillies’ Bryce Harper going to give him a run for his money? How was Aaron Rodgers’ first game of the season? Should Tua Tagovailoa consider retirement after suffering yet another concussion? And what is up with college coaches and their “We Pay Players” shirts?
It’s All About the Coaches
Fred, Art, and Mark compare the coaching styles of USC’s Lincoln Riley and LSU’s Brian Kelly after their big showdown, where the Trojan’s stunning victory did not sit well with Kelly, who wasn’t shy about laying blame for the loss. Is Riley bringing the glory back to USC? Retirees Bill Belichik and Nick Saban seem to be on everything and are everywhere all at once in their new careers as commentators. Have they found their true calling? And will Monday Night Football fans win or lose in the streaming standoff?
A Delight for Fans at Dodger Stadium
Fred, Art, and Laura Snoke are charmed by Shohei Ohtani and his dog, Decoy, who teamed up to throw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium. Further cementing his superstar status, Ohtani hit a home run for his first at-bat. Is he a lock for MVP or does Aaron Judge have slightly better odds? Will the injury crisis in the MLB, affecting pitchers and other indispensable players like Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers, change the way the game is played in the leadup to October? And is the University of Michigan in danger of losing its National Championship title?
Turf Wars
Fred, Art, and Laura Snoke wonder if and when the NFL will take a page out of professional soccer’s playbook and mandate grass fields over artificial turf. Could the prestigious World Cup 2026 in North America be the agent of change to protect players? Where has Justin Herbert landed in the fantasy football ratings? Do the Braves have a chance without Spencer Strider? Is Chris Taylor the answer to help the Dodgers rally? And should athletes venture into political discourse like Steph Curry did at the DNC?
What’s New, Aaron Rodgers?
Fred, Art, and Mark are shaking their heads over Aaron Rodgers’ fluctuating position on the Covid vaccine. Will there ever be a straight answer from him and is this another factor preventing him from integrating with the team? Does Sean McVay have a career change in mind? Has Michael Harris II’s comeback given the Atlanta Braves the means to catch the Phillies? And with the Dodgers pitching staff being decimated by injuries and Walker Buehler struggling after his return, can the perennial powerhouse overcome its pitching woes?
Drama, Drama, Everywhere
Fred, Art, Mark, and sports historian Matthew DiBiase weigh in on their candidates for the Cy Young Award. After allowing just one run in 28 innings, is Dylan Cease the top pick? Which underdog MLB team claimed the number one spot in USA Today’s Sports Weekly power rankings? Will TNT’s new show featuring Bronson Balholm deflect some attention from the battle between TNT and Amazon for Thursday night NBA rights? And how will the NFL resolve their dilemmas with Justin Herbert and CeeDee Lamb
Will the New NFL Rule Kick Out the Kickers?
Fred, Art, and Laura Snoke debate the new NFL kickoff rules as teams are hurriedly trying to incorporate the changes and put them into practice for the upcoming season. Will the rules be an improvement or fall flat? How will the rookie quarterbacks fare, and are Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and all of the class of ‘24 ready to lead? Can traditional sports media keep up with the juggernaut of the streamers? And how many trips to the podium will Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky make in Paris?
Decisions and Redemption
Fred, Art, and Mark prognosticate about politics, pitching, and penance. Will Mark Kelly be named the Democratic VP? How many pitchers can the Dodgers go through in one season and how will the Braves cope with the loss of their two top arms? Where is Dylan Cease going to call home after the trade deadline? Should Pete Rose, the subject of a new HBO documentary, be forgiven? And with the Summer Olympics set to begin in Paris, is Simone Biles ready to reclaim her gymnastics title?
Predictions for MLB Postseason Possibilities
Fred and Art forecast which MLB teams have a likely shot at the postseason now that the All-Star game has ushered in the second half of the season. Are the Phillies, with their powerful pitching staff led by Ranger Suárez, emerging as World Series contenders? Is Garrett Crochet a potential trade chip to help the struggling White Sox? Could Clayton Kershaw be available to pitch before the end of the season? And what advantages will Russell Westbrook bring with him in his move to Denver?
