ITB's Slate of Eight: Week 2

Written by Michael Felder on .

ITBAs we roll into week two of this young season we welcome back friend of the program Luke aka worstfan from the fantastic Ohio State website Eleven Warriors. Obviously Luke knows his Buckeyes but he isn't afeared to venture out into the overall college football world to preview the rest of this weekends best action with your favorite host, Michael Felder, for the Week Two Slate.

With all of the craziness swirling around the college football world off the field; UNC and the speculation swarming around the Blake resignation, Reggie Bush and the Heisman Trophy, Boise State's title shot and the AJ Green jersey situation, it is nice to have Luke on and talk some on the field action.

The ITB Slate of Eight, Week Two Edition:

Mississippi State - Auburn
Oregon - Tennessee
South Florida - Florida
Michigan - Notre Dame
Florida State - Oklahoma
Georgia - Sakerlina
Alabama - Penn State
Ohio State - Miami

Tune into the show folks as we run through all the action you should be watching on this second football weekend. We kick it off with a little Thursday night SEC action and it runs through some marquee conference and inter-sectional match ups that have a chance to truly shape the BCS picture.

Warning

Luke and I do not make Ohio State-Miami some "re-match" or vendetta game with a score to settle. Tough to "avenge" a loss of a team you didn't follow or a game that you didn't watch BECAUSE YOU WERE 10-13 YEARS OLD!

To listen to the show click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers"on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Blackberry users like your fearless leader can paste this link into the "Add Podcast Channel" option when you download the Blackberry Podcast App.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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ITB's Slate of Eight: Week 1

Written by Michael Felder on .

ITBThis is the inaugural edition of ITB's Slate of Eight and we bring on friend of the program Aaron Torres from fellow Bloguin site Aaron Torres Sports stops by to kickoff the season. Since this is the first edition let me explain how this works:

We've selected eight games. To be more specific we've selected the eight games that, regardless of your allegiance, location or rooting interest, every college football fan should tune in to watch. For some games the sheer magnitude of the contests might be enough to make them a must see. Others have very intriguing match ups while a couple games feature great storylines that will help shape not only the 2010 season but the future of programs going down the road.

The ITB Slate of Eight, Week One Edition:

Utah - Pitt
Southern Miss - Sakerlina
UConn - Michigan
Oregon State - TCU
Purdue - Notre Dame
Cincinnati - Fresno State
North Carolina - LSU
Virginia Tech - Boise State

Give the show a listen folks as we squeeze a ton of predictions, discussion, information and thoughts into the show just for you to consume as game time quickly approaches. We'll do this weekly and there will be a running tab as I take on my weekly co-host when we pick games. You've got us on the record and make sure that you're playing along with us in the "home version of the game" by joining the ITB Pick'em Pool over at Fun Office Pools (password: inthebleachers)!

To listen to the show click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers"on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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In The Bleachers Podcast: TJ Simers of the L.A. Times Talks Lane Kiffin

Written by Michael Felder on .

ITBThis evening on the podcast we have L.A. Times columnist TJ Simersstop by to discuss the Lane Kiffin article that he penned for his column today. Simers' article Is USC's Lane Kiffin really Mr. Misconduct, or just misunderstood is an interesting read that delves into both the man and the father-son dynamic that exists between Lane and his father Monte. The polarizing columnist holds true to formfrom rehashinghis first encounter with Kiffin to the discussion of Tennessee fans dwelling onKiffin's job move.

Kiffin and Simers' first encounter was a "cantankerous" event per TJ as he challenged the fresh faced 35 year old coach over the accusations of Ed Orgeron contacting Tennessee recruits as they arrivedat Southern Cal. Talk turns as Simers discusses Kiffin through the eyes of his father, a man that it universally respected and admired in the football world. Monte gave TJ Simers some interesting insight into the young head coach while quietly getting his son's back and making sure to rebuke the rumors that Lane is a cheater.

As we talk more Kiffin we discuss the Tennessee aspect of the transition andthe hatred that grew from Lane's transgressions. Simers describes the leaving after one year as more an affirmation of Kiffin's "bratty nature" than one moment that swayed folks against Lane. TJ does makes his perspective on the folks who remain enraged over the departure of Kiffin clear; not only does it reflect poorly on them in his eyes but there's a clear misunderstanding of Kiffin's affinity for USC.

We end a more positive note discussing Kiffin's future as the new USC head coach, the rookie AD Pat Haden working with the 35 year old coach to repair the image of the men of Troy. Simers does end with another barb at the good folks of Tennessee that admittedlyleaves your host somewhat speechless.

To download the show directly click hereor subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers"on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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In The Bleachers Podcast: Ty Hildenbrandt from Solid Verbal Drops By To Talk Football

Written by Michael Felder on .

ITBFolks we've got PODCAST CROSS POLLENATION going on today as Ty Hildenbrandt from The Solid Verbal stops by to talk college football with In The Bleachers. Ty joins us sans normal co-host Dan Rubenstein to wax philosophically about everything from the AP Top 25 and BYU to the UNC-LSU Chick-fil-A Kickoff and Dragon Con.

We start our chat by hitting on the AP Top 25 and Ty and I have some instant disagreement over both the first place vote given to Oklahoma and the state of the Florida program as the Gators come in ranked #4 by the media. We get back on track discussing the Georgia Bulldogs and USC before going all non-BCS for you listeners out there. Boise State, TCU are sitting in a great position for non-AQ teams as the ball is in their court for a legitimate title shot.

Talk shifts to BYU and their sudden posturing for independence. Neither of us were on board with this from the outset however as you'll hear, one of us has slowly come around on the idea based upon the difference between the Cougars and every other FBS program in America.

As we get closer to the end of this delightful collaboration Ty gives his thoughts on the UNC-LSU showdown in Atlanta; ugly is the diagnosis with a slight edge to the Heels. We discuss The Solid Verbal's first ever Verbacon to be held in Lincoln, Nebraska this year as well as another "con" that I'll be privy to in Atlanta; Dragon con. Be sure to tune in as I let folks know I am cruising the streets of the ATL looking for Xena's, Storm's and Viper from Doomsday look-a-likes for photo ops.

Folks make sure you head over to Fun Office Pools to register for the In The Bleacher's Pick'em Pool, password "inthebleachers" AND check out Ty and Dan's Solid Verbal Pick'em Pool hosted over at CBS Sports. It should be a fun season folks and user participation is encouraged. ITB's pool will have prizes, mediocre prizes, but you will get things in the mail nonetheless. Speaking of feedback be sure to rate the podcast when you subscribe via iTunes.

To listen to the show click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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In The Bleachers Podcast: Talking Buckeyes with Luke from Eleven Warriors

Written by Michael Felder on .

ITBStopping by today we've got Luke aka Worstfan from the Ohio State Buckeyes site Eleven Warriors. That's right folks we're hitting the midwest and that means we get into the Big Ten's leader first by talking about all things Buckeye. Luke and I kick it off by rehashing the offseason, getting his thoughts on expansion and its impact on the conference. We also discuss the Big Ten deciding on Lucas Oil Field as the inaugural site of their title game.

The talk turns heavy Buckeyes as we hit on the maturation of Terrelle Pryor and how the Ohio State junior appears to have become fully "Tressel-ized" heading into his third season. Luke offers up the idea that Tressel ball might become a bit more loose this season as we saw how successful the Buckeyes could be in the Rose Bowl when they just play football. Pryor has plenty of weapons and this season could be one of the Buckeyes' most explosive on offense.

We hit defense and while the The Ohio State is replacing some key players we hit on one of the biggest disconnects between preview mags and reality; new starters doesn't always mean total inexperience. The men stepping in to replace the departures have made plays in spots and played a lot of snaps so there shouldn't be much drop off as the new faces enter the starting line up.

Talk moves to the schedule and more specifically the Buckeyes' major competition for the Big Ten; Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State. Question marks surround Penn Stateas Joe Pa's health is called into question and the loss of key players has truly weakened the Nittany Lions. Luke admits to being equally concerned about the contests at Camp Randall AND Kinnick Stadium as possible roadblocks to a league championship. Michigan also joins the party as Luke pulls few punches regarding his thoughts on the Wolverines' season prospects.

We wrap up with the obligatory "SEC question" by asking about how large the gap between the SEC and Big Ten truly is currently. The answer isn't that surprising as Ohio State and Iowa are two teams that currently should be able to compete with anyone in the nation. Partially perception, partially a product of the media and still largely based in the SEC's strong run of late the gap is legitimate. However, with wins agood showings in non-conference match ups and the addition of Nebraska the Big Ten is in the position to close ground on the SEC in the coming years.

To download the show directly click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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In The Bleachers Podcast: Heisman Hopeful Ricky Dobbs of Navy Stops By

Written by Michael Felder on .

Special guest today on the show as Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs stops by to discuss a little football for the upcoming 2010 season. Dobbs has been dubbed The People's Champ for Heisman and his grassroots Heisman campaign has truly become one of the best storylines heading into this college football season. Dobbs is every bit as humble and focused as you'd expect a Midshipmen to be and it comes across in his interview.

Ricky Dobbs

Dobbs starts out reminding us that he expects nothing but the best from himself and his teammates and that in their brotherhood anything less is unacceptable. He hits on the offense working to impose their will in running the machine and discusses how he handles making the machine run while juggling the new media attention.

We talk a little defense and offensive line as Ricky gives props to the folks who have helped him be successful during his career. With guys like Wyatt Middleton and Kevin Edwards flying around in the back end this Navy defense is going to work to stop opponents so their offense can grind on defenses. Up front Dobbs knows his linemen, though undersized, are a hard working group that take pride in churning up yards against opponents.

To wrap up Ricky Dobbs leaves us with the Naval Academy 2010 team mantra of building success "One Brick At A Time" as they go through the season. Every snap, every practice, every play, every game they are looking to give their all in the name of the academy. This is a player and a team that folks can get behind as they have the scheme, talent, schedule and clearly in Dobbs, the leader to make 2010 a special season for the Academy.

To download the show directly click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers"on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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In The Bleachers Podcast: Talking Hokies With Gobbler Country

Written by Michael Felder on .

itbWe've got Furrer 4 Heisman the proprietor of the Virginia Tech Hokies website Gobbler Country and fellow member of the 2010 Twitter 200. With the Furrer on the show we go heavy Hokies to kick off the season and we start with the injury woes they've experienced in camp. VPI has injuries on the defense that affect linebacker depth as well as some turf toe issues with their left tackle Nick Becton.

Next we talk over the rebuilding project that is Bud Foster's 2010 defense. They're replacing some legitimate impact players such as Cody Grimm, Kam Chancellor and Jason Worilds but the guys stepping in have the tools to be successful in the scheme. The depth issues will be a constant battle for the Hokies but as Foster is known for, this squad will bring their lunch pail mentality to work everyday.

Getting into the Hokies 2010 schedule we hit the Boise State game and it's importance to the Maroon and Orange as well as the ACC. VPI has their eyes on the national championship and stumbling out of the blocks in game one is not how to get back to the BCS title game. Aside from the Boise State game the Hokies face a brutal back-to-back-to-back Coastal stretch facing GT at home and then UNC and Miami on the road. Getting GT at home is a double blessing due to the bye week but UNC-Miami trips in consecutive weeks could spell disaster.

We wrap up talking a little Tyrod Taylor and the Virginia Tech offense for the 2010 season. Tyrod's done all growed up and with Darren Evans and Ryan Williams behind him he should be poised for a solid season. The receiving core appears ready to rock and roll so this could be one of the Hokies better offensive showings in several years.

To download the show directly click here or subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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Talking Agents & ACC on Inbounds With Mac McDonald

Written by Michael Felder on .

Inbounds with Mac

Thursday afternoon I got the chance to appear as a guest on Inbounds with Mac McDonald to talk some ACC football and delve into the agent controversy that has engulfed the college football world.

Mac McDonald kicks off things by going hard into the agent world and uses our Jimbo Fisher, mafia article to jump start the conversation. We discuss the analogy and then talk a little Tar Heel specifics as the unknowns swirl around the UNC camp.

We jump into the ACC perception and discuss some of the non-conference match ups and how John Swofford's vision is slowly but surely coming into fruition. Then we jump into the ACC Atlantic by talking Florida State. It appears I'm the only person not "wowed" by the Seminoles prospects for the season.

Clemson and BC get their due as I have to explain my theory that each of the Atlantic teams is equally flawed. FSU with mystery on defense. Clemson with questions at offensive playmaker. BC with no answer to who will catch the football. No flaw is more glaring than the other and whoever fixes their flaw first should walk out of the scrum as the Atlantic Champion.

Spoiler alert there is some TJ Yates love as the show closes. Do not call it a bromance.


Direct Download Here!

Thanks to Mac McDonald for having me on the show and I'm looking forward to my return trip.Folks be sure to listen to the show live from 3-6pm eastern or stream it from your smartphone on iHeart radio.

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In The Bleachers Podcast: Patrick Stevens of D1scourse Drops By

Written by Michael Felder on .

itbLong time friend of the program Patrick Stevens from the website D1scoursestops by fresh off of a day that included meeting with Maryland's interim AD Randy Eaton and attending Navy's Media Day. He's been covering the sport for quite some timeand brings a great perspective to the table.

Patrick kicks it off with talking a little Navy football starting with Heisman hopeful Ricky Dobbs. The talk turns to the overall Navy season as their schedule shapes up to be quite do-able this year. Stevens hits on the fact that unless Notre Dame gets into the Top 25 mid-season the Midshipmen will likely go the entire season without facing a ranked opponent.

The talk turns to ACC media as Patrick discusses the frenzy surrounding Butch Davis and the absence of Bobby Bowden at media for the first time in decades. He hits on what the league must do to change the national perception and instead of the concensus ideal of "winning big non-conference match ups" Stevens says that a Top 5 caliber team is what the league desperately needs.

To wrap up we talk a little about the Maryland situation and how complex of an issue exists in College Park. The school is not only operating with an interim AD but they are also sans school president. An AD search cannot really take place until after a president is hired and depending upon that timeline Friedgen might just buy himself an extra season. While Ralph's future hangs in jeopardy the real issue is James Franklin, the coach in waitingwho has lost his good standing with the departure of AD Debbie Yow.

We wrap up with some unexpected NC State talk that even includes a little basketball chatter (see I'm versatile).

To listen to the show click hereor subscribe to one of the methods listed below.

If you want the podcast you must subscribe to the Feedburner, but if you want to subscribe to the blog please use the New RSS Feed. This is for iTunes to be able to archive the shows. You can also search for "In The Bleachers" on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast that way.

Got a question? Email it in to InTheBleachers @ GMAIL (dot) COM

Hit us up on Twitter @InTheBleachers!

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In The Bleachers Podcast: Trimane Goddard Drops In To Talk Training Camp

Written by Michael Felder on .

Trimane Goddard, not just a friend of the program but a long time friend of Michael Felder makes his debut on the podcast to talk about college football training camp. The former All-American and 1st team All-ACC safety who shared the national lead in interceptions in 2008 stops in to hit all the "finer" points of training camp.

This isn't a Tar Heel party folks as we get into just the general nature of training camp and talk everything from the way you feel when you pull into the dorms for the first time to debating whether two-a-days or one-a-days are better. The answer to that question from a players' perspective may surprise you because of the amount of behind the scenes aspects that are associated with one-a-day practice sessions.

We'll get into the install portion of camp that truly is tougher than any conditioning test as you spend each day trying to learn the new packages, all the while not forgetting what was installed the day before. Talking the frustration of install leads to the overall camp frustration that often culminates in fights out on the practice field and the ribbing and "hazing" that goes on when 100 guys are stuck on campus without anyone else around.

However, camp isn't all bad as we wrap up on the most positive notes one experiences during camp; Meet "insert your team here" Day! A truly fun day/evening where you get to interact with fans, sign autographs, take photographs and talk to the people who come to watch you play on Saturdays.

For the direct download to the show click here

Trimane Goddard

Be sure to follow Trimane on twitter and tune into the podcast while following In The Bleachers on twitter. We'll have the big guy back on to talk some football during the season.

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