Couch and The Rube

Ep. 779: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on Michigan State's matchup with Michigan, on guarding Hunter Dickinson and Dickinson's antics, on the freshman in MSU's program that'll have the best career, on Keon Coleman and Elijah Collins, on the Lions and hopes this weekend, marriage advice and more.

Ep. 778: MSU basketball preps for U-M; Elijah Collins hits the portal; Colton Pouncy on the Lions; and picking the games with Harry

Off the top: We dug into Elijah Collins hitting the transfer portal and MSU basketball's win over Nebraska and looming matchup with Michigan. Then, a good conversation with The Athletic's Colton Pouncy on what he misses about the MSU beat, life covering the Lions and this Sunday's showdown with the Packers. Plus, we pick the NFL games and college football championship game with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 777: Hot Take Monday 2023

In our first show of 2023, we dug into our hot takes and yours – on the Lions' heading to Green Bay take down the Packers and Aaron Rodgers and the significance of the game for the organization and for Jared Goff, on MSU basketball heading into the teeth of Big Ten play (including a game Saturday against Michigan), on the Wolverines' blown opportunity against TCU in the College Football Playoff, the Mel Tucker-Ryan Day comparison and more.

Ep. 776: Twitter Question Holiday Edition

In our final show of 2022, we dug into your Twitter questions — on MSU football's recruiting class, Mel Tucker's staff, Juwan Howard's future, Hunter Dickinson the antagonist, what Malik Hall's return will mean for MSU's lineup, whether Santa finally believes in the Lions, best and worst gifts we've received and given and more. Including, the story of Santa Rube.

Ep. 775: Ishbia buys the Suns; Nick Baumgardner on Lions, U-M and MSU football; and football picks with Harry

We opened with the news on Mat Ishbia buying the NBA's Phoenix Suns and what it means for MSU's NIL treasure trove. Then, a great conversation with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on the Lions, Michigan and Michigan State football. Plus, our bowl game and NFL picks with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 774: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the latest happenings with MSU football recruiting and what it means, on all the emotions being stirred by the surging Detroit Lions, on MSU hoops, the fantastic World Cup final and more.

Ep. 773: Twitter Question Friday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on MSU football's recent recruiting surge and what to make of the latest commitments, on reasons to be both bullish and realistic on Spartan athletics, on the Lions' playoff chances and what we think of Jared Goff long-term, favorite Christmas movies, World Cup projections and more. Plus, we pick the NFL games, including the Lions-Jets, with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 772: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the sudden joy of being a Lions fan, their playoff chances and what to do with Jared Goff, on the state of Michigan State basketball, on Mel Tucker's relatively small MSU football recruiting class as signing day nears, and more.

Ep. 771: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – what to really make of MSU's basketball team, MSU football recruiting, on Spartan fans dealing with U-M's football success, Mazi Smith, hypocrisy, the Blue Curtain, updated World Cup picks and more. Plus, another actual mic drop.

Ep. 770: Hot Take Tuesday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the state of Michigan State's basketball team, whether Izzo made mistakes in building this roster, what this MSU team can still become, why Michigan football's shot at a national title is adding to the Spartans' misery, the state of Mel Tucker's program, why the surging Lions and Jared Goff, man bras, flawed quick takes and more.

Ep. 769: Twitter Question Thursday

A 2-plus hour show (not 5 hours): We dug into your Twitter questions - on the Mazi Smith situation and the response from U-M and the county prosecutor, on Mel Tucker's future, on this MSU basketball team, its issues, potential and potential pitfalls, and more.

Ep. 768: Izzo's tunnel-gate response; what's next for MSU football and hoops; and our football picks

We dug into Tom Izzo's response to the Big Ten's fine of MSU and reprimand of Michigan. Then talked MSU football — why a bowl game, at this point, isn't important, and what is important for the program moving forward. Later, we talk MSU hoops — what we learned at the PK85. Plus, we pick this week's football games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 767: Thanksgiving Special - Brendan Quinn on MSU and Big Ten hoops and picking the games with Harry

A good conversation on Michigan State hoops and Big Ten basketball with The Athletic's Brendan Quinn, after we pick this week's college football and NFL games with Harry (and talk about our World Cup bets).

Ep. 766: Hot Take Monday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State football's loss to Indiana, what it says about Mel Tucker and his staff, Spartan basketball's win over Villanova, the Lions playing meaningful football on Thanksgiving, and more

Ep. 765: Reaction to MSU's win over Kentucky; MSU-Indiana preview, football picks and Twitter questions

Off the top: We dug into MSU's win over Kentucky in the Champions Classic and what to make of the Spartans. Then we pick this week's NFL and college football games with Harry Gagnon, before we preview MSU's football game against Indiana with the Indy Star's Zach Osterman. Plus, your Twitter questions (before and after the Osterman conversation)

Ep. 764: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on MSU's showing against Gonzaga, Mady Sissoko's emergence, the backup center issue, the value of an MSU football bowl game, Payton Thorne, John U. Bacon's blog, real hope for the Lions and more.

Ep. 763: MSU football and basketball developments; Twitter questions; and our football picks

We dug into the latest on the MSU-Michigan tunnel skirmish as lawyers get involved, and talked Michigan State hoops and what we saw from the Spartans in their open. Then Harry Gagnon joined us to pick the college football and NFL games. Plus, Twitter questions.

Ep. 762: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on MSU's win over Illinois, what it said about the program, on the late-game clock management decisions, on Xavier Henderson, the Lions beating Aaron Rodgers, MSU basketball, U-M football and more.

Ep. 761: Twitter Question Thursday

e dug into your Twitter questions – on the MSU football tunnel fallout, Michigan's culpability, what's left for the Spartans this season, on MSU hoops, the roster and rotation, expectations at the center spot and more.

Ep. 760: Digging into the MSU-Michigan tunnel fight, previewing MSU-Illinois and our football picks

We dug into the latest with the MSU-Michigan tunnel fight and how fans and the programs have reacted. Then some MSU hoops talk on the heels of the Spartans' exhibition game against Grand Valley. Followed by a good conversation with Illinois writer Jeremy Werner on the Illini and Spartans and what to expect this weekend. Plus, with pick this week's football games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 759: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State's loss at Michigan, the Spartans' disappearing offense, Jay Johnson under fire, the fight in the tunnel that ensued, U-M's role in it, the ugliness in the rivalry, the Mel Tucker era and more.

Ep. 758: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on whether it's time to be concerned about Mel Tucker's 2023 recruiting class, fair expectations for MSU next season, what it'll take for the Spartans to win Saturday at Michigan, MSU basketball, best bets this week and more, including, right at the end, story worth telling from the Rube from one of his stints in jail.

Ep. 757: Nick Baumgardner on MSU's chances against Michigan and picking the games with Harry

We dug into Michigan State's game at Michigan with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner – on how the Wolverines view this rivalry, what it'll take for MSU to win and the state of the Spartans' program. Then we picked this week's college football and NFL games with Harry Gagnon. Plus, I get back on the horse with a can't-miss Premier League parlay.

Ep. 756: Hot Take Monday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on hopes and fears for MSU in Saturday's game at Michigan, on what would be satisfying from the Wolverines' perspective, on Kenneth Walker and Blake Corum, on my horrible gambling advice, on the Lions' QB situation and how the NFL and NFL refs treat the Lions and more.

Ep. 755: Twitter Question Thursday and our football picks

We dug into your Twitter questions – on different scenarios that'll give Michigan State a chance to upset Michigan, on Mel Tucker's recruiting ability, on which young Pistons player has the best chance to become a force, on Tom Izzo's comments Tuesday and how many games MSU basketball team needs to win during its brutal early stretch and some other fun stuff. Plus we pick the games with Harry and give our can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 754: The changed dynamics of the MSU-Michigan rivalry and Pistons preview with James Edwards

We dug into how the dynamics of the MSU-Michigan football rivalry have changed over the last 15 years, especially with how fans see this rivalry. Then, a great conversation with The Athletic's James Edwards on this young Pistons team on the eve of its opener.

Ep. 753: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State's win over Wisconsin, Xavier Henderson's impact, Mel Tucker's game management, Jay Johnson's play calling, Scottie Hazelton's redemption, what this means for the season, and what the Spartans' chances are in two weeks at Michigan. Plus lots of other fun stuff.

Ep. 752: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on why this Saturday's Wisconsin game is so significant to Michigan State's football program, on the repercussions if things continue to go wrong, on Izzo's faith in Mady Sissoko, MSU's board of trustees, our best bets this weekend and more.

Ep. 751: MSU-Wisconsin preview (with Jeff Potrykus' insight on the Badgers) and our picks

Off the top, we dug into the latest with Michigan State football – what Mel Tucker and Payton Thorne said this week and an offensive line recruit de-commits. Then great insight on the Badgers and everything going on with Wisconsin's team and program from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus. Plus, we we pick the college football and NFL games with Harry, along with a can't-miss parlay.

Ep. 750: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on why MSU fans (now more than ever) should be happy that MSU paid to keep Mel Tucker, on the state of MSU's roster, the quarterback position, an important MSU game against Wisconsin, FOX's obsession with Michigan's football program, the Lions, Dan Campbell's future and more.

Ep. 749: Twitter Question Friday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on Mel Tucker's approach to roster building, whether Michigan State can compete with Ohio State, the number of "CAWS" coming from Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Scottie Hazelton vs. Aaron Glenn, Matt Shepard's take on the Tigers, sportswriter fandom and more.

Ep. 748: MSU-Ohio State preview and picking this week's NFL and college football games

We dug into what it would take for Michigan State to stay in the game with Ohio State, including a good conversation with The Columbus Dispatch's Joey Kaufman. Plus, we pick this week's college football and NFL games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 747: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the state of MSU's football team and program, confidence in Mel Tucker, how many wins are possible the rest of the season, the Lions just piling on the misery, betting Ohio State this week and more.

Ep. 746: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on frustration with Scott Hazelton and Mel Tucker's "death by inches" explanation, whether MSU football +8.5 is actually a value bet at Maryland, on Jaden Reed, Maliq Carr, Jay Johnson, Jayden Akins, burgers, donuts, hurricanes and more.

Ep. 745: MSU-Maryland football preview, Scottie Hazelton speaks, and football picks with Harry

Ep. 744: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – largely on Michigan State's football team and program, the coaches, Mel Tucker's contract, the talent, and the rest of the season. Plus, takes on Dan Campbell and the Lions, and a good new story from The Rube about his 72-day stretch in the Ingham County Jail (at the 90-minute mark) as part of a strong finish to this 2 1/2-hour show.

Ep. 743: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on how MSU's football season hinges on Saturday's game against Minnesota, what it means for program momentum, the ceiling for the Spartans if things don't go well, whether it's OK to be excited about the Lions, and more.

Ep. 742: Previewing MSU-Minnesota with Gophers writer Andy Greder and picking the games with Harry

Off the top: Our thoughts on the response by MSU football's coaches and players to their loss to Washington. Then a good conversation with St. Paul Pioneer Press Minnesota Gophers writer Andy Greder about the matchup with MSU. Plus we pick the college football and NFL games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 741: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State football's dreadful performance at Washington, Scottie Hazelton and the defense, new over-under season win expectations, the importance of this week's MSU game vs. Minnesota, the feel-good Lions, U-M's schedule and more.

Ep. 740 Twitter Question Thursday, from FireKeepers Casino

During our remote show from FireKeepers' Casino and Sportsbook, we dug into your Twitter questions - on Michigan State football's chances at Washington, keys to the game, Payton Thorne, Keon Coleman, MSU statistical over-unders, U-M's schedule, your best and worst bets, eating sushi with your hands while you grocery shop and more.

Ep. 739: Jaden Akins' injury and MSU-Washington football preview with Huskies writer Mike Vorel

Off the top, we dug into injuries to Jayden Reed and Jaden Akins and what that might mean for MSU's football and basketball teams. Then a good conversation with Seattle Times Washington football writer Mike Vorel. Plus, our college football and NFL picks with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 739: Jaden Akins' injury; MSU-Washington preview with a Huskies beat writer; and football picks with Harry

Ep. 739: Tuesday Live

Ep. 738: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Payton Thorne's struggles, on Saturday's game at Washington as a defining point in this MSU football season, U-M's embarrassing schedule and QB situation, the pathetic Big Ten West, the Lions, a new tennis star, gambling losses and more.

Ep. 737: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on what this MSU football team needs to show against Akron, how things might be different for MSU's program had the 12-team playoff existed years ago, MSU's brutal basketball schedule, the original beef with Hondo, the worst Detroit pro sports signings, who's to really blame for the Tigers, good bets, Super Bowl picks and more.

Ep. 736: Nick Baumgardner on MSU football, U-M's QBs and the Lions; and picking the games with Harry

Off the top, we dug into MSU's football team and what constitutes success agains Akron. Then a terrific conversation with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on the potential and concerns for this Spartan football team, U-M's quarterback situation and what to expect from the Lions. Plus, we pick college football and NFL games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 735: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State's football team after its performance against Western Michigan, hopes and concerns, as well as other happenings around the Big Ten and college football.

Ep. 734: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – largely on MSU football, including statistical over-unders for different players this season, what's important Friday night against Western Michigan, predictions, preferred trick plays for the Spartans, and some other fun stuff.

Ep. 733: Previewing MSU football vs. WMU and our Week 1 college football picks

We dug into Michigan State's matchup with Western Michigan, joined by WMU play-by-play man Robin Hook. Plus talked about changes coming to Spartan Stadium. And picked the Week 1 college football games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 732: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the contrasts between Mel Tucker's MSU program and Scott Frost at Nebraska, on individual player and position expectations for MSU football, betting the Spartans against WMU, Jim Harbaugh's quarterback situation, the problem with liking the Lions and more.