Couch and The Rube

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; MSU-Washington preview with a Huskies beat writer; and football picks with Harry

Ep. 739: Tuesday Live

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. 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.

Ep. 731: Big Ten Rumblings, Harry's picks and Twitter Questions

A good conversation with The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach off the top on what's next in Big Ten expansion and more. Then Week 0 college football picks and NFC North over-unders with Harry, along with a can't-miss Premier League parlay. Plus, an hour of your Twitter questions on MSU football and more.

Ep. 730: Hot Take Sunday

Ep. 729: Twitter Question Saturday

Ep. 728: THE SHOW IS BACK! MSU hoops recruiting, Izzo's contract, MSU football storylines and more

In our return from vacation, we dug into the pressing storylines we missed – Tom Izzo's 2023 recruiting haul (including two more pledges) and new contract, MSU football storylines (Keon Coleman's swagger, etc.), the likable Lions and Al Avila's firing. Plus, a can't-miss Premier League parlay.

Ep. 727: Twitter Questions and bests bets with Harry

We dug into your Twitter questions - on Tom Izzo, MSU basketball recruiting (as another recruit committed), what makes a successful MSU football season, the changing dynamic of the MSU-Michigan football rivalry, the angst of being a Tigers fan in the Al Avila era and more. Plus, Premier League best bets from Harry and us.

Ep. 727: Twitter Questions and Best Bets with Harry

We dug into your Twitter questions - on Tom Izzo, MSU basketball recruiting (as another recruit committed), what makes a successful MSU football season, the changing dynamic of the MSU-Michigan football rivalry, the angst of being a Tigers fan in the Al Avila era and more. Plus, Premier League best bets from Harry and us.

Ep. 727: Twitter Questions and Harry with his picks

Ep. 726: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Xavier Booker choosing MSU and what that means for Tom Izzo and the Spartans, on MSU football expectations, on the anger toward Al Avila and apathy toward the Tigers, on teal Pistons jerseys, poorly told stories and more.

Ep. 725: Twitter Question Friday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on MSU football scenarios, MSU basketball recruiting, hopes for the Lions, betting against the Tigers, revoking media credentials, life advice and more. Plus, a couple thrilling stories.

Ep. 724: MSU Football Recruiting in an NIL World and Signs Xavier Booker Could Choose MSU Basketball

We opened with a discussion on MSU football recruiting in an NIL world and dug into the latest Big Ten expansion reports, and what it might look like if Big Ten athletes share TV revenue. Then, a good conversation with Lansing State Journal's Ryan Black - his MSU football observations from media day, and his reporting last weekend on Xavier Booker. Plus, NFL season wins over-unders with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 724: MSU football recruiting in an NIL world and signs Xavier Booker could choose MSU basketball

We opened with a discussion on MSU football recruiting in an NIL world and dug into the latest Big Ten expansion reports, and what it might look like if Big Ten athletes share TV revenue. Then, a good conversation with Lansing State Journal's Ryan Black - his MSU football observations from media day, and his reporting last weekend on Xavier Booker. Plus, NFL season wins over-unders with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 723: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the perils and challenges of MSU football recruiting in an NIL world, on MSU, U-M and Lions season wins over-unders, on Izzo's chase for Xavier Booker, making money betting against the Tigers, and more.

Ep. 722: Worst takes; Scott Dochterman on Big Ten expansion; college football win over-unders; and Twitter questions

A rich smorgasbord of a show - beginning with a conversation on my worst takes and the words from SEC football media day that MSU fans fear, before a great conversation with The Athletic's Scott Dochterman on Big Ten expansion, future schedules and realignment and this coming season. Then, college football season-win over-unders with Harry and 45 minutes of your Twitter questions.

Ep. 721: Back From Vacation Hot Take Sunday

In our return, we dug into our hot takes and yours – on Big Ten football realignment, what's real about what MSU's Pierre Brooks is doing at Moneyball, MSU and Michigan football recruiting, Jim Harbaugh's future, betting golf, Al Avila, Carmen Electra and more.

Ep. 720: Twitter Questions Saturday

In our final show until mid-July, we dug into your Twitter questions – on USC and UCLA joining the Big Ten, which schools might be next in the Big Ten's expansion, Chris Ilitch's tone-deaf assessment of the Tigers, Miles Bridges' domestic violence charges, Emoni Bates at Eastern Michigan and more, including The Rube's story about nearly burning down a house with fireworks.

Ep. 719: MSU basketball takeaways from Moneyball, and The Athletic's James Edwards on the Pistons

We opened with takeaways on MSU's basketball team from the Moneyball Pro-Am - on Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, Pierre Brooks and AJ Hoggard especially. Plus we dig into MSU's basketball schedule and what a division-less Big Ten might look mean for MSU football. Then The Athletic's James Edwards joined us talking Pistons (as a trade was happening!), digging into expectations for draft picks Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren and what the Pistons might do in free agency. And, finally, the...

Ep. 718: Hot Take Monday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – projecting Michigan State football season wins and why, the Pistons' draft and future, Max Christie as an NBA player, AJ Hoggard next season, Al Avila's tenure and future and more.

Ep. 717: Twitter Question Saturday

We dug into your Twitter questions - on MSU freshmen big men on Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, the Pistons' draft and what it means for them in free agency, on Max Christie's fit with the Lakers, the Free Press suing for the details of Mel Tucker's contract and more.

Ep. 716: Hot Take Monday

We dug into our hot takes and yours - on the Moneyball Pro-Am and what it could do for MSU basketball and MSU fans alike, on MSU football recruiting and what's fair to expect, on Al Avila and the Tigers, on who the Pistons should draft this week, and more.

Ep. 715: Twitter Question Saturday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on MSU football recruiting, how many years it would take for MSU to truly contend nationally, Draymond Green's place in MSU lore, who's MSU's best chance at having a Big Ten basketball player of the year candidate and more – including The Rube's lap-dance-for-Father's-Day story and live proof that Josh Groban isn't a very good singer.