Couch and The Rube

Ep. 662: Brendan Quinn on MSU and U-M hoops; and picking this week's NFL playoff games with Harry

The Athletic's Brendan Quinn joined us for good discussion on MSU and U-M hoops, the direction of the two teams, whether they'll make up the game and who will win the Big Ten. Plus, we reveal the winners of the Couch and The Rube pick'em contest and then pick this week's NFL playoff games with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 661: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on U-M calling off the game against MSU at the 11th hour (and all the feelings about it), on the Lions winning and losing the No. 1 pick, MSU football recruiting and more.

Ep. 660: Twitter Question Thursday; Jayden Reed Returns to MSU; Our Picks with Harry

We opened by digging into why Jayden Reed is returning to MSU and what it means for the Spartans, before getting into our takeaways from MSU's latest basketball game. Then our picks with Harry, including the MSU-Michigan hoops game, and then spent nearly 90 minutes answering your Twitter questions.

Ep. 660: Twitter Question Thursday; Jayden Reed returns to MSU; Our picks with Harry

We opened by digging into why Jayden Reed is returning to MSU and what it means for the Spartans, before getting into our takeaways from MSU's latest basketball game. Then our picks with Harry, including the MSU-Michigan hoops game, and then spent nearly 90 minutes answering your Twitter questions.

Ep. 659: Hot Take Monday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State's Peach Bowl win, the state of the program and what should happen next, as well as U-M's CFB Playoff loss and the state of that program, hopes for Spartan hoops and more, including The Rube's rant on our reactions to the deaths of John Madden and Betty White.

Ep. 658: MSU hoops, picks with Harry and Twitter Questions to close out 2021

In our final show of 2021, we dug into the state of MSU's basketball program and then made our football picks with Harry Gagnon (including revisiting MSU-Pitt in the Peach Bowl and Michigan-Georgia in the CFP semifinals), before spending the rest of the show answering your Twitter questions.

Ep. 657: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the opportunity for MSU QB Payton Thorne and players like Elijah Collins in the Peach Bowl, what this MSU basketball team might become, the Lions looking like world-beaters Sunday (and costing us all money), our fears that COVID might screw things up for us again in our sporting lives, and more.

Ep. 656: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions on what to make of a Peach Bowl without Kenneth Walker, how to bet the game now, the best players in this MSU football recruiting class and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling, including, by request, a retelling of "Santa Rube."

Ep. 655: Colton Pouncy on MSU football signing day and our bowl picks with Harry

We dug into MSU football's recruiting class and signing day happenings. Then a great conversation with The Athletic's Colton Pouncy on the Spartans and what to expect from this class and from Mel Tucker in recruiting. Plus, our bowl picks with Harry and can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 654: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on changing hopes for this MSU basketball team, the Heisman (whatever that is), Desmond Howard and U-of-M folk, things that are annoying you and us and more.

Ep. 653: Twitter Question Thursday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on Kenneth Walker's Heisman snub, the smugness of Michigan fans, the beauty of Jaden Akins, the rekindling of Joey Hauser's jump shot, the ceiling of this MSU basketball team, our most embarrassing stories from high school and more.

Ep. 652: Kenneth Walker snubbed; Brendan Quinn on MSU and Big Ten hoops; and our picks with Harry

We dug into Kenneth Walker being snubbed as a Heisman Trophy finalist, why it happened and what it says about the Heisman Trophy. Then, The Athletic's Brendan Quinn joined us for a great conversation on MSU and Big Ten hoops. Plus, Harry Gagnon and our picks and can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 651: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State's Peach Bowl bid, facing Pitt, the Wolverines' Big Ten championship and CFB Playoff path, Jaden Akins and MSU hoops, the Lions' first win and more.

Ep. 650: Twitter Question Thursday night

We dug into your Twitter questions ... on MSU's basketball team, the ceilings for Jaden Akins and Max Christie, the situation with Joey Hauser, and MSU football's future – at running back and elsewhere – and how Spartan fans should feel about Michigan playing for a Big Ten championship and playoff berth.

Ep. 649: MSU looks headed for NY6 Bowl; Nick Baumgardner on U-M and MSU football; and our picks with Harry

We react to MSU moving up to No. 11 in the CFB Playoff rankings and why that's important. Then The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner joined us for a great discussion on U-M football and the Wolverines' chances going forward and how MSU fans feel about it. Plus, our football picks and can't-miss parlays with Harry.

Ep. 648: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on MSU's snow-globe win over Penn State, the Spartans' bowl possibilities, MSU fans dealing with U-M beating Ohio State and playing for everything, the state of the Spartan basketball team and more.

Ep. 647: Thanksgiving Special: Mel Tucker signs contract (mid-show); MSU hoops talk; football picks; and your Twitter questions

Late in our show, the news that Mel Tucker had signed his news $95-million contract broke. You can hear the situation begin to break at the 87-minute mark and confirmation and discussion at the 97-minute mark. Plus, MSU hoops talk off the top, our football picks with Harry and your Twitter questions for an hour.

Ep. 646: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State's loss to Ohio State, whether it should change how you view Mel Tucker and his contract extension, how long until MSU fans should expect the Spartans to compete with the Buckeyes, how things might go for the Wolverines this week, and Marcus flippin' Bingham, man.

Ep. 645: Twitter Question Friday

Ep. 644: CFB Playoff ranking reaction, Mel Tucker contract discussion, Ohio State preview, and our picks with Harry

We react to the latest College Football Playoff rankings and why MSU's place in them matters. Plus, what I'm hearing on Mel Tucker's contract vs. what's being reported. Then, a discussion with Cleveland.com Ohio State writer Nathan Baird on the Buckeyes and how they see the Spartans. And our football (and soccer) picks with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 643: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on what'll it take for MSU to upset Ohio State, the odds MSU is going to wind up getting screwed in the bowl-selection process in favor in Michigan, students and fans leaving Spartan Stadium early and more.

Ep. 642: Twitter Question Friday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on Mel Tucker's contract, the state of MSU's football and basketball teams, tailgate etiquette, betting the Lions and more.

Ep. 641: MSU hoops impressions, MSU's CFB Playoff rankings snub, and our best bets

We dug into what we saw from Michigan State's basketball team against Kansas and what it means going forward. Then, did the College Football Playoff committee screw MSU by putting U-M ahead of the Spartans? And what that could mean down the road. Plus, our best bets with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 641: MSU Hoops Impressions, MSU's CFB Playoff Rankings Snub, and Our Best Bets

We dug into what we saw from Michigan State's basketball team against Kansas and what it means going forward. Then, did the College Football Playoff committee screw MSU by putting U-M ahead of the Spartans? And what that could mean down the road. Plus, our best bets with Harry Gagnon.

Ep. 640: Hot Take Sunday

On our latest show – presented by Mark and Jay at Northcoast Wealth Management – we dug into our hot takes and yours, on MSU's deflating loss at Purdue and what the heck is going on with the Spartans' pass defense, Wolverines talking trash, a bad betting weekend worth lots of spite (Here's looking at you, Bearcats), and more. Plus a couple stories worth telling, brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. There is no better place for a meal or drink with a friend than Midto...

Ep. 639: Twitter Question Friday

We dug into your Twitter questions – on Michigan State football's fears against Purdue, MSU's postseason outlook based on certain scenarios, U-M's predicament, Spartan basketball, the games we're betting this weekend and more.

Ep. 638: What MSU's CFB Playoff ranking means; Purdue writer interview; and our football picks

We dug into what MSU's No. 3 College Football Playoff ranking actually means – beyond just reaching the playoff. Then a conversation with long-time Purdue writer Mike Carmin on the matchup with the Spartans. Plus, our football picks with Harry Gagnon, including our can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 638: What MSU's CFB Playoff Ranking Means; Purdue Writer Interview; and Our Football Picks

We dug into what MSU's No. 3 College Football Playoff ranking actually means – beyond just reaching the playoff. Then a conversation with long-time Purdue writer Mike Carmin on the matchup with the Spartans. Plus, our football picks with Harry Gagnon, including our can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 637: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – almost entirely on Michigan State's win over Michigan, Kenneth Walker's growing Heisman campaign, how a lack of humility from former U-M players is hurting the Wolverines, what's next for the Spartans, their College Football Playoff chances and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling – brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. There is no better place for a meal or beer and conversation with a friend or colleague than Midtown Brewi...

Ep. 636: MSU vs UM Pregame Show LIVE from Skymint of East Lansing

Ep. 635: Twitter Question Thursday

Ep. 634: What's a stake for MSU and U-M; Nick Baumgardner on the big game; and our football picks with Harry

We dug into the MSU-Michigan game – into whether LSU's interest in Mel Tucker is a distraction, what's at stake for both teams and the mammoth opportunity for the Spartans program. Then talked with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on what he sees in this matchup. Plus, our picks with Harry Gagnon and leftover hot takes.

Ep. 634: What's at Stake for MSU and U-M; Nick Baumgardner on the Big Game; and Our Football Picks with Harry

We dug into the MSU-Michigan game – into whether LSU's interest in Mel Tucker is a distraction, what's at stake for both teams and the mammoth opportunity for the Spartans program. Then talked with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on what he sees in this matchup. Plus, our picks with Harry Gagnon and leftover hot takes.

Ep. 633: Hot Take Monday

On today's show, presented by Skymint Premium Cannabis – We dug into our hot takes and yours – on all the feelings about this MSU vs. U-M football game, predictions for it, Mel Tucker's response to questions about the LSU job, an awful gambling weekend, and more. Plus the mic fell on me again. And a couple stories worth telling, brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. There is no place that does cozy but spacious in weather like this than this than Midtown Brewing Comp...

Ep. 632: Twitter Question Friday

On today's show – presented by Mark and Jay at Northcoast Wealth Management – We dug into your Twitter questions on Mel Tucker's future at MSU, the Spartans' chances against Michigan, best bets on a bad weekend of football and more. Plus, a couple gems from The Rube, stories definitely worth telling – brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. Enjoy the final week of Midtown Brewing Company's outdoor covered patio and/or begin your Saturday or Sunday with brunch at Midto...

Ep. 631: MSU-Michigan Trash Talk, Pistons Begin, Football Picks and Cody Tucker

On today's show – presented by Front 43 Neighborhood Pub and Cask & Company – we dug into the psyche of both the MSU and Michigan fan bases heading into this rivalry matchup. Then the Athletic's James Edwards joined us on what to expect from the Pistons this season. Plus, our football picks with Harry Gagnon and, finaly, Wyoming's finest, Cody Tucker. If you're looking for a place to catch the Pistons on Wednesday night, an MLB postseason game, or a football game this weekend, we highly reco...

Ep. 631: MSU-Michigan trash talk, Pistons begin, football picks and Cody Tucker

We dug into the psyche of both the MSU and Michigan fan bases heading into this rivalry matchup. Then the Athletic's James Edwards joined us on what to expect from the Pistons this season. Plus, our football picks with Harry Gagnon and, finally, Wyoming's finest, Cody Tucker.

Ep. 630: Hot Take Sunday

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on the LSU's potential interest in Mel Tucker, on expectations for MSU's football team coming out of the Indiana game, on the matchup with the Wolverines and more.

Ep. 629: Twitter Question Friday

On our latest show – presented by our friends Mark and Jay at Northcoast Wealth Management – we dug into your Twitter questions, on how nervous MSU football fans should be about Indiana, Mel Tucker's transfer portal priorities this offseason, whether Tucker could leave for USC, LSU or elsewhere, our life regrets and more. Plus a couple stories worth telling – brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. Begin your Saturday or Sunday with brunch at Midtown Brewing Company. O...

Ep. 628: Indiana Football Writer Zach Osterman; Our Football Picks for the Weekend

After a spirited debate on the merits of Jon Gruden's ousting, we dug into MSU football's matchup with Indiana with guest Zach Osterman, the Hoosiers beat writer for the Indianapolis Star. Then, Harry Gagnon joined us for our college football and NFL picks and can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 628: Indiana football writer Zach Osterman; Our football picks for the weekend

After a spirited debate on the merits of Jon Gruden's ousting, we dug into MSU football's matchup with Indiana with guest Zach Osterman, the Hoosiers beat writer for the Indianapolis Star. Then, Harry Gagnon joined us for our college football and NFL picks and can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 627: Hot Take Sunday

On our latest show – presented by Skymint Premium Cannabis – we dug into our hot takes and yours – on what MSU football has become, the Heisman chances for Kenneth Walker, underrated play of Payton Thorne, the looming matchup with Michigan and more. Plus a couple stories worth telling – brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. Take advantage of Midtown Brewing Company's covered outdoor dining room/patio through the end of October, while enjoying their fantastic menu and...

Ep. 627: Twitter Question Thursday

Ep. 626: Rutgers writer James Kratch on the Scarlet Knights and our football picks with Harry

We dug into the latest with MSU football – including the Cal Haladay situation. Then talked to NJ.com Rutgers beat writer James Kratch for his take on the Scarlet Knights, the matchup and his prediction. Plus, our college football and NFL picks with Harry Gagnon, and our can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 626: Rutgers Writer James Kratch on the Scarlet Knights and our Football Picks with Harry

On today's show – presented by Front 43 Neighborhood Pub and Cask & Company – a good conversation with Rutgers beat writer James Kratch on the matchup with MSU and his prediction. Then, the great Harry Gagnon joined us for our college football and NFL picks, and our can't-miss parlays. Looking for a place to watch the MSU-Rutgers game Saturday or Michigan-Nebraska that night, there's no better spot than Front 43 Neighborhood Pub and Cask & Company. The TV setup at Front 43 is THE BEST I've e...

Ep. 625: Hot Take SUNDAY

On our latest show – presented by Skymint Premium Cannabis – we dug into our hot takes and yours, on MSU football's win over Western Kentucky, the targeting call on Cal Haladay, takeaway's from U-M's win and MSU basketball's open practice, bad bets, life's issues and more. Plus, a couple stories worth telling – brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company in downtown Lansing. Take advantage of Midtown Brewing Company's charming covered outdoor patio through October. Or head inside and enjoy the...

Ep. 625: Hot Take SUNDAY!

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on takeaways from MSU's win over Western Kentucky, BS targeting calls, what I learned from the Spartans' open basketball practice, the Big Ten football race, bad bets we lost (here's looking at you, Army) and more.

Ep. 624: Twitter Question Friday

On today's show – presented by Mark and Jay at Northcoast Wealth Management – we dug into your Twitter questions on how much of a threat Western Kentucky actually is to MSU, Spartan basketball and lineups, the Lions, hills we'll die on and more. Plus a couple stories worth telling – brought to you by Midtown Brewing Company – including The Rube's most inappropriate Halloween costume. If you're looking for a place to start your Saturday or Sunday this weekend, we highly recommend Midtown Brew...

Ep. 623: Nick Baumgardner on MSU and U-M football; MSU hoops begins, and our CFB and NFL picks

We began the show digging what we learned as MSU basketball began practice Tuesday. Then a great conversation with The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on MSU and Michigan football and the Lions. Plus, our college football and NFL picks with Harry Gagnon and our can't-miss parlays.

Ep. 622: Hot Take SUNDAY!!?!

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on MSU's dramatic win over Nebraska and what we learned about the Spartans, their quarterback, their offensive coordinator and their chances moving forward. Plus, Michigan's ho-hum second half against Rutgers, the Big Ten East, and the Lions' latest unreal way of losing.