The Lion's Edge

Biggest CFB Coaching Downgrades (Florida Hired Ron Zook!)

After Steve Spurrier left Florida for the NFL in 2001, the Gators hired New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Ron Zook as head coach. What about other coaching downgrades recently? Also, Andrew Doughty strongly disagrees with Wai Sallas calling Berkeley, Calif., a great college town, and what current popular TV shows do you not like?

'Mission: CFB' Guys Talk Road Trips, Bucket List; UNC Shoe Debacle

Seth Vander Tuig and Mike Fulton of 'Mission: College Football' are on a mission to see all 130 FBS teams. They've seen 68 teams and talk road trips, bucket list trips, Michigan's incredible parking execution and more. Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas predict who will be Ohio State's head coach in 2019, and talk North Carolina's shoe debacle.

Previews for FSU, Utah, USC, Notre Dame and TCU

Andrew Doughty is stuck on jury duty this week, so he did this week's Top 100 Previews in podcast form, previewing the seasons for No. 20 Florida State, No. 19 Utah, No. 18 USC, No. 17 Notre Dame and No. 16 TCU.

Ranking the Best Nicknames in College Football

Ben Fox, Jim Oxley and Jason A. Churchill discuss the best and worst nicknames in all of college football.

CFP Expansion to 8 Teams & the First-Year Coaches Most Likely to Succeed .... and Fail

Andrew Doughty is joined by Jason A. Churchill to discuss the hurdles of expanding to an eight-team playoff and which first-year coaches are most likely to succeed and fail.

Rotoworld's Thor Nystrom on College Fantasy Football, 2019 NFL Draft

Rotoworld NFL Draft and college football writer Thor Nystrom on Khalil Tate vs. Justice Hansen, late-round steals for first-time college fantasy football players, Easton Stick and David Montgomery rising up 2019 NFL Draft boards and more.

New Mexico State Head Coach Doug Martin

New Mexico State head coach Doug Martin talks about why he wanted the "dumpster fire" job in 2013, the Aggies' QB competition, leaving the Sun Belt and recruiting Frank Spaziani to be his defensive coordinator.

Ultimate College Football Road Trip: 44 Games, 30,000 Miles in 106 Days

Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas break down the HERO Sports Ultimate College Football Road Trip, which includes 44 games and 30,000 miles over 106 days (and two stops in Jonesboro, Ark.)

Could UNC Fire Larry Fedora for CTE Comments? Who Would Replace Him?

Larry Fedora blew up ACC Media Day by saying the future of the United States of America hinges on football and questioning CTE research. Could, should and will North Carolina fire him? If so, what precedent would it set for other programs? And who could replace him as head coach in 2019?

Jim Weber, College Football Uniforms, Bama's Streak vs. KU's Drought

Jim Weber joins The Hot Route to discuss college football uniforms, Alabama's No. 1 streak vs. KU's road drought, random players and Lane Kiffin.

If College Football Had Free Agency, Who Would Be LeBron James?

If college football had free agency, who would the LeBron James, the player who could instantly transform a bad or mediocre team a title contender? If there isn't one player, what about a position group like the Clemson defensive line or Wisconsin offensive line? And how long would it take for Nick Saban to build a bad program into a playoff contender?

Athlon Sports' Mitch Light on Predictions That Proved Terrible, Group of 5 Coaches Who Could Be Power 5 Coaches in 2019

We talk with Athlon Sports' managing editor Mitch Light about college football predictions that proved to be terrible (Mitch thought Tim Brewster was a great hire at Minnesota) and Athlon's FBS head coaching rankings. Also, when will the SEC dominance end and what Group of Five coaches will be Power Five coaches in 2019?

Best Defunct Nicknames, Can/Should Washington State Discipline Mike Leach?

What are the best defunct nicknames of FBS programs and should some of those programs ditch their current nicknames for the old ones? Mike Leach tweeted an edited video of President Obama and oddly fought those who said it was incorrect. Was Washington State's response good enough and can/should they discipline him?

Next FCS Teams to the FBS? And FCS Players to Watch vs. Power 5 Teams in Week 1

Brian McLaughlin joins The Hot Route to talk about which FCS players you need to know before they play Power Five teams in Week 1. And which FCS teams could be ready for a jump to the FBS? Also, what if Rich Rodriguez accepted Alabama's offer in 2006? Would Saban have remained with the Dolphins? Where could his next stop have been?

Which G5 Coaches Will Be P5 Coaches Next Year? And Dark Horse Teams for 2018

Which Group of Five head coaches are you most confident will be Power Five head coaches one year from now? Are you surprised Kyler Murray plans to play (and that the A's are allowing him to play) football? And who are some dark horse teams that will overachieve some people this season?

Could C-USA's Radical Scheduling Lead to Football Flex-Schedule Week for Group of Five?

Conference USA rolled out a new scheduling method strategy for basketball, so we wonder if something similar could work in football. Could other conferences follow their lead to increase postseason chances? And could this lead to the Group of Five making a flex-scheduling week to boost their playoff chances? One Random Question: Will Chip Kelly win a conference title at UCLA before or after Scott Frost at Nebraska?

APR Hypocrisy, National Anthem in College Sports, Gambling and Bribery

Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas discuss why Arizona State athletics director Ray Anderson getting a $350,000 bonus for APR scores is another example of undeniable hypocrisy in college sports. Could a college football team boycott games as part of a national anthem protest? And is there a certain dollar amount that would entice student-athletes to throw a game?

Betting Expert Brett Smiley on SCOTUS Ruling, if a Random City Could Become a Mini Las Vegas

Brett Smiley, an attorney and editor-in-chief of Sports Handle, joins The Hot Route to explain the Supreme Court's ruling in layman's terms. He predicts next steps for sports leagues and the NCAA and says if he thinks a random city go all-in in becoming a mini Las Vegas. Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas also answer this week's One Big Question: If you had to move tomorrow to anywhere in the world, where are you moving?

Transfers Get Screwed, Will Kansas Win a Road Game This Decade?

Kansas football might go the entire decade without a road win. Their last road win came in 2009 and their last Big 12 road win was in 2008. Have they reached a point where embarrassment and futility can't get worse? Ohio State won't allow grad transfer Joe Burrow to speak with Big Ten schools. Why are schools given that power? And what's a terrible movie that you love?

Brian McLaughlin, Tyler Brooke and Ex-Saints Scout on Ricky Williams Draft Day Trade

Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas put on a bow on the 2018 NFL Draft and look ahead to the 2019 draft by chatting with draft analyst Tyler Brooke and FCS guru Brian McLaughlin. Also, former New Orleans' Saints scout Grant Neill talks about the 1999 draft-day trade for Ricky Williams, Mike Ditka and the Raiders using two draft boards.

On-Air Mock Draft and Ray Austin Talks Vols, Draft Memories

Former Bears and Jets' defensive back Ray Austin joins The Hot Route to talk about Tom Osborne eating his Doritos, NFL Draft memories and more. Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas do an on-air Mock Draft and find a way to quantify their excitement for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Fictional Football Characters in Movie and TV

If you could add any fictional football player from TV or movies to your favorite team, who would it be? Ben Fox, Courtney Barrick and Jim Oxley talk about their favorite football movies and TV shows and discuss some of their favorite characters from Friday Night Lights, Remember the Titans, The Replacements, Any Given Sunday, and more.

Connor Williams Talks Childhood Bullying and if He'll Wear a Burnt Orange Suit to the Draft

Former Texas offensive tackle Connor Williams joined Andrew Doughty on The Hot Route just a week before the 2018 NFL Draft. Williams talked about the childhood bullying that empowered him, if he'll wear a three-piece burnt orange suit in Dallas and if he has an idea of where he'll be chosen.

Minkah Fitzpatrick would love to play WR and says if he knows where he’ll be drafted

Minkah Fitzpatrick joins The Hot Route to discuss questions about his NFL position, along with him wanting to play WR and if he has an idea of where he’ll be chosen in the NFL Draft.

Louisiana Tech Strength Coach Kurt Hester for Boston Scott's NFL Draft Diary

Louisiana Tech strength and conditioning coach Kurt Hester joined The Hot Route for a special edition of Boston Scott's NFL Draft Diary series. He talked about Scott's arrival in Ruston in 2013 and flipping the switch on his mental toughness.

Kyle Lauletta, Potential Draft Trades and Pronouncing Vita Vea's Full Name

Andrew Doughty and Wai Sallas talk to HERO Sports' FCS writer Brian McLaughlin about Kyle Lauletta's rising draft stock. They also discuss potential draft day trades and Wai nails the pronunciation of Vita Vea's full name.

USF DE Mike Love: Recapping Pro Day, Reminiscing Days as WR, Draft Weekend Wedding

Former South Florida defensive end Mike Love joins The Hot Route to recap his Pro Day, say why he passed on other offers for USF and give a scouting report from his days as a receiver. He also shares some interesting plans for draft weekend.

NFL Draft Diary: Boston Scott Talks Pro Day, Private Workout with Bengals

Boston Scott joins The Hot Route for a special edition of the HERO Sports NFL Draft Diary series. The former Louisiana Tech running back recaps Pro Day, talks about a private workout with the Cincinnati Bengals and says there is a lot of excitement building.

Toledo OL Elijah Nkansah Talks Draft Prep, Family and Pro Day

Andrew Doughty talks with former Toledo offensive lineman Elijah Nkansah, a 2017 All-MAC selection who's now training for the 2018 NFL Draft. The Ohio native talks about his Ghana roots, mother's drive, Pro Day and more.

FIU QB Alex McGough Talks Draft, Pro Day & ... Lucky Girdles?

Andrew Doughty talks with Florida International QB Alex McGough about his 2018 NFL Draft prep, Pro Day, injury recovery, NFL terminology and even lucky girdles. Really.

Free Agency, Draft, DJ Chark, DJ Moore, Shaquem Griffin & Kyle Lauletta

Jim Oxley and Jason A. Churchill discuss the latest news in NFL free agency, plus the combine's darlings, DJ Chark, Shaquem Griffin, DJ Moore and Kyle Lauletta.

Maryland DL Cavon Walker Talks NFL Draft, Terrapins Career, Chipotle

Former Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Cavon Walker joined the Hot Route Podcast to talk about his career at Maryland and his path to the NFL Draft. Walker talks about his transition from linebacker to defensive line and how he bulked up in the process (with the help of Chipotle), his workout routine, the motivation he added from not getting an invite to the combine, and which NFL players he tries to model his game after.

Who Might be This Year's Alvin Kamara or Kareem Hunt?

As the scouting combine gets under way, Jim Oxley and Jason A. Churchill take a look at a handful of Day 2 and Day 3 NFL Draft Prospects that may be this year's Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, Jamal Agnew or Cooper Kupp.

Wisconsin Safety Natrell Jamerson talks NFL Draft, NFL Combine, Badgers Career

Former Wisconsin Badgers safety Natrell Jamerson joined the Hot Route Podcast to talk about his career at Wisconsin and his path to the NFL Draft. Jamerson played in 47 games as a Badger, starting his career at wide receiver before transitioning to cornerback and then safety, where he started every game of his senior season. He played in the East-West Shrine Game, earning Defensive Player of the Game honors after returning a fumble for a touchdown, and is heading to the NFL Combine in Indiana...

Super Bowl Predictions Based on Music, Food, Movies and More

It's Super Bowl week, and instead of breaking down the game by play on the field, we're breaking it down by what really matters...like whether Philadelphia or Boston has better food, music or celebrity fans. You know...hard-hitting journalism stuff. Courtney Barrick, Ben Fox and Jim Oxley break down the mascot fight, Amy Poehler vs. Tina Fey and more on this episode of the Hot Route.

Super Bowl Betting, Rosters, NFL Draft

QBs in the NFL Draft, AFC/NFC Championships, Jags Chances & More

On this episode of The Hot Route, Jason Churchill, Ben Fox and Jim Oxley talk the NFL Playoffs and give their picks for the AFC and NFC Championship games (also, who would win in a fight between a jaguar and a patriot and a Viking and an eagle?). They also jump into the NFL Draft conversation by looking at what could be a quarterback-heavy first round.

Previewing the CFP Semis and NY6 Bowl Games, Plus Mascot Wars!

Jim Oxley, Ben Fox and Jason A. Churchill discuss the best bowl games of the season and get expert analysis on the mascot battles. Really.

PREVIEW: Raycom Media Camellia Bowl -- Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State

Jim Oxley and Jason A. Churchill preview the Raycom MEdia Camellia Bowl between Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State. Ben Fox joins the guys to break down the mascot war: what would win a battle between a Middle Tennesse Blue Raider and an Arkansas State Red Wolf?

PREVIEW: Gildan New Mexico Bowl -- Marshall vs. Colorado State

Jim Oxley and Jason A. Churchill preview the New Mexico Bowl between Marshall and Colorado State. Meanwhile, Ben Fox breaks down the mascot war: what would win, a Marshall Thundering Herd or a Colorado State Ram?

PREVIEW: Las Vegas Bowl -- No. 25 Boise State vs. Oregon

Jim Oxley and Jason A. Churchill preview the Las Vegas Bowl between Boise State and Oregon, plus Ben Fox breaks down the mascot war: What would win, a Boise State Bronco or an Oregon Duck?

PREVIEW: AutoNation Cure Bowl -- Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State

Previewing the AutoNation Cure Bowl between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Georgia State Panthers, plus ... MASCOT WARS!

PREVIEW: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl -- Troy vs. North Texas

What to watch for in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl between Troy and North Texas, plus MASCOT WARS!

The Chances of Chaos (Bama) Taking Over the Playoff Rankings

The College Football Playoff Rankings left little to the imagination this week, so we break it all down for you.

Nov. 21: Two SEC teams in the College Football Playoff?

Can two SEC teams end up in the playoff? How does an unbeaten, Big Ten Champion Wisconsin team get left out?

Nov. 14: Which Two-Loss Team Has The Best Chance at the Playoff?

The Miami Hurricanes jump into the Top 4 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings. Which two-loss team has the best chance? What about unbeaten Wisconsin?

Sooners Correctly Left Out of College Football Playoff Rankings Top 4

College Football Playoff Rankings Penn State Oklahoma Georgia Ohio State Alabama TCU Wisconsin Notre Dame Clemson

Oklahoma Snubbed in First College Football Playoff Ranking

College Football Playoff Rankings Penn State Oklahoma Georgia Ohio State Alabama TCU Wisconsin Notre Dame

5 Facts for Penn State-Ohio State

The biggest game on the Week 9 schedule is Penn State at Ohio State. Here are 5 FACTS on that game.

Contender-Pretender Answers for Saints, Jags & Mid-Season Super Bowl Picks

Super Bowl Picks Jacksonville Jaguars NFL MVP Miami Dolphins New Orleans Saints Carson Wentz Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers Kansas City Chiefs