Saturday Down South Podcast
715 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 1.1K ratingsThe fastest growing college football podcast out there. Saturday Down South has been the leading voice in SEC football for years, and is now giving college football fans a "go to" podcast for weekly commentary and discussion. It's SEC football, but for your ears.
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Episodes
Butch Jones out at Tennessee, playoff push for Alabama, Auburn, Georgia (ep. 64)
November 14, 2017 17:11 - 1 hour - 113 MBOn this episdoe of the Saturday Down South podcast, host John Crist and co-host Connor O'Gara discuss Butch Jones mercifully getting pink-slipped at Tennessee. While this wasn't exactly breaking news, Volunteers athletic director John Currie sure took his sweet time making up his mind. Can a big-name coach succeed relatively quickly on Rocky Top, or is yet another rebuild on the horizon? Additionally, JC and Connor discuss the College Football Playoff hopes for the triumvirate of Alabama, ...
Justin Strawn of For Whom the Cowbell Tolls (ep. 63)
November 10, 2017 01:26 - 28 minutes - 52.7 MBJustin Strawn, manager of For Whom the Cowbell Tolls, SB Nation's Mississippi State site, joins the pod to talk all things Maroon and White leading up to the Bulldogs' battle with Alabama this weekend. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons might have come to Mississippi State under controversial circumstances, but he's already lived up to his 5-star billing. On the other side of the ball, what's different about quarterback Nick Fitzgerald from last year to this year? Additionally, coach Dan Mull...
John Parker Wilson (ep. 62)
November 09, 2017 17:36 - 29 minutes - 54.3 MBFormer Alabama QB John Parker Wilson joins the pod to talk about the foundation of Alabama's dynasty and where their future lies. While he originally signed with and suited up for Mike Shula, Wilson was Nick Saban's first signal caller upon taking over the Crimson Tide. What was the first moment when he realized that things were about to be very different in Tuscaloosa? Additionally, because he still lives and makes a living in the Birmingham area, how often does being an old 'Bama QB come ...
First and 10: Olin Buchanan of TexAgs (ep. 61)
November 07, 2017 23:19 - 55 minutes - 101 MBMatt is joined by Texas A&M expert Olin Buchanan as the two break down the Kevin Sumlin administration and the truly bizarre stats and records that have been produced by it. What is the future of the Aggies, and of Sumlin himself? Olin has the answers. Also, Matt previews the Week 11 slate of games and gives his weekly picks.
Florida-Missouri, Monster Matchups in Week 11 for Georgia, Alabama (ep. 60)
November 07, 2017 18:10 - 59 minutes - 108 MBJC and Connor discuss a bevy of topics from Week 10, including Mizzou's big win against a rudderless Florida team. The Tigers played really well on both sides of the ball, while the Gators looked completely disinterested in the wake of Jim McElwain losing his job. Was the result more a product of Mizzou figuring things out or UF trending in the wrong direction? Additionally, Georgia and Alabama are facing possibly their biggest tests of the season this weekend in Auburn and Mississippi Stat...
Nico Johnson (ep. 59)
November 02, 2017 21:36 - 34 minutes - 63 MBFormer Alabama LB Nico Johnson joins the pod to talk about playing for the Tide, their rivalry with the LSU Tigers and his life after football. In four seasons with Alabama, Johnson won three national titles playing defense for coach Nick Saban. Not only does he tell the story of decleating Kentucky's Randall Cobb, but he also has a tale about getting decleated by LSU's Odell Beckham Jr. Additionally, since he just retired from professional football at the age of 27, what does Johnson plan ...
Gene Chizik (ep. 58)
November 02, 2017 16:43 - 32 minutes - 59.2 MBFormer Auburn coach and current SEC Network analyst Gene Chizik joins the pod to talk about the state of the SEC – and about those Auburn Tigers. Alabama and Georgia are not only the two best teams in the SEC but in the entire nation according to the first College Football Playoff rankings. When Chizik watches them on film, what does he see specifically from the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs? Additionally, since they won a national title together at Auburn, what kind of relationship does he ha...
First and 10: Mike Bianchi (ep. 57)
October 31, 2017 20:58 - 51 minutes - 95 MBJim McElwain is out in Gainesville in one of the most bizarre seasons The Swamp has ever seen. Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel joins Matt Hayes, and the pair of Florida insiders discuss what went wrong for Mac, and where the Gators go next. Also, Matt gives his weekly picks and dishes on news from around the SEC.
McElwain, SEC Hot Seat Talk, LSU-Bama (ep. 56)
October 31, 2017 16:21 - 54 minutes - 100 MBFor this episode of the Saturday Down South podcast, host John Crist and co-host Connor O'Gara discuss the somewhat shocking ouster of Jim McElwain at Florida. Despite getting to the SEC Championship Game in each of his first two seasons, it became clear rather quickly that McElwain wasn't a great fit for the Gators. But this is still a Top 10 job in America, so who are some of the obvious candidates? Additionally, JC and Connor look ahead to Saturday's big showdown between LSU and Alabama....
First And 10: Pat Dooley (ep. 55)
October 26, 2017 19:15 - 57 minutes - 105 MBFlorida insider Pat Dooley joins Matt Hayes to break down Jim McElwain’s crazy week at Florida, and the Florida-Georgia game. Matt also shares his thoughts from around the SEC and gives his picks against the spread.
Florida—Georgia, Heisman Trophy Candidates, College Football Playoff Contenders (ep. 54)
October 26, 2017 18:17 - 58 minutes - 106 MBWith a light week of SEC football, all eyes are on the Florida/Georgia game, where some weird things have happened in years past. As the season winds down, JC and Connor talk about the postseason, and the country's most coveted award, the Heisman trophy.
Danny Wuerffel (ep. 53)
October 26, 2017 17:45 - 32 minutes - 59 MBFlorida great Danny Wuerffel joins the John Crist to talk about Gators past, present, and future. A Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion at Florida, Danny talks about how the Gators' offense has changed over the years, and how his coach, Steve Spurrier, compares to current Gators' head man Jim McElwain. Also, as a Heisman voter, JC talks with Wuerffel about how the process can be improved, and how the award is really decided.
Bobby Humphrey (ep. 52)
October 19, 2017 16:06 - 36 minutes - 67.6 MBBobby Humphrey, an Alabama legend at running back, and the father of first-round draft pick Marlon Humphrey, joins the pod. Bobby talks about his family; his wife was a UAB track star, and his other four children have had prolific sports careers of their own. They also talk about the rise of Alabama from Bear Bryant, to Gene Stallings, to Nick Saban and Bobby's place in Alabama history as the third leading rusher of all time.
First And 10: Dennis Dodd (ep. 51)
October 18, 2017 15:14 - 51 minutes - 95 MBDennis Dodd from CBSSports.com joins Matt Hayes to talk about the end of Butch Jones at Tennessee, two SEC teams in the College Football Playoff and more.
LSU's Comeback, Texas A&M's Late Rally, Looking Ahead to Tennessee-Alabama (ep. 50)
October 17, 2017 16:35 - 1 hour - 110 MBOn the 50th episode of the SDS Podcast, JC and Connor talk about a surprisingly eventful week 7 in the SEC. After looking dead in the water, suddenly LSU is good and Coach O is a tactical mastermind...at least for now. The Bayou Bengals made the key adjustments against their orange counterparts on Saturday, but what does this mean for the West? Speaking of coaching makeovers, Kevin Sumlin looked to be a dead man walking after the Aggies' historic collapse in Week 1, but their only loss has ...
The SEC's Haves and Have Nots, JC's Finebaum Visit, Second-Half Predictions (ep. 49)
October 13, 2017 00:04 - 1 hour - 116 MBAs midseason approaches, the gulf between the SEC's elite teams and their serfs becomes greater with each passing week. Could any team on the rise look to break that trend, and what will the second half look like for each SEC team? John Crist and Connor O'Gara have you covered. Plus – what does it look like behind the scenes at the Paul Finebaum Show, the SEC's holy tabernacle? JC went to North Carolina to see for himself.
The Devon Gales Story (ep. 48)
October 12, 2017 22:14 - 28 minutes - 53 MBOn September 26, 2015, Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan collided with Southern's Devon Gales on a routine kickoff play. A twist of fate made this one tackle anything but routine, however, as Gales would be carted off the field and paralyzed from the waist down. Now, the two have formed a bond as close as brothers, as Marshall and Devon go on about their adult lives forever linked by that one play.
Jayson Swain on Tennessee's QB Situation (ep. 47)
October 12, 2017 00:41 - 26 minutes - 48 MBFormer Tennessee WR and current radio host Jayson Swain talks to host Connor O'Gara on the state of Tennessee football in light of the recent QB drama. The duo talks about Butch Jones, the future of the program, and how the administration can turn it around and build a winner on Rocky Top.
Fist and 10: Danny Etling (ep. 46)
October 11, 2017 13:48 - 50 minutes - 93 MBFresh off a big win against Florida, LSU QB Danny Etling joins Matt Hayes to talk all things LSU football, and if that victory can be a turning point in an underwhelming season so far. Also, Matt gives his weekly picks, and dishes on the biggest news across the conference. Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia are hot, while many other programs find their coaches on the hot seat. How will all this play out going forward? Matt answers those questions and many more.
Tennessee Insider Michael Bratton (ep. 45)
October 05, 2017 23:51 - 33 minutes - 62 MBSEC insider and Tennessee graduate Michael Wayne Bratton joins the pod to talk UT football and the future of Butch Jones. The pair discusses Jones’s cliches and how they've begun to wear on the fanbase, the pros and cons of Dormady vs. Guarantano, and another year of injuries for a team that can't seem to catch a break.
Mizzou Insider Adam Spencer (ep. 44)
October 05, 2017 16:54 - 32 minutes - 60.3 MBSDS's Missouri expert Adam Spencer joins the pod to talk about the recent struggles of his alma mater, and how they can get back on track in a weak SEC East. Topics discussed include Barry Odom’s future, Drew Lock’s struggles and Josh Heupel’s system.
First and 10: Mike Slive (ep. 43)
October 05, 2017 04:55 - 51 minutes - 93.4 MBMatt Hayes sits down with his friend and former SEC commissioner Mike Slive to discuss the league, as well as The Mike Slive Foundation. A survivor of prostate cancer himself, Slive has dedicated his life to helping spread awareness and find a cure for the deadly disease. Then, Matt shares his thoughts on the SEC in a world where Auburn and Georgia are establishing themselves and seats across the conference are heating up.
Georgia is for Real, Best Unranked Team in SEC, Trouble for Coach O (ep. 42)
October 03, 2017 21:23 - 56 minutes - 103 MBAfter Week 5, the smoke has cleared and the contenders are a bit more clear in the SEC . John Crist and Connor O'Gara discuss the teams that made statements, including the rolling Georgia Bulldogs, as well as the league's best unranked team. Also, there's trouble brewing on the bayou, and Coach O is instantly on the hot seat after an embarrassing loss to Troy. Can he recover? All this, and much more.
Ainsley Earhardt (ep. 41)
October 03, 2017 15:30 - 36 minutes - 67.4 MBAinsley Earhardt of Fox News fame joins John Crist to talk about growing up in the great state of South Carolina and how attending USC shaped her as a person. They discuss the modern world of the Clemson/South Carolina rivalry, on which Earhardt is an expert. She may live in the most divided house in America, as she married former Clemson QB Will Proctor. As the SEC and ACC battle for fans in The Palmetto State, this rivalrty is more intense than ever.
Matt Stinchcomb (ep. 40)
September 28, 2017 15:50 - 20 minutes - 37.8 MBFormer Georgia All-American and current SEC Network analyst Matt Stinchcomb joins host Connor O'Gara to discuss the latest hot topics around the league, including whether the Bulldogs are for real. They also discuss some SEC second-half predictions and Matt shares his identical Steve Spurrier imitation. Matt joins the SDS podcast on behalf of the 2017 AFCA Good Works Team.
First and 10: Brett McMurphy (ep. 39)
September 27, 2017 15:53 - 52 minutes - 96.9 MBNational college football reporter Brett McMurphy joins Matt Hayes to discuss the possibility of the SEC getting two teams in the College Football Playoff, and the league’s bowl outlook, as well as some creative solutions to the yearly issues with college football's final four. Also, Butch Jones' seat gets hotter, Matt's picks against the spread, and much more.
Andre Woodson (ep. 38)
September 26, 2017 20:37 - 31 minutes - 57.8 MBKentucky legend Andre Woodson, who could be the Wildcats' best signal-caller of all time, joins the pod to talk about the Wildcats' current team, as well as issues beyond football. What does a former UK great like Woodson think about Mark Stoop, and how does the team unpack last week's collapse against Florida? Woodson has the answers. Also, as a quarterback born into a military family, Woodson has a unique perspective on the recent national anthem protests. Woodson and host John Crist disc...
Eason vs. Fromm, Jones and Tennessee, Preseason Predictions Revisited (ep. 37)
September 26, 2017 16:15 - 1 hour - 111 MBWith 1/3 of the schedule already decided, the college football season is flying by. So what have we learned? Connor and JC discuss the surprising quarterback battle between Jake Fromm and Jacob Eason for the undefeated Bulldogs, which is a pretty good problem to have. On the flip side – has Butch Jones reached his ceiling at Tennessee? Last week's nail-biter against UMass certainly didn't do him any favors with the uneasy fan base. Also, JC and Connor look back at their preseason predictio...
Kentucky Kicker Austin MacGinnis (ep. 36)
September 22, 2017 11:05 - 31 minutes - 57.5 MBKentucky kicker Austin MacGinnis joins the show to talk about the Wildcats' rise and the finer points of kicking in big-time moments on the biggest stage of college football.
Chris Doering (ep. 35)
September 21, 2017 15:45 - 33 minutes - 61.2 MBFormer All-SEC wide receiver Chris Doering joins John Crist to talk about his alma mater, the Florida Gators. Topics include everything from Doering's playing days alongside Danny Wuerffel to diagnosing the Gators' modern offensive struggles, and just who is most qualified to play QB in Gainesville.
First and 10: Stephen Johnson (ep. 34)
September 20, 2017 14:27 - 48 minutes - 88.5 MBKentucky QB Stephen Johnson joins Matt Hayes to talk about the Wildcats' surprising start to the season, and to preview their upcoming game against Florida. Matt then shares his thoughts from around college football, including Florida's anemic offense, his picks for the week, and the real story behind why Chip Kelly isn't back in college football.
SEC Buy or Sell, Breakout Players and Bielema vs. Sumlin in the Hot Seat Bowl (ep. 33)
September 19, 2017 16:03 - 56 minutes - 102 MBAfter a hurricane-induced bye week, JC and Connor talk about the biggest news in the SEC including the breakout performances by Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. The pair discusses which players and teams have proven themselves through three weeks, and how Saturday could be a must-win for both Bret Bielema and Kevin Sumlin.
First and 10: Chris Low of ESPN (ep. 32)
September 14, 2017 15:09 - 47 minutes - 86.1 MBIn the wake of Hurricane Irma, Matt Hayes sits down with his friend Chris Low of ESPN to discuss recent events in college football. Topics include Florida's offense, Auburn's dud against Clemson, how to properly handle being berated by a coach as a media member, and much more.
First And 10: Sony Michel (ep. 31)
September 07, 2017 22:19 - 45 minutes - 83.8 MBGeorgia tailback Sony Michel joins Matt Hayes to talk about a historic trip to Notre Dame, how he almost picked the Irish during his recruitment and his rap career. Matt then talks about the biggest news in the SEC including the Curious Case of the Garbage Can, this week's picks and much more.
Jacob Hester (ep. 30)
September 07, 2017 14:56 - 30 minutes - 55.4 MBLSU great Jacob Hester joins the SDS pod to talk about the current Tigers squad and the state of the SEC. The pair discusses recent changes in Baton Rouge – everything from Orgeron and Les Miles to Matt Canada and the new-look offense. And as a former LSU running back, Hester gives his opinion on two others: Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice, and which one will have a better college career when its all said and done.
A&M collapse, FSU-Bama, Georgia QB situation (ep. 29)
September 05, 2017 16:25 - 59 minutes - 108 MBJC and Connor talk about the wild Week 1 in the SEC, which included some heavy hitters, and some sneaky matchups that turned out to be better than advertised. Where does A&M stand after another collapse – the worst so far under Kevin Sumlin? Alabama looked as dominant as ever on Saturday, should the rest of the SEC be worried? Also, Georgia QB Jacob Eason went down against App State and freshman Jake Fromm was impressive, could there be a QB controversy brewing in Athens?
Florida Suspensions, SEC Non-Conference Games, CFP Picks (ep. 28)
August 31, 2017 20:31 - 1 hour - 112 MBJohn Crist and Connor O'Gara discuss Florida's depleted roster heading into the Michigan game and the important non-conference games for SEC teams not named Alabama this weekend. Plus both John and Connor make their picks for the College Football Playoff in 2017.
First and 10: Hayden Hurst (ep. 27)
August 31, 2017 15:31 - 43 minutes - 79 MBIt's opening week in the SEC and Matt Hayes has you covered with an exclusive interview with South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst, as well as his thoughts on the league as a whole. Hurst talks about his journey from high school to minor league baseball to his current spot as one of the most dynamic tight ends in America. He discusses what it's like to play for Will Muschamp, and what the Gamecocks expect out of Week 1.
Tommy Tuberville (ep. 26)
August 29, 2017 17:37 - 32 minutes - 59 MBTommy Tuberville is an SEC legend whose path has taken him from Oxford to Auburn to Cincinnati, and now into the broadcast booth at ESPN. His undefeated season at Auburn will always be remembered for what could've been, but his record vs. Alabama leaves little doubt about his place in SEC history. Coach Tuberville joins the pod to talk about his journey, the transition to ESPN, the current state of the SEC – and those Auburn Tigers, who might be desitined for similar success.
Most Interesting Players/Teams/Coaches in the SEC, Steve McNair, Best QBs in the Conference (ep. 25)
August 24, 2017 21:43 - 45 minutes - 84 MBJohn Crist and Connor O'Gara go into full breakdown mode as the season approaches, tackling which players, coaches and teams will be the most interesting in 2017. In that same vein, the pair ranks the starting QBs in the conference from top to bottom. Also, an interesting discovery by Connor: Steve McNair may be the best college football player in the history of the state of Mississippi. So why isn't he in the College Football Hall of Fame?
Aaron Murray (ep. 24)
August 24, 2017 01:00 - 22 minutes - 41.7 MBFormer Georgia QB and current CBS broadcaster Aaron Murray joins host John Crist to talk about both phases of his career, and the transition between them. The pair also discusses Murray's NFL performance and the college similarities between Murray and another freshman phenom – Jacob Eason. Of course, we had to ask him about the 2012 SEC Championship Game and his performance in one of the biggest games, as well as one of the most legendary plays in SEC history.
First and 10: Nick Fitzgerald (ep. 23)
August 23, 2017 15:05 - 42 minutes - 77.4 MBMatt Hayes welcomes Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald to discuss his progression under Dan Mullen, the quarterbacks he likes to watch and whether or not dual threat quarterbacks get a bad rap in the SEC. Later, Hayes discusses the quarterback situation across the league and gives some quick thoughts on the marquee week one matchups.
SEC Preview with Matt Hinton (ep. 22)
August 22, 2017 19:06 - 47 minutes - 86.7 MBWith Alabama taking a lone spot in the AP top 10, the rest of the SEC is wide open. How will it all play out when the dust settles? Who could be sneaky good, and which teams are all hype? College football veteran Matt Hinton joins the pod to discuss all the possibilities.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl CEO Gary Stokan (ep. 21)
August 18, 2017 20:58 - 26 minutes - 48.6 MBGary Stokan, the CEO of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl joins the pod to talk about one of the biggest non-conference matchups in recent memory: Alabama vs. Florida State. This year's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will set the stage for the College Football Playoff, and Stokan is the man that put it all together. Stokan also talks to host Connor O'Gara about how he met Nick Saban back in his LSU days, and how that relationship has grown over the years, leading up to this matchup.
Jarrett Stidham Hype, Saban’s Biggest Helpers, Happy Birthday to The SEC Network (ep. 20)
August 17, 2017 13:14 - 45 minutes - 82.6 MBAuburn QB Jarrett Stidham, is he the real deal? JC and Connor debate the pros and cons of Auburn's new signal caller. Dynasties like Alabama weren't built in a day – and contrary to popular opinion, they weren't built by Nick Saban alone. The pair dive into the ten people other than Saban who helped turned Alabama into what it is.
Pat Dooley Of The Gainesville Sun (ep. 19)
August 15, 2017 18:18 - 33 minutes - 61.5 MBThere's big news brewing in The Swamp, and veteran Gators writer Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun is the perfect person to hash it out. Dooley joins John Crist to talk about the suspension of Antonio Callaway, how it affects the team, and if his talent is worth all the off-the-field troubles. The pair also delves into all things Gators, including Florida's current QB situation, and how all of this affects the SEC as a whole.
Blake Barnett and Cooper Batemen vs. Nick Saban, Josh Rosen vs. Alabama (ep. 18)
August 10, 2017 13:31 - 49 minutes - 91.3 MBTwo former Alabama quarterbacks are speaking out against the leadership in Tuscaloosa, but could they have a point? And speaking of outspoken QBs, UCLA's Josh Rosen didn't pull any punches when he called out the NCAA and Alabama in a recent interview. All that and much more in this episode.
Stories Down South: IMG Academy, A Football Factory (ep. 17)
August 09, 2017 16:04 - 30 minutes - 55.3 MBIMG Academy is a high school unlike any other. From the state-of-the-art facilities to the big-name coaches patrolling the sidelines, it has become the epicenter of college football recruiting in America. When you look past the hype and the high expectations, however, these are just regular high school kids trying to make it in the world of big-time college football.
Vince Dooley (ep. 16)
August 08, 2017 19:43 - 34 minutes - 63.1 MBLegendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley joins the pod to talk about all things SEC and UGA. He delves into what it's like to coach the great Herschel Walker, shares his opinions on Mark Richt, Kirby Smart, and his son, former UT coach Derek Dooley, as well as some stories from his glory days of coaching in the SEC.
Malik Zaire, SEC-Big Ten sister schools, previewing AP Top 25 (ep. 15)
August 04, 2017 00:58 - 48 minutes - 88.3 MBJohn Crist and Connor O'Gara discuss expectations for Florida QB Malik Zaire, comparing the not-so-differences in the B1G and SEC, and what to make of the latest AP Top 25 poll.