Episodes

  • Selection Committee Chair Matt Larsen & The NCAA's Ty Halpin Discuss FCS Playoffs

    Selection Committee Chair Matt Larsen & The NCAA's Ty Halpin Discuss FCS Playoffs
    Nov 4 2024
    On this episode, FCS Playoff Committee chair Matt Larsen and the NCAA’s Ty Halpin join the podcast to help break down many topics:

    -New format seeding the top 16 seeds

    -The committee using new metrics — KPI, Massey Ratings, and ESPN’s Football Power Index

    -Are ranked wins counted

    -What criteria or metric is usually discussed the most when forming the bracket, whether it be rankings, overall record, eye test, strength of schedule, ranked wins, etc.?

    -What is the selection process in determining the field and the order of seeds?

    -There are a few playoff committee members whose school will be in the discussion for a spot somewhere in the bracket. How does that work if, for example, NDSU is being discussed when it comes to seeding?

    -Minimum bids to host

    -Several FCS playoff games getting a national spotlight

    -Toyota Stadium renovations

    -Frisco
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    36 mins
  • Reacting To The FCS Playoff Committee’s Top 10

    Reacting To The FCS Playoff Committee’s Top 10
    Oct 30 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
    -The FCS Playoff Committee’s Top 10 rankings
    -Week 9 Three Game Balls and A Flag
    -SDSU’s big win over USD
    -Week 10’s most intriguing games
    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • SDSU Faces Another Top 5 Team After Getting Knocked Off Its No. 1 Spot

    SDSU Faces Another Top 5 Team After Getting Knocked Off Its No. 1 Spot
    Oct 23 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
    -Big-picture outlook of NDSU beating SDSU and how it shapes the national title picture
    -Week 8 Three Game Balls and A Flag
    -How far should voters have dropped Villanova and Mercer after upset losses in Week 8?
    -Is Tommy Mellott a dark horse pick for the Walter Payton Award?
    -Week 9 previews: No. 24 WCU at No. 14 Mercer and No. 4 USD at No. 3 SDSU
    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • The No. 1 vs. No. 2 Showdown Is Here

    The No. 1 vs. No. 2 Showdown Is Here
    Oct 16 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
    -Week 7 Three Game Balls and A Flag
    -Montana State gets a statement win, while North Alabama, Northern Colorado, and SFA pull off upset wins
    -Week 8 previews:
    An in-depth preview for No. 1 SDSU at No. 2 NDSU
    No. 16 Rhode Island at No. 24 New Hampshire implications
    Is Weber State at Sac State already a playoff elimination game?
    Is Mercer at Samford a trap game?
    Importance of McNeese at UIW in the Southland playoff race
    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Biggest FCS Midseason Questions

    Biggest FCS Midseason Questions
    Oct 9 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

    -Week 6 Three Game Balls and A Flag

    -What are the biggest midseason questions?
    1. How good is Montana State?
    2. Who has the best odds to win the FCS title?
    3. What do we make of the CAA race?
    4. Can a RB win the Walter Payton Award?

    -Week 7 previews
    No. 7 Idaho at No. 3 Montana State
    No. 24 North Arizona at No. 14 Montana

    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ranked Matchups Continue Into Week 6

    Ranked Matchups Continue Into Week 6
    Oct 2 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
    -Week 5 Three Game Balls and A Flag
    -Which team had the most impressive win in Week 5?
    -Week 6 previews:
    No. 7 North Dakota at No. 2 NDSU
    No. 18 Illinois State at No. 19 SIU
    No. 5 Central Arkansas at No. 16 ACU
    No. 25 NAU at No. 10 Idaho
    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    53 mins
  • How Open Is The FCS National Title Race?

    How Open Is The FCS National Title Race?
    Sep 25 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
    -Week 4 Three Game Balls and A Flag
    -No. 4 Montana’s comeback win over No. 24 Western Carolina
    -How open is the race for the FCS National Championship?
    -Week 5 previews:
    No. 12 Mercer at No. 23 Wofford
    No. 17 SIU at No. 5 South Dakota
    No. 2 NDSU at No. 18 Illinois State
    No. 19 Lamar at No. 7 Central Arkansas
    No. 4 Idaho at No. 14 UC Davis
    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    54 mins
  • Mixed Performances By Top 5 Teams, Realignment Talk, Week 4 Preview

    Mixed Performances By Top 5 Teams, Realignment Talk, Week 4 Preview
    Sep 18 2024
    On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:
    -Week 3 Three Game Balls and A Flag
    -Southern Illinois & Idaho win statement games against ranked opponents
    -Should we be concerned about North Dakota State’s defense after struggling against ETSU?
    -Will the recent conference realignment impact the FCS?
    -South Dakota State, North Dakota State, and Villanova look unimpressive in Week 3 wins…How should we view these wins?
    -Week 4 previews: No. 24 Western Carolina at No. 9 Montana, No. 21 SEMO at No. 7 Southern Illinois, and No. 4 Idaho at No. 19 Abilene Christian
    -Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 4
    The podcast is presented by HERO Sports and BetMGM. Visit https://herosports.com/ for FCS coverage and https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports for online betting odds.
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    1 hr and 4 mins