Podcast

The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph: A show about college football

From The Athletic Football, News, Sports, Sports News

Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel and Ralph Russo discuss the latest in college football, interview the biggest names in the sport and give insight into the most relevant topics dominating the discussion. From National Signing Day to the National Championship, Bruce, Stew and Ralph have you covered year-round.

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Football chart
#38
Episodes
784
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
57 min
On air since
2016
Latest episode
16 hours ago

Episodes

784 episodes, newest first

  1. No. 1 Miami vs. No. 4 Notre Dame Preview, Week 10 Picks, FSU Fires Mike Norvell & Oregon-Ohio State Big Ten Chaos

    Show notes

    It is officially Miami vs. Notre Dame week! 🏈💥

    Undefeated No. 1 Miami heads to South Bend to face No. 4 Notre Dame in a massive, highly anticipated Old School Showdown. Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo lock in their Week 10 picks and breakdown a line that has jumped all the way to Irish (-6). Can the Hurricanes' high-flying offense mask a defensive unit that Ralph calls a flashing red alarm, or will Marcus Freeman's squad control the game at home?

    The crew also reacts to breaking news across the college football landscape:

    • Florida State Fires Mike Norvell: The guys react to the massive news out of Tallahassee. What is the state of the FSU football program, how desirable is this job in the modern landscape, and would a sitting SEC head coach actually leave for Florida State?
    • NC State Coaching Search: Philip Rivers is emerging as a serious candidate for the Wolfpack. Ralph weighs in on the crapshoot nature of hiring a legend to unlock booster money, while Stew questions the wisdom of duplicating rival UNC’s strategy.

    Week 10 Picks & Marquee Matchups:

    • No. 7 BYU at No. 3 Utah (-5.5): The Holy War features major Big 12 title implications.
    • No. 2 Georgia (-3.5) at No. 12 Ole Miss: Can Lane Kiffin spring the upset, or will UGA's high floor carry them on the road?
    • No. 8 Kentucky at No. 16 Tennessee (-6.5): A massive SEC top-20 showdown.
    • No. 9 Alabama at No. 15 LSU (-5.5): Death Valley hosts an elimination game where Ralph sees an elite LSU team emerging.
    • No. 10 Texas (-3) at No. 19 Mizzou: Bruce explains why Texas' stagnant run game has him leaning toward Missouri.
    • Oregon at No. 11 Ohio State (-7): After the Buckeyes' defensive meltdown against USC, the guys pick a matchup that Ralph expects to cause pure Big Ten chaos.

    Plus, the guys close out the show by locking in their official Upset Picks of the Week, targeting vulnerable lines for Nebraska, UCLA, and SMU!

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Welcome to The Audible

    1:10 - Florida State Fires Head Coach Mike Norvell

    14:09 - Philip Rivers NC State Head Coach Position

    22:07 - No 1 Miami vs No 4 Notre Dame

    26:09 - No 7 BYU at No 3 Utah

    29:48 - No 2 Georgia at No 12 Ole Miss

    32:02 - No. 8 Kentucky at No. 16 Tennessee

    33:37 - No. 9 Alabama at No. 15 LSU

    36:26 - No. 10 Texas at No. 19 Missouri

    38:44 - Oregon at No 11 Ohio State

    46:36 - The Audible Picks Week 10 Upsets

    💬 Follow the Crew on X:

    • Stewart Mandel: @slmandel
    • Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB
    • Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH
    • The Audible: @audibleshow

    #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #MiamiHurricanes #NotreDameFootball #FSUFootball #MikeNorvell #Week10Picks #GeorgiaFootball #OleMiss #AlabamaFootball #LSUTigers #OhioState #OregonDuckFootball #BYUFootball #UtahFootball #SportsPodcasts #FootballNews

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    52 min
  2. USC Stuns No. 2 Ohio State, Georgia Suffocates Florida & Indiana’s OT Escape | Week 9 Recap

    Show notes

    Saturday shook up the college football landscape! No. 2 Ohio State falls to USC at the L.A. Coliseum, leaving the Buckeyes on thin ice ahead of Tuesday’s first official College Football Playoff rankings. Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down Ryan Day's quarterback dilemma, Lincoln Riley's signature win, and what to make of USC's defensive turnaround.

    Plus, the crew dissects No. 4 Indiana outlasting Minnesota in a wild 23-16 overtime thriller featuring dueling 60-yard field goals, backup quarterback drama, and baffling late-game clock management.

    The guys also dive deep into:

    • No. 3 Georgia's 27-8 smothering of No. 17 Florida: Is the Bulldogs' defense officially back to a national championship standard despite offensive concerns?
    • No. 1 Miami surviving a 38-35 scare against Bill Belichick's Tar Heels: Can the Hurricanes' secondary fix its glaring issues before next week's massive Top-5 showdown against No. 5 Notre Dame?
    • No. 13 Texas Tech downing No. 22 Arizona 34-26: Did Thomas Castellanos and J'Koby Williams secure a season-saving moment for Joey McGuire?
    • No. 6 Utah dominant 49-25 win over Cincinnati: The Utes remain undefeated, prompting a major debate: Is the top of the Big 12 now better than the top of the injury-riddled Big Ten?
    • Clemson taking down Florida State 36-24: Mike Norvell drops to 4-17 in the ACC since 2024 as the hot seat temperature hits a boiling point.

    Finally, the crew wraps up Week 9 with their weekly "Players that Impressed" and "Shoutouts," highlighting standouts like Georgia's Chris Cole, Boise State's Max Cutforth, Washington's Chris Lawson, Syracuse's Steve Angelli, Dylan Raiola, and Neal Brown's surging North Texas squad.

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

    #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #GeorgiaFootball #IndianaFootball #GeorgiaBulldogs #IndianaHoosiers #OhioStateFootball #USCFootball #MiamiHurricanes #NotreDameFootball #BYUFootball #UtahFootball #TexasLonghorns #OleMiss #TexasTech #CFBWeek9 #SportsPodcasts #FootballNews

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    52 min
  3. How the Pat McAfee Era Is Changing CFB Media + FSU-Clemson ACC Pressure Cooker

    Show notes

    On today’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down how the Pat McAfee era is changing college football media. The guys debate the evolution of the College GameDay experience, analyzing how a new style of broadcasting has brought massive ratings surges alongside a polarizing, brand-new edge to the sport's weekly coverage.

    Plus, the crew previews a crucial Week 9 ACC showdown as Florida State and Clemson meet in a true pressure-cooker matchup. Stewart, Bruce, and Ralph dissect which program needs this win more to stabilize their trajectory, how their contrasting roster management philosophies are handling the heat, and which coaching staff is facing the most critical choices heading into the home stretch.

    Finally, the guys crack open the Mailbag to answer your burning questions. They look at historical hot-seat turnarounds to see if coaches can truly extricate themselves from peril and leave on their own terms, reevaluate the purpose and value of the AP Top 25 ranking system in a brand-new playoff world, and discuss whether brand bias gives blue-blood schools an artificial safety net.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Welcome to The Audible!

    1:14 - The McAfee Era: Higher Ratings vs Increased Edge

    19:03 - FSU vs Clemson: Weighing The Pressure On Both ACC Programs

    30:12 - Can Coaches Survive The Hot Seat?

    34:11 - What Does The AP Top 25 Look Like In The World Of A 24-Team Playoff?

    37:57 - Is Brand Bias Real In College Football?

    #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #PatMcAfee #CollegeGameDay #FSUFootball #ClemsonFootball #ACC #APTop25 #CFBPlayoff #CoachingHotSeat #BlueBloods #ArchManning #SportsPodcasts #CFBWeek9 #FootballNews

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    45 min
  4. Oregon’s Offense Fails: Inside Dan Lanning’s Reset + Week 9 Picks

    Show notes

    Oregon has fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer following a devastating loss to Illinois, leaving the Ducks searching for answers at a critical crossroad in their season. On this episode of The Audible, Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman break down Dan Lanning's biggest staff mistake, what went wrong in Eugene, and whether the Ducks can salvage their season as former head coach Chip Kelly rolls into town with No. 20 Northwestern.

    The crew also discusses the most disappointing programs in college football right now, the teams that are quietly staying on track, and delivers their official Week 9 Top 25 predictions against the spread!

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Welcome to The Audible!

    1:22 - A Lost Season For Oregon, Ducks Fire OC Following Loss To Illinois

    11:23 - Other Disappointing Teams So Far This Season

    21:06 - No 17 Florida vs No 3 Georgia

    22:06 - No 22 Arizona at No 13 Texas Tech

    23:42 - No 2 Ohio State at USC

    26:34 - No 6 Utah at Cincinnati

    31:13 - The Audible Picks Week 9 Upsets

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

    Subscribe to the show, leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and drop your Week 9 upset predictions in the comments below!

    #OregonFootball #DanLanning #CollegeFootball #TheAudible #GoDucks #Northwestern #OhioState #USC #GeorgiaFootball #CFBWeek9 #CollegeFootballPlayoff

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    33 min
  5. CFB Week 8 Recap: Arch Manning Keeps Texas Alive, UCF Stuns No. 2 BYU, Indiana Holds Off Michigan

    Show notes

    Week 8 in College Football is in the books, and we are breaking down the biggest matchups of the weekend! On this episode, we react to the massive Big 12 shocker between UCF and BYU, review the intense Big Ten battle between Michigan and Indiana, and analyze how Arch Manning and the Texas defense survived a massive second-half scare against Ole Miss.

    We are diving deep into the playoff implications, key player matchups, and postgame fallout for every major game. If you love the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe to The Audible for weekly CFB breakdowns!

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

    #CFB #CollegeFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBWeek8 #AudibleShow #BYUvsUCF #GoCougs #GKNT #MichiganVsIndiana #GoBlue #IUFB #TexasVsOleMiss #HookEm #HottyToddy

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    57 min
  6. Julian Sayin & Dante Moore Injury Fallout + Maryland Fires Mike Locksley & Midseason Hot Seats

    Show notes

    Welcome back to The Audible, presented by Trader Joe's. This week, Bruce and Ralph break down a devastating blow to the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff landscape following Ryan Day’s announcement that Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is out indefinitely. The crew dives into what this massive injury means for the Buckeyes' championship aspirations, who stands to benefit if the Big Ten falls apart, and the latest updates surrounding Oregon signal-caller Dante Moore as both powerhouses navigate sudden quarterback conundrums.

    The injury bug takes a backseat to a burning coaching carousel as the college football season crosses the midway point. The guys react to breaking news out of College Park, where Maryland has officially dismissed head coach Mike Locksley following a disappointing loss to Rutgers. With Locksley out after a 39-54 tenure, Bruce and Ralph evaluate the fallout for the Terrapins before shifting gears to examine the rest of the country, identifying which coaches are officially sitting on the hottest seats entering the second half of the season.

    To wrap up the show, the guys open up the listener mailbag to tackle some of your biggest burning questions. The panel debates whether Texas quarterback Arch Manning is tracking to become this generation's version of Chris Simms—a player surrounded by immense family hype who might ultimately be outshined by a gritty fan favorite. Plus, the crew analyzes Wake Forest’s potential postseason path as a one-loss team, before closing the episode with a fun hypothetical challenge: building the ultimate 2026 playoff roster using only pieces from the Group of 6.

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

    #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFB #OhioState #Buckeyes #OregonDucks #JulianSayin #DanteMoore #BigTen #MarylandFootball #MikeLocksley #ArchManning #TexasLongh

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    51 min
  7. The Five-Star Blues: Arch Manning’s Inconsistencies & Bryce Underwood’s Benching + Week 8 Picks

    Show notes

    Welcome back to The Audible, presented by Trader Joe's. This week, Stew, Bruce, and Ralph dive headfirst into a massive structural shift sitting right on the one-yard line: the nearly green-lit, 24-team expanded playoff format. While the crew breaks down what this transformative change means for the future of the sport, they address a bizarre public apathy surrounding the news, along with the existential realization that we may already be longing for a version of college football that is permanently gone.

    The structural changes take a backseat to the immediate blue-chip quarterback crises unfolding at two of the sport's biggest powerhouses. We break down the tape on Arch Manning's continued processing struggles and decision-making errors following Texas' latest disappointing performance. Meanwhile, we unpack the explosive quarterback controversy in Ann Arbor after Michigan pulled the plug on Bryce Underwood at halftime against Penn State. With both generationally hyped signal-callers hitting a performance wall, the crew debates how much blame falls on the young quarterbacks versus their coaches' rigid offensive schemes.

    To wrap up the show, the guys deliver their official Week 8 betting breakdowns and against-the-spread predictions. The panel weighs in on a crucial Big Ten test as No. 5 Indiana travels to Michigan, before diving into high-stakes SEC and Big 12 matchups, including No. 8 Texas Tech and Cincinnati, and a critical battle in Austin between No. 7 Ole Miss and No. 19 Texas. Finally, the crew closes out the episode by locking in their individual Upset Picks of the Week.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:04 - 24-Team Playoff Moves Closer To Reality

    17:23 - Texas’ Arch Manning and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood Continue To Struggle

    30:27 - No 5 Indiana at Michigan

    32:02 - No 18 LSU at Auburn

    34:38 - No 8 Texas Tech at Cincinnati

    37:35 - No 7 Ole Miss at No 19 Texas

    40:27 - No 14 Houston at No 10 Utah

    41:55 - The Audible Picks Week 8 Upsets

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFB #ArchManning #BryceUnderwood #TexasLonghorns #MichiganWolverines #GoBlue #HookEm #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBPicks #QBControversy #Week8

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    46 min
  8. CFB Week 7 Recap: Ohio State Snaps Indiana’s Streak, Tennessee Defeats Alabama, BYU Stuns Notre Dame, & Auburn’s Massive Upset Over Georgia

    Show notes

    College football Week 7 completely shattered the national landscape, and we are breaking down all the massive post-game fallout! Join Stewart Mandel, Bruce Feldman, and Ralph Russo as they react to No. 8 BYU's thrilling 28-24 upset over No. 2 Notre Dame in Provo, Auburn's stunning walk-off field goal to take down No. 1 Georgia in Athens, and Florida handing No. 7 Texas its second-straight loss to expose serious flaws in the Longhorns' offense.

    We dive deep into the absolute meat grinder that is the SEC after No. 14 Tennessee suffocated Alabama 26-10 in Knoxville to light up the traditional third Saturday in October cigars. Plus, the crew analyzes No. 5 Ohio State surviving a brutal road test against No. 4 Indiana—snapping the Hoosiers' historic 22-0 win streak—while facing massive playoff questions moving forward following the devastating injury to quarterback Julian Sayin.

    Finally, we debate who deserves the undisputed No. 1 spot in the new AP Top 25 poll, break down Miami's wild overtime survival against Florida State, and hand out our weekend player shoutouts. From Connor Weigman's 5-TD explosion to Tommy Carr sparking a historic legacy comeback for Michigan, we cover every major headline from the craziest Saturday of the season!

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audibleshow

    #CFB #CollegeFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBWeek7 #AudibleShow #NotreDameVsBYU #OhioStateVsIndiana #BamaVsVols #GoCougs #CFBUpsets

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    57 min
  9. Why CFB Fans Are Rejecting A 24-Team Playoff + Who Do Coaches Trust In A Must-Win Game?

    Show notes

    On today’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down why the 24-team playoff proposal is facing a massive backlash from college football fans. Following the lopsided results of The Audible’s CFP Expansion Poll, the guys debate whether playoff expansion has finally pushed fans past their breaking point and why the audience is overwhelmingly rejecting the idea of a broader postseason format.

    Plus, the crew reveals the fascinating results of their Coaches Survey. If you had exactly one game to win, which coach are you taking? While Kirby Smart and Curt Cignetti dominate the voting, the real story is the high-profile coaches who didn't receive a single vote.

    Finally, the guys crack open the Mailbag to answer your burning questions. They tackle the roster management dilemma facing eliminated teams like Texas A&M, debating when it is time to bench underperforming veterans to scout the transfer portal. They also break down whether college football's new professionalized era will lead to NFL-style, one-and-done coaching fires, before trying to give some hope to a panicked Penn State fan base frustrated with Matt Campbell's identity crisis.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:28 - The Audible’s CFP Expansion Survey Reveals

    29:32 - Coaches Survey: One Game To Coach, Who Are You Going With?

    46:05 - When Should Teams Start To Look To Next Season?

    47:57 - Will CFB Have One-And-Done Coaches In New NIL Era?

    51:17 - Why Should Penn State Fans Have Hope Under Matt Campbell?

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #TheAudible #CollegeFootball #CFBPlayoff #CoachesSurvey #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFBExpansion #KirbySmart #CurtCignetti #PennStateFootball #MattCampbell #TexasAMFootball #TransferPortal #NIL #CFB #FootballPodcasts #SportsNews

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    57 min
  10. CFB Week 7 Picks: Will Indiana Defeat Ohio State? + Nico Iamaleava Injury Update

    Show notes

    Welcome back to another episode of The Audible presented by Trader Joe’s! Today, we lead off with devastating breaking news shaking up college football as star quarterback Nico Iamaleava is announced out for the year. We break down the immediate fallout of this brutal injury blow and what it means for the UCLA Bruins

    We then dive into a massive conference realignment move as James Madison officially joins the American Athletic Conference. Stew asks if the ACC is the next logical stop for the Dukes, Bruce highlights why leaving the Sun Belt makes sense given JMU's massive budget advantage, and Ralph breaks down how the AAC's strict spending minimums could drastically alter the rest of the conference landscape. Plus, the guys take a quick detour for a hilarious "Saban or Sagan" mixup in their group chat.

    Finally, it is the moment you have been waiting for: our official Week 7 Picks and Predictions. After reviewing our updated records following a chaotic Week 6, we deliver our locks and logic for the biggest games on the slate. We start with the absolute blockbuster matchup: No. 4 Ohio State (-3.5) at No. 5 Indiana, analyzing how the Buckeyes' star freshman Jeremiah Smith and TCU standout Josh Hoover factor into this top-5 collision. We also lock in our predictions for No. 2 Notre Dame (-10) at No. 8 BYU, No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU (-12.5), No. 6 Alabama (-8.5) at No. 14 Tennessee, No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss (-6), and No. 18 Oklahoma State at No. 20 Houston (-4.5). Stick around until the very end to get our official Upset Picks of the Week as the guys back Arkansas, UNLV, and Cincinnati to shock the world.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:16 - UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava Out For Season

    4:31 - James Madison To Join American Athletic Conference

    7:00 - Thoughts on Nick Saban documentary

    13:15 - No 4 Ohio State (-3.5) at No 5 Indiana

    18:16 - No 2 Notre Dame (-10) at No 8 BYU

    25:24 - No 16 Mississippi State at No 22 LSU (12.5)

    29:38 - No 6 Alabama (-8.5) at No 14 Tennessee

    31:35 - No 13 Missouri at No 9 Ole Miss (-6)

    33:45 - No 18 Oklahoma State at No 20 Houston (-4.5)

    38:55 - The Audible Picks Week 7 Upsets

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #CFBWeek7 #OhioStateFootball #IndianaHoosiers #NicoIamaleava #JamesMadisonFootball #AACFootball #BigTenFootball #SECFootball #TheAudible #CFBPicks

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  11. CFB Week 6 Recap: Oklahoma Shocks Texas, Georgia Survives Bama, Kentucky Upsets LSU & Indiana Extends Streak

    Show notes

    Welcome to the post-game reaction edition of The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their full breakdown after a chaotic, history-making Week 6 weekend of college football that completely flipped the College Football Playoff picture upside down.

    The guys dive straight into the fallout of the week's biggest blockbusters, starting with Oklahoma's stunning 27-24 walk-off upset over No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry, and Georgia’s gritty 20-17 victory in Tuscaloosa to snap their Alabama curse.

    The crew also reacts to the rest of a wild slate:

    🔹 Kentucky vs. LSU – Will Stein does it again! Big Blue Nation knocks off the No. 10 Tigers 35-34 with another gutsy overtime 2-point conversion.

    🔹 Indiana vs. Nebraska – Josh Hoover sparks a thrilling 4th-quarter comeback to secure a 20-17 victory and extend the nation's longest winning streak to 22 games.

    🔹 UCLA vs. Oregon – Bob Chesney makes program history as the Bruins force 7 turnovers to shock the Ducks 17-15 at Autzen Stadium.

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #GeorgiaVsAlabama #CFBWeek6 #TheAudible #RedRiverRivalry #TexasVsOklahoma #IndianaVsNebraska #CFBPlayoff #SECfootball #BigTenFootball #APTop25

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 5 min
  12. Road To 24: Is a 24-Team College Football Playoff Happening Sooner Than We Think?

    Show notes

    Welcome back to another episode of The Audible! Today, we dive deep into the absolute chaos surrounding postseason expansion as the looming "Road to 24" gains massive traction behind closed doors. With the exclusive ESPN media rights negotiating window closing on October 9 and a final drop-dead deadline of December 1 to lock in changes for the 2027 season, a 24-team field is quickly looking like a foregone conclusion. We break down the massive layout pushing this change forward under Jim Phillips and Tony Petitti, why eliminating conference championship weekend is on the table, and why these multi-million dollar executive power grabs make Stew "sick to his stomach."

    We also look at a prominent program in crisis as the wheels completely fall off for Michigan in Ann Arbor. Despite their quarterback and offensive coordinator costing a combined $6 million per year, a broken offensive scheme is actively costing them their season following a brutal loss to Minnesota. We analyze the structural disaster under Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck, discussing why it is far easier for Michigan to bench Bryce Underwood than it is to move on from their coordinator, and why the current offense suddenly shares characteristics with the worst of the "Rich Rod" era.

    Finally, we dive into a packed edition of the fan mailbag. We tackle an engaging question from Tyler in Philly asking if rising stars like Bob Chesney or Will Stein will follow the Curt Cignetti blueprint and stay at resource-rich schools, including a breakdown of the massive multi-million dollar buyout numbers on Chesney's contract if USC comes calling. Plus, we debate whether the path to a 12-team playoff at 9-3 is strictly an SEC luxury, look at how poll voters would rank ACC clusters like Pitt or Duke if Miami wasn't separating itself at the top, and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to discuss how our very first in-person college football experiences led to our present professions.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:03 - CFP Expansion Talk Heats Up…Is It Closer Than We Think

    17:29 - A Program In Crisis: An Inside Look At Michigan's Spiraling Season

    36:12 - Will CFB Coaches Jump To Bigger Name Programs Or Stay At Current Schools?

    38:40 - Is There A 9-3 School Outside The SEC That Could Make The CFP?

    42:10 - How Would AP Voters View ACC Teams If Miami Were Not In The ACC?

    44:48 - What Was Your First CFB Experience?

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #CFBPlayoff #MichiganFootball #GoBlue #SECFootball #BigTenFootball #APTop25 #Bracketology #MiamiHurricanes #UCLAFootball #KentuckyFootball #TheAudible

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    57 min
  13. Matt Rhule & Nebraska’s Ultimate Litmus Test vs. Indiana + Week 6 Picks

    Show notes

    Welcome to a packed prediction edition of The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their official game breakdowns, betting lines, and against-the-spread predictions for an absolute blockbuster slate of Week 6 college football action.

    The crew kicks off the show diving straight into a heated debate surrounding the controversy in the latest AP Top 25 rankings. Stew details why sticky preseason expectations are keeping teams like USC and Texas Tech overranked, while Bruce questions Utah's true standing on the ballot. Ralph takes you completely inside his official voter process to explain the absolute nightmare of trying to slot the middle tier from numbers 8 through 12. Ultimately, the guys break down why the current rankings are structured the way they are and who got left out entirely.

    From there, the focus shifts to Lincoln for an in-depth look at undefeated Nebraska ahead of their massive Big Ten clash. Can Matt Rhule and the 5-0 Cornhuskers finally pick up a signature win over a ranked opponent, or will his grueling 20-game losing streak against ranked teams continue? This 5-0 start is Nebraska's best opening to a season since 2016, driven by a dominant defense and an offense that has outscored opponents by a massive 218-90 margin. Ralph breaks down why Nebraska fans aren't treating this as a do-or-die crisis for Rhule, contrasting it against the overwhelming, program-crushing pressure teams like Penn State endured in similar spots last season.

    To wrap up the show, the guys drop their definitive straight-up and against-the-spread picks for the biggest matchups on the board:

    🏈 No. 7 Indiana at Nebraska (-7.5)

    Will the high-flying Hoosiers stay perfect in Lincoln, or can the Huskers' defense choke out Curt Cignetti's offense? The crew is completely split on whether the Huskers can cover the 7.5-point spread on their home turf.

    🏈 No. 2 Georgia at No. 6 Alabama (-1.5)

    For the ninth time since 2017, college football's premier heavyweight rivalry meets as a pair of Top 10 teams. Does Kalen DeBoer pick up his first signature SEC win in Tuscaloosa, or does Georgia defend its playoff standing on the road?

    🏈 No. 1 Texas (-8.5) at Oklahoma

    The Red River Rivalry takes center stage in the SEC. The top-ranked Longhorns are laying more than a touchdown against a dangerous Sooners squad in a hostile environment—find out who the guys expect to win the Golden Hat.

    🏈 No. 21 UCLA at No. 13 Oregon (-11.5)

    A massive Big Ten coastal clash under the lights. Can the Bruins keep it close and cover the large double-digit spread on the road, or will the Ducks roll comfortably inside Autzen Stadium?

    🔥 Upset Picks of the Week

    The crew uncovers the best betting value on the board and reveals their locks for the most likely outright underdogs to win in Week 6, featuring crucial spreads on Washington State, Houston, Purdue, and Florida State.

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #Week6Picks #NebraskaFootball #IndianaFootball #AlabamaVsGeorgia #TexasLonghorns #OklahomaSooners #OregonDucks #APTop25 #TheAudible #CFBPlayoff #AgainstTheSpread #CollegeFootballPredictions

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    59 min
  14. CFB Week 5 Recap: Alabama Routes Miss State, Jeremiah Smith Makes Heisman Statement

    Show notes

    Welcome to a live post-game edition of The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their full post-game breakdown after a historic, record-breaking Week 5 weekend of college football.

    The guys are diving straight into the aftermath of the week's biggest blockbusters. We break down No. 7 Alabama’s dominant 56-23 blowout victory over No. 16 Mississippi State in Starkville. We evaluate Keelon Russell’s massive 4-touchdown Heisman statement, and how Kamario Taylor’s costly turnovers and late-game walking boot impact the Bulldogs moving forward.

    The crew also reacts to a wild slate that completely reshapes the College Football Playoff picture:

    🔹 Ohio State vs. Iowa – Did the Hawkeyes bottleneck the Buckeyes? Not even close. We react to No. 5 Ohio State's 31-14 physical road win at Kinnick Stadium, highlighted by freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith’s legendary 11-catch, 206-yard masterpiece.

    🔹 Florida vs. Missouri – No. 25 Mizzou absolutely dismantles No. 8 Florida in a stunning 45-17 Homecoming blowout, snapping their grueling 9-game losing streak against ranked opponents behind Jamal Roberts' 211 rushing yards.

    🔹 B1G & ACC Shockers – Plus, the guys break down Minnesota’s historic 20-14 upset over No. 24 Michigan to take back the Little Brown Jug, USC’s gritty 25-21 second-half comeback over Washington, and No. 4 Miami’s absolute 41-13 throttling of Clemson in Death Valley.

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹 The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #AlabamaVsMississippiState #CFBWeek5 #TheAudible #KeelonRussell #KamarioTaylor #OhioStateVsIowa #FloridaVsMissouri #JeremiahSmith #MizzouFootball #LittleBrownJug #CFBPlayoff #SECfootball #BigTenFootball #APTop25

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    1 hr 3 min
  15. Lincoln Riley's Growing USC Hot Seat + The Nick Saban Backlash

    Show notes

    Welcome back to another episode of The Audible! Today, we dive deep into the mounting pressure in Los Angeles as Lincoln Riley’s seat continues to warm up at USC. After a rough stretch for the Trojans, a compelling fan mailbag question from London asks the tough question: Will USC pull the trigger and move on from Riley, and who would Jennifer Cohen target as a replacement? From a prominent coach across town to big-name targets in the SEC, we break down what a potential coaching search could look like for the Trojans.

    We also tackle the massive Nick Saban backlash rocking college football media this week. The legendary coach is facing serious hypocrisy charges after claiming that coach and player compensation belong in "different markets," arguing player salaries must be capped while coaching contracts remain unchecked. We discuss the double standard of these comments and how the Protect College Sports Act—which just moved forward with a last-second 20-school realignment limit—could reshape the sport once it hits the House after the midterms.

    Finally, we hand out first-month grades for first-year head coaches across the country, highlighting who is succeeding (like Florida) and who is completely failing to get off the ground (like Cal). Plus, we rank the top 20 most impactful freshmen of the 2026 season so far, debate how Arkansas or Rutgers would fare against a full G6 schedule, and break down why losing or retaining your offensive coordinator can completely make or break a program's playoff hopes.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:03 - Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act, Still Needs House Approval

    3:39 - Nick Saban Says Coach and Player Compensation Are ‘Different Markets’

    13:39 - Which Freshman Have Made The Greatest Impact Through First Month?

    21:53 - First-Year Coaches: Who Is Succeeding? Who Is Failing?

    31:41 - Mailbag! How Would Arkansas Or Rutgers Fair With A G6 Schedule?

    37:30 - Mailbag! Who Could Replace Lincoln Riley At USC If Trojans Move On?

    47:18 - Mailbag! How Important Is Retaining Your Offensive Coordinator?

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #USCFootball #NickSaban #LincolnRiley #Trojans #FloridaGators #ArkansasRazorbacks #RutgersFootball #CalFootball #NIL #CollegeFootball2026 #TheAudible

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  16. How Dylan Stewart’s Suspension Changes South Carolina’s Season + Week 5 Picks

    Show notes

    On today’s episode of The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo break down a chaotic week in college football, starting with the massive news out of Columbia. Shane Beamer has suspended star defensive end Dylan Stewart indefinitely following his actions in South Carolina's loss to Alabama. The guys discuss the major fallout of this decision, what it means for Stewart's rising NFL Draft stock, and whether the temperature is officially rising on Beamer’s hot seat. Plus, we analyze the shifting landscape of coaching changes and take a hard look at how teams are faring in non-conference play against Power 4 competition.

    Then, it’s time to head to the betting window for our official Week 5 Picks. The crew looks to break a three-way tie in the standings as they lock in their predictions against the spread for the weekend's biggest marquee matchups. Can No. 16 Mississippi State stay within the number against No. 7 Alabama? Will Iowa's defense muck things up enough to cover +13.5 at No. 5 Ohio State? The guys also break down No. 8 Florida at No. 25 Missouri, No. 4 Miami's tough road trip to Clemson, and wrap things up by tossing out their favorite Upset Picks of the Week.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:16 - South Carolina Suspends Star DE Dylan Stewart

    9:21 - Are More Coaches On The Hot Seat This Season?

    18:27 - Non-Conference Records vs Power 4 Teams

    35:57 - Week 5 Picks | No 7 Alabama (-5.5) at No 16 Mississippi State

    40:30 - Week 5 Picks | No 5 Ohio State (-13.5) at No 14 Iowa

    43:37 - Week 5 Picks | No 8 Florida (-4.5) at No 25 Missouri

    46:00 - Week 5 Picks | No 4 Miami (-17.5) at Clemson

    50:16 - The Audible Picks Week 5 Upsets

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹The Audible: @audible.show

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  17. College Football Week 4 Recap: Oregon Stuns USC, Texas Survives, Florida Blowout!

    Show notes

    Welcome to The Audible! Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo deliver their full postgame breakdown after a historic, record-breaking weekend of college football. Week 4 set the all-time record for the most ranked-versus-ranked games on any single day in AP poll history, and the guys are diving into the aftermath of all six blockbuster Top 25 matchups.

    We break down No. 20 Oregon's chaotic, emotional road victory over No. 12 USC at the Coliseum after backup quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped into the fire. Plus, we dissect No. 1 Texas grinding out a tight, penalty-filled victory at Neyland Stadium to survive No. 14 Tennessee behind Colin Simmons’ historic 5-sack defensive showcase.

    The crew also reacts to the rest of a slate that completely reshapes the College Football Playoff picture, including No. 21 Florida absolutely dismantling No. 4 Ole Miss, No. 17 Iowa's breathtaking 91-yard walk-off touchdown drive to stun Michigan at the Big House, and No. 10 LSU securing massive revenge against No. 23 Texas A&M in Death Valley. Finally, we look at Boise State's dominant road win over Western Michigan and track where the Group of 6 Playoff race stands heading into October.

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #OregonVsUSC #TexasVsTennessee #CFBWeek4 #TheAudible #APTop25 #CollegeFootballPlayoff #SECfootball #BigTenFootball #USCTrojans #OregonDucks #TexasLonghorns #VolsFootball #GeorgiaFootball #LSUfootball #CFBLive

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    57 min
  18. Kamario Taylor: The Conversation Already Looming With Mississippi State’s Star Quarterback

    Show notes

    Kamario Taylor: The Uncomfortable Conversation about Mississippi State’s Star Quarterback takes center stage on this episode of The Audible. Following an absurd start to the season, an anonymous Big Ten coach has dropped a massive bombshell quote, claiming Taylor’s freakish arm talent and accuracy make him the best college football QB in years—before dropping the ultimate kicker: “He’s gonna look awesome in a Miami Hurricanes uniform next year.” Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo dive deep into the modern NIL and transfer portal reality. Can Mississippi State pay up to retain their local star for a potential CFP run, or will the relentless pull of the portal lure him away to a program like Miami?

    The guys also track the massive Week 3 fallout across the country, starting with heated fan protests at Arkansas and Maryland. The crew debates whether the Razorbacks’ athletic department would actually be a better fit in the Big 12, where their basketball-first identity aligns with schools like Kansas and Arizona. Plus, Ralph takes us on the road to Kalamazoo for Boise State vs. Western Michigan, a high-stakes matchup with massive Group of 6 (G6) College Football Playoff implications. We also address the growing national backlash against ESPN’s College GameDay for choosing its fourth straight SEC venue instead of heading west to Los Angeles for Oregon vs. USC.

    Finally, the crew cracks open the Audible Mailbag to answer your burning college football questions. Are major programs falling into a "sunk cost fallacy" by refusing to bench highly paid, highly ranked quarterbacks like Bryce Underwood, John Mateer, and Marcel Reed? Bruce shares exclusive insider details on the true structure of Michigan's massive NIL deal with Underwood. We also break down whether undefeated, unranked teams like UCLA, Nebraska, Washington, and Northwestern are getting robbed by AP voters, and analyze why coaches like Lincoln Riley, Deion Sanders, and Dan Lanning treat local media radically differently than national outlets.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:24 - Fan Frustrations: Maryland and Arkansas Fans Protesting After Week 3

    7:51 - The Curious Case of Kamario Taylor…Will the Miss State QB transfer?

    16:31 - Boise State vs Western Michigan: Potential G6 CFP Implications In Kalamazoo

    23:19 - Should ESPN’s College GameDay Be In Los Angeles For Oregon At USC?

    32:11 - Mailbag! Are Coaches Falling Into A Sunk Cost Fallacy With QBs?

    38:08 - Mailbag! Should UCLA, Northwestern, Nebraska, or Washington Be Ranked?

    42:14 - Mailbag! Do Programs Treat Local Media Different From National Outlets?

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #KamarioTaylor #TransferPortal #MississippiState #HailState #MiamiHurricanes #GoCanes #NIL #CollegeGameDay #OregonFootball #USCFootball #ArkansasRazorbacks #WoooPig #MarylandTerrapins #BoiseState #TheAudible

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  19. Belichick’s Blown Lead & Program Turmoil: Can UNC Survive? + Week 4 Picks

    Show notes

    The college football landscape is shifting rapidly, and today on The Audible, Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo are breaking down the biggest crossroads in the sport. We lead off with the fallout from North Carolina’s devastating blown lead against Clemson and unpack the latest surrounding the brewing UNC investigation. With top assistants no longer around, the crew debates if the hole Bill Belichick dug himself into from year one is simply too deep to survive, and whether the Tar Heels are looking for a way out of his three-year contract before next season.

    From program turmoil to early-season shockers, we reveal our biggest surprises across the Power 4 and Group of 6, starring breakout players like Kamario Taylor, Jamal Rule, and Jesse Legree.

    Finally, it’s time to look ahead with our official, high-stakes Week 4 predictions against the spread! The crew locks in their locks and picks for a loaded slate, featuring No. 1 Texas at No. 14 Tennessee, No. 4 Ole Miss visiting No. 21 Florida, and a brutal Big Ten clash between No. 17 Iowa and No. 18 Michigan. We wrap things up by dissecting the highly anticipated matchup between No. 20 Oregon and No. 12 USC, before handing out our official Upset Picks of the Week!

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro

    1:37 - UNC Crossroads: Tar Heels Lose At Clemson, Program Investigation Still Pending

    15:00 - What Are Your Early Season Surprises

    27:37 - No 1 Texas (-4.5) at No 14 Tennessee

    30:50 - No 4 Ole Miss at No 21 Florida (-3)

    38:03 - No 17 Iowa at No 18 Michigan (-5.5)

    41:38 - No 23 Texas A&M at No 10 LSU (-9.5)

    46:17 - No 20 Oregon (-3) at No 12 USC

    53:54 - The Audible Picks Week 4 Upsets

    Follow the Crew on X:

    🔹 Stewart Mandel: @slmandel

    🔹 Bruce Feldman: @BruceFeldmanCFB

    🔹 Ralph Russo: @ralphDrussoATH

    🔹The Audible: @audible.show

    #CollegeFootball #TheAudible #BillBelichick #UNCvsClemson #APPoll #Week4Picks #TexasFootball #Vols Football #OleMiss #GoGators #IowaHawkeyes #GoBlue #USCFootball #OregonDuck Football #CFBBetting #UpsetAlert

    Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  20. Ole Miss, Trinidad Chambliss spoil Lane Kiffin's return + Unbelievable finish at Vanderbilt

    Show notes

    Week 3 of the College Football season is in the books! Today on The Audible, Bruce Feldman, Stewart Mandel, and Ralph Russo are breaking down all the wild post-game action from Week 3, leading off with the absolute circus in Oxford as No. 8 Ole Miss spoils Lane Kiffin’s highly anticipated return, taking down No. 7 LSU in a thrilling 32-24 shootout behind a magical performance from Trinidad Chambliss.

    Did the Rebels get the ultimate revenge on their former coach? We dive deep into Pete Golding’s gutsy two-point conversion call, Will Echols' dominant defensive night, and the incredible post-game fallout.

    But that’s just the beginning. We shift over to the ACC to recap Clemson's massive comeback over UNC following a wild 2.5-hour rain delay, evaluating true freshman Tait Reynolds' first start and Bill Belichick’s biggest blown lead in a decade. That is followed by the explosive Top-25 battle between SMU and Louisville where Keyjuan Brown's second-half explosion secured a 41-31 track meet for the Cardinals.

    Plus, we recap the jaw-dropping walk-off finish between NC State and Vandy, Kentucky's massive upset of No. 9 Texas A&M at Kyle Field, and Texas Tech holding off Houston by a matter of inches.

    Wrapping things up, the crew highlights the players who impressed them the most this weekend, hands out their latest team shoutouts, and takes your questions live!

    📌 TODAY'S WEEK 3 TOPICS:

    • Ole Miss Spoil's Lane Kiffin's Return: LSU vs Ole Miss Recap

    • ACC Comeback: Clemson Survives Post-Delay Battle vs UNC

    • Top 25 Track Meet: No. 23 Louisville Outlasts No. 16 SMU

    • Improbable Finish: Vandy Stuns NC State on Walk-Off Fumble

    • Kyle Field Shocker: Kentucky Upsets No. 9 Texas A&M

    • Big 12 Hold 'Em: No. 13 Texas Tech Edges No. 22 Houston

    • Weekly Awards: Players That Impressed & Weekend Shoutouts!

    👇 Drop your thoughts in the live chat: Who is the biggest winner of Week 3?

    Support the show by subscribing and hitting the notification bell so you never miss a live stream!

    #CollegeFootball #TheAudible #LaneKiffin #LSUvsOleMiss #TrinidadChambliss #ClemsonFootball #UNCvsClemson #SMUvsLouisville #VandyFootball #NCState #KentuckyFootball #TexasAM #TexasTech #HoustonCougars #SEC #ACC #Big12 #CFBRecap

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    57 min