ESPN College GameDay: Recent Episodes
ESPN, Rece Davis, Pete Thamel
Join ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis and Senior Writer Pete Thamel, as well as many of GameDay’s key analysts and contributors, as they discuss and debate the biggest stories and break down the biggest games in college football, while also leaning into the key basketball moments and storylines as well. With episodes Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays in the fall, and a year-round weekly presence this is the place to be for the college sports fan.
Rece Davis starts off the podcast riding solo with Pete Thamel on assignment. Rece sorts through the Week 3 slate and finds the most compelling games. Then, Bill Connelly stops by to discuss a modern rivalry in Missouri-Kansas State, if the spread for Georgia-South Carolina is too big, SEC’s disappointing non-conference start, how Michael Penix Jr. will react under pressure, keeping an eye on Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley against Ohio State, if Alabama will move on from Jalen Milroe and which ranked team steps on a rake. [17:30] Bill Connelly [21:03] Kansas State-Missouri [27:13] South Carolina-Georgia [29:13] SEC's non-conf woes [35:10] Michigan State-Washington [39:27] Malachai Corley [43:13] Will Alabama move on from Jalen Milroe? [49:17] Which ranked team steps on a rake? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel start with their Saturday in Tuscaloosa, watching Texas push Alabama around. Then, the Longhorn Network’s Fozzy Whittaker stops by to talk about Texas’ biggest win in years, staying consistent in the Big 12 and Quinn Ewers giving up Chick-fil-a. Then, Rece and Pete discuss Michigan State suspending Mel Tucker amid an ongoing university sexual harassment investigation. Then, Ryan McGee and the guys get into Alabama losing its edge in the fourth quarter, Miami making a statement, never believing in Texas A&M, and Colorado as the story of September. Later, an all-time Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins. Finally, Jen Lada talks to Tim Tebow in the Mercedes-Benz ESPN College Football Podcast Sprinter. [0:00] Texas pushes Alabama around [5:56] Fozzy Whittaker [14:39] What's different about Quinn Ewers [20:20] Michigan State suspends Mel Tucker [26:00] Ryan McGee, Alabama loses its fourth quarter edge [33:22] Does Nick Saban dig a loss? [37:47] Miami-Texas A&M [43:40] Story of September: Colorado [54:53] Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins [59:33] Jen Lada and Tim Tebow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel react to an exciting Week 1 in college football. They discuss Colorado’s statement win in Deion Sanders’ first game, TCU’s near-catastrophic state of affairs, college football as a one-year business, Rece slotting Florida State at No. 1 on his AP ballot and the big weekend ahead for the SEC. Then, Ryan McGee stops by to talk about watching North Carolina-South Carolina from the stands, Drake Maye’s composure, the ACC’s pretty good 72 hours, the new clock rules and Nebraska losing in a positively Frostian way. [0:00] Deion Sanders and Colorado's statement win [7:56] Tough times for TCU [12:14] Florida State should be No. 1 [23:15] Big weekend ahead for the SEC [26:01] Alabama vulnerability? [32:44] Ryan McGee watching the Carolinas from the stands [37:57] A good 72 hours for the ACC [47:08] New clock talk [58:17] Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins [1:02:12] McGee meets another weird fan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Stanford Steve start the show by asking Steve his thoughts on the collapse of the Pac-12. Then, the guys preview the Week 1 slate by picking West Virginia-Penn State, North Carolina-South Carolina, LSU-Florida State and more. Plus, what will they be keeping an eye on during the first college football weekend. [13:49] Fresno State @ Purdue [16:21] West Virginia @ Penn State [19:58] UTSA @ Houston [23:16] North Carolina vs. South Carolina [27:54] Toledo @ Illinois [34:43] South Alabama @ Tulane [38:43] LSU vs. Florida State [45:38] What they're watching for in Week 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Jim Harbaugh advocating for revenue sharing with student-athletes, the real reason Nick Saban didn’t release a depth chart, and who’s on the Apathy Trailer to Tanksville? Then, the guys are joined by Bill Connelly to settle a score, and preview the Thursday and Friday slate of games. Plus, Bill’s College Football Playoff teams. [0:00] Harbaugh says pay the kids [4:44] Saban doesn't drop the depth chart [12:45] Bill Connelly collects his winnings [17:50] Florida at Utah [25:29] Nebraska at Minnesota [31:05] N.C. State at UConn [38:36] Louisville vs. Georgia Tech [43:31] South Dakota at Missouri [46:17] Bill's CFP teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel lead the show with their biggest impressions from Week 0, the ACC nearing a deal with Cal and Stanford, and which Week 1 games may be overlooked. Then, Desmond Howard stops by to talk about which player reminded Rece of Des, USC's defense still appearing problematic, Sam Hartman's debut for Notre Dame, and if the starters at Alabama and Ohio State will retain that designation all season. Later, Ryan McGee and the guys discuss Billy Napier's coaching style, which coaches they'd take in a cage fight, the border battle between North Carolina and South Carolina, and the ACC fighting for survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Stanford Steve for the 2023 Race For The Ribeye. Steve will be on the show every Friday to pick the weekend’s games against the spread. Losers of this season-long contest buy the winner a steak dinner. They start by discussing Jim Harbaugh’s three game self-suspension and Washington losing running back Cam Davis to injury. Then, the guys pick the entire Week 0 slate. 0:00 - Jim Harbaugh self-suspended three games 7:00 - Washington loses RB Cam Davis 13:48 - Race For The Ribeye returns! 15:02 - Navy vs. Notre Dame -21 20:46 - UTEP -1 @ Jacksonville State 22:55 - Ohio @ San Diego State -2.5 25:34 - UMass @ New Mexico State -6.5 28:32 - Hawaii @ Vanderbilt -17.5 34:29 - San Jose State @ USC -30.5 40:29 - FIU @ Louisiana Tech -11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel welcome Georgia head coach Kirby Smart onto the podcast to discuss naming Carson Beck the starting quarterback, what kind his sports dad he is, getting scratch-offs for Julymas, navigating tragedy and mourning with his team, and how he defines success for this season. Then, Rece and Pete finish their conference previews with the SEC. Later, they predict how many SEC teams make the College Football Playoff, and share their playoff semifinalists. [00:00] Kirby Smart [30:00] Georgia [35:35] LSU [39:16] Alabama [49:01] Texas A&M [55:09] Ole Miss [58:03] Arkansas [1:00:54] Mississippi State [1:03:04] Auburn [1:05:40] Tennessee [1:09:52] Florida [1:16:59] South Carolina [1:22:26] Kentucky [1:25:16] Missouri [1:29:33] Vanderbilt [1:32:22] CFP Talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel continue their conference previews with the ACC. They break down the latest news with Stanford and Cal, if this is the year Florida State finally wins the conference, and who will be a breakthrough ACC team this year. :44 - The Latest with Stanford and Cal 5:41 What’s Next for Georgia? 11:39 - ACC Preview 13:40 - ACC Preview: NC State 19:24 - ACC Preview: North Carolina 30:48 - ACC Preview: Florida State 37:18 - ACC Preview: Clemson 43:13 - ACC Preview: Duke 48:48 - ACC Preview: Pittsburgh 57:57 - ACC Preview: Louisville 1:01:00 - ACC Preview: Wake Forest 1:03:07 -ACC Preview: Syracuse 1:06:31 - ACC Preview: Boston College 1:10:07 - ACC Preview: Virginia Tech 1:12:55 - ACC Preview: Georgia Tech 1:15:40 - ACC Preview: Virginia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Ryan McGee discuss Ryan’s thoughts on the ACC flirting with expansion during realignment, and the schism between Michael Oher and the Tuohy family. Then the guys preview the Group of 5, including Tulane, UTSA, Boise State, Troy, South Alabama and Liberty. Plus, will the Group of 5 crack the New Year’s 6 and which team is destined to be the worst team in the country this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel continue their conference previews with the Big 12. They discuss the talent of Texas, why Pete thinks Kansas State will be victorious as Big 12 champions, and what’s next for Iowa State with the sports wagering investigations. Plus, will a Big 12 team land a spot in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year?
2:05- Texas Preview 8:29 - Oklahoma Preview 11:01- Kansas State Preview 15:21 - TCU Preview 18:30 - Baylor Preview 21:23 - Texas Tech Preview 24:54 - Oklahoma State Preview 29:16 - UCF Preview 33:38 - Iowa State Preview 35:12 - Iowa State Sports Wagering Investigation 36:45 - Kansas Preview 40:17 - BYU Preview 43:25 - West Virginia Preview 48:29 - Houston Preview 52:30 - Cincinnati Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the Cal and Stanford to the ACC chatter, why they think that chatter is dumb, and things they'd love to see in the Pac-12's final season that will never actually happen. Then, the guys preview the Pac-12 for the final time. Later, Pete has thoughts on the NCAA denying Tez Walker's transfer request to North Carolina. [3:44] Rece on Cal & Stanford to the ACC chatter [12:34] Rece and Pete's Pac-12 finale dreams [17:03] Oregon State [22:14] Utah [28:41] USC [36:31] Washington [42:17] Oregon [49:18] UCLA [55:52] Washington State [58:47] Cal [1:01:33] Stanford [1:06:25] Colorado [1:12:08] Arizona State [1:16:45] Arizona [1:21:38] Tez Walker Situation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel begin their march through conference preview season beginning with the Big 10. Can Michigan stay out of its own way? How will Ohio State deal with a massive transition at quarterback? Can Penn State puncture their way into the Big Ten title game? The guys cover every team in the conference. Plus, Pete provides an update on the Pac-12 and conference realignment. [1:36] Preview Start [2:54] Michigan [13:50] Ohio State [25:22] Penn State [31:57] Maryland [36:40] Michigan State [39:54] Indiana [43:19] Rutgers [47:58] Wisconsin [53:40] Iowa [59:04] Illinois [1:05:00] Minnesota [1:10:45] Nebraska [1:12:16] Purdue [1:13:52] Northwestern [1:16:29] Conference Realignment Update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Colorado leaving the Pac-12 for the Big 12, the Pac-12 fighting for its existence, the Buffs surviving in the age of realignment, harmony by homogenization in the new Big 12, if any team can really get out of the ACC right now and teams Rece should consider when filling out his AP Poll ballot. [11:49] Could more schools leave the Pac-12? [13:41] Colorado is a survivor [18:47] Parity in the new Big 12 [25:13] Update on the ACC [33:32] Rece’s fear filling out the AP Poll Ballot [37:51] Oregon State [45:33] Iowa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Brock Bowers’ one weakness, Florida State’s offensive line, if North Carolina can uplift the ACC, College GameDay going to Charlotte for Week 1, whether Luke Fickell is bringing evolution or revolution to Wisconsin, a Howard Schnellenberger story, and a pair of bold predictions about Alabama’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the start of conference media days, coaching cliches, Kirby Smart’s podium appearance, Georgia’s first realistic opportunity to lose, if Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino have gotten into a big argument yet, more reports of an “imminent” media deal for the Pac-12 and Rece's fashion advice for Pete. [5:09] Kirby Smart at SEC media days [19:53] When could Georgia lose? [25:14] Texas A&M [33:40] More reports of a Pac-12 media deal [40:29] Which comes first: Pac-12 media deal or Week 1? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Northwestern firing Pat Fitzgerald after reports of hazing inside his program, needing more perspective and scale from the investigation, the lack of transparency from the administration, what happens next with the football team and potential coaching candidates. Plus, their thoughts on Bob Huggins’ messy exit from West Virginia. [0:00] Northwestern fires Pat Fitzgerald [4:46] Wanting more details [9:01] Northwestern’s lack of transparency [14:48] Team initiations, surprise that hazing is still happening [19:43] What happens to the football program [32:14] Northwestern’s advantages, coaching candidates [38:33] Bob Huggins not going quietly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Pete winning the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year, Bill Hancock taking slings and arrows until he steps down in 2025, the ineffective punishment of vacating wins, why NCAA investigations are more painful than the penalties, which teams could break into the top tier of the sport this fall and the two most likely outcomes in the Pac-12’s pursuit of a television deal. [11:05] CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock stepping down in 2025 [19:42] Les Miles wins vacated, means nothing [32:49] Possible breakthrough teams in 2023 [37:22] The Pac-12’s pursuit of a new TV deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel cover the West Coast soap opera of San Diego State leaving the Mountain West to explore new relationships, and which Taylor Swift song is most apt for this story. Then, Bill Connelly stops by to discuss his summer vacation to Germany, games he’s interested in watching early in the season, if his numbers like Penn State, USC’s defensive free agent haul, the Pac-12 appearing to be deep and conference realignment ruining their summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the SEC’s business decision to stick with an eight-game conference schedule, if the selection committee should knock the SEC for it, Pete’s day covering Congress and candidates to run college football. Plus, can Bo Nix be a first-round pick, which quarterback is going to shoot up draft boards and the most interesting producer at ESPN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the congressional hearings in Washington D.C. attempting to establish a structure for NIL, the need for a linear direction in the sport, and deciding on a functioning model for the next generation. Then, they discuss if Colorado and Arizona are headed to the Big 12 or if the Pac-12 can pull a rabbit out to get a deal done that is satisfactory for its members. Plus, Pete and recast Ted Lasso with college football stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their conference championship picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss the case for hiring a football coach before hiring an athletic director, if Scott Frost will get another shot in the AAC, if Utah can score enough against USC, pucker power in the Big 12 title game, the MAC championship eluding Ohio, if Stetson Bennett IV can add an SEC title to his resume, if Tulane can punch a Cotton Bowl ticket, the Boise State turnaround, if anyone can talk themselves into Purdue and the consolation prize ACC title game.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the lack of good options for the playoff if one of the top four loses this weekend, which of the top four is most likely to be upset, intense Irish interest in the quarterback market, Hudson Card entering the transfer portal, Hugh Freeze’s introduction at Auburn, what’s keeping Pete’s phone alive and if Deion Sanders would take the Colorado job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the possibility of the season going out with a whimper during championship weekend, if TCU’s playoff spot is secure even if it loses to Kansas State, Michigan squeezing the life out of Ohio State, Pete taking calls about the Auburn job on Saturday morning during the show, if producer Sara is happier now with Nebraska hiring Matt Rhule than when Scott Frost was hired, why Wisconsin pivoted from Jim Leonhard to Luke Fickell, South Carolina’s two week turnaround and a reflective edition of Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their Week 13 picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss essential items on their Thanksgiving dinner plate, the nastiness of the Egg Bowl, the best game on Friday, rooting for silliness in N.C. State-North Carolina, how the red zone will determine The Game, Auburn’s annual Iron Bowl crusade, Rece’s Nick Saban impression, seeing the path but not getting there with Notre Dame over USC, and Washington-Washington State to close the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the historic moment and the enormous stakes in Ohio State-Michigan, the synchronization of Michigan’s offensive line, if Marvin Harrison Jr. could be the top draft pick in 2024, Drew Henson getting heckled playing minor league baseball in Columbus, the path to victory for Michigan, Ryan Day not running the Lamborghini into the ditch, if Notre Dame could make things interesting against USC, Kansas extending Lance Leipold, swirling Lane Kiffin to Auburn rumors, what it would take to for Auburn to hire Cadillac Williams and where the lighting bolt will hit on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the lack of space between the top teams in the sport, Caleb Williams’ sensational night, Max Duggan saving TCU again, the most stunning single game performance of the season, Oklahoma State falling off a cliff, watching games together on the flight home from Bozeman, Georgia lacking an aura of infallibility, if a potential one-loss Ohio State is a lock for the playoff, a good day for LSU and Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their Week 10 picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss who you should pick in your World Cup pool, how the Netherlands are Chizik-esque transition defense, a relatively concise way to figure out the Big Ten West, UConn exceeding projections, tension and pettiness with Iowa-Minnesota, the lack of defensive advantage in USC-UCLA and the beleaguered Houston Cougars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Pete’s birthday plans, faux outrage from LSU fans, nobody knowing when college basketball season starts, if they wrote off Clemson from College Football Playoff contention too early, where chaos may strike this weekend, Illinois matching up with Michigan, whether the bowl games should pay the players and Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel lead the show talking about the a former University of Virginia football player killing three current players on Sunday. This podcast was recorded was recorded early on Monday morning. The, the guys discuss Texas-TCU turning into a defensive struggle, the Horned Frogs answering the bell and winning a different way, the Longhorns’ offensive disappearing act, TCU responding to a different way of doing things under Sonny Dykes, if Michigan will be punished for its nonconference schedule, Illinois struggling, who’d they bet a nickel on to win the Pac-12 championship game and if that team will make the playoff, College GameDay heading to Bozeman, and the coldest game they’ve ever covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their Week 10 picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss the Bill Connelly System, why the top four teams will be unhappy in the expanded playoff, Purdue falling apart, Alabama lacking an edge on the road, Tulane’s defensive turnaround, Iowa and Wisconsin finding a rhythm, transfer quarterbacks galore in Oregon-Washington, Baylor hitting its stride, the last game they’d put money on this week, Rece’s love for Drake Maye, and interesting subplots in TCU-Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Pete’s absence from Monday’s show, Rece commanding the pulpit, the latest batch of College Football Playoff rankings, if the CFP will have its first semifinal rematch, how Rece irked Tennessee fans, Jalen Carter swallowing linemen whole, the numbers’ infatuation with Texas, a hypothetical line for TCU-Oregon at a neutral site, what Liberty beating Arkansas does for Hugh Freeze and if it’s too early for Christmas coffee cups at Dunkin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis rides solo today with Pete Thamel ailing on the sidelines. Rece discusses his feeling riding into Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Georgia putting Tennessee in its place, Stetson Bennett IV being Georgia’s heartbeat, Brian Kelly’s official adoption by the LSU fam-uh-lee, the interesting dynamic and power structure in the SEC, Alabama and Clemson looking stale, and TCU succeeding after addressing its own staleness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their Week 10 picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss a new position for Brock Bowers on the depth chart, a weeknight edition of Pac-12 After Dark, how many points are needed to win between Tennessee and Georgia, why Bill is mad at the College Football Playoff committee, if LSU can stay on schedule, a pivotal point in Texas’ season, the DJU coda game, why Clemson shouldn’t be in the top four, Tulane being in an expanded CFP and if some of the guys on the podcast hate fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Tennessee at No. 1 in the first College Football Playoff ranking, if an SEC champion could miss the playoff, when Rece first sees the rankings, Pete’s Tuesday night watching MACtion, Illinois’ path to the playoff, how the Volunteers will line up against Brock Bowers, a vote of confidence in Tennessee’s offense against Georgia defense from coaches around the sport, if they’re just picking at Georgia’s flaws and a huge test for Jayden Daniels against Alabama’s defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Auburn relieving Bryan Harsin of his head coaching duties, where fits among great moments in Auburn dysfunction, pervasive issues within the program, how the school treated Harsin during the offseason, an Alabama obsession causing problems, candidates for the job, Rece’s advice for Lane Kiffin, needing a little back-slap to make it on the Plains and which school should send a moving truck to pick up Harsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel recap their time at Jackson State and share the impact of the changes Deion Sanders has made. Then, they break down the biggest news in college football including the Michigan-Michigan State brawl in the Big House and the challenges facing Mel Tucker moving forward. Next, they discuss Steve Sarkisian’s public apology to Longhorn nation and Hypnotoad strikes again. Later, they discuss the new media deal for the Big 12 and share their predictions of who the committee will rank as the number one team in college football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their Week 9 picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss when Bill’s formula becomes his gut, if Ohio State is weakness free, a possible low scoring slobber-knocker in the Carrier Dome, Adrian Martinez earning everyone’s trust, Cincinnati’s 19-game AAC winning streak and a massive test for Tennessee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Pete turning off Rece’s ranking show to watch Netflix, what they’re excited to see in Jackson this weekend, Pete’s side trip to Hattiesburg for a Thursday night game, if Penn State will test Ohio State’s defense, an interesting moment in time for Michigan State, the contrast in pace between Kentucky and Tennessee, South Carolina’s strong start and more on the messes at Texas A&M and Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel look back at Week 8 to discuss if Oregon could sneak back into the College Football Playoff, the Rece Davis Principle, their favorite part of the weekend in Eugene, Bo Nix’s redemption arc, Clemson’s quarterback change, Texas A&M needing a jackhammer and a shovel, GameDay heading to Jackson State, when Deion Sanders could make the jump to a Power 5 job, and Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly make their Week 8 picks in the Race for the Ribeye and discuss Bill dragging everyone into the mud with his picks, inclusion vs. meritocracy with the College Football Playoff, if Syracuse can move the ball on Clemson, Ole Miss’ ham-and-egg start, Oregon’s upswing, how much they trust Texas, the collection of tailbacks in Penn State-Minnesota, sticking with preseason hunches, and TCU’s winning streak against ranked teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss an issue that Rece foresees with expansion coming to the College Football Playoff, if Syracuse could be frisky in Death Valley, the differences between playing at Oregon and Auburn, most likely to wear a toga on set and if they're adjusting their methods to making picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss a historic day in Knoxville with Tennessee toppling Alabama, the Volunteers’ path to the playoff, advantage the crowd supplied the home team at Neyland, Rece and Pete’s great escape from the stadium, their differing stances on Tennessee’s goalpost GoFundMe, TCU earning a seat at the playoff table, Oregon finding its identity, Michigan dominating Penn State, Rece’s thoughts on the state of the Crimson Tide, their biggest takeaways from the weekend and Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly look ahead to Week 7 and make their picks in this edition of the Race For The Ribeye. The guys discuss Bill issuing apologies for disrespect the SP+ projected, James Franklin’s history in Ann Arbor, this weekend's atmosphere in Rocky Top, a huge game in the Big 12 between Oklahoma State and TCU, Dino Babers drastically changing the Syracuse’s style of play, if Florida State can keep it close against Clemson, a pivotal point in the season for USC and Utah, and their locks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss the interesting moment in time for Ohio State, their eagerness to see Michigan against a top opponent, the overlooked ranked matchup of the weekend, predictions for the second half of the season, what we’ll learn after watching USC-Utah, Rece texting Bill Walton about the Grateful Dead and a Volunteer fan rapping about the Tide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel recap the weekend's biggest games, discuss the future of Kansas, and give an injury update on Jalon Daniels. Then, they discuss Texas going toe-to-toe with other SEC teams and the new dimeson that Quinn Ewers is unlocking for Texas. Next, they share how Tennessee's win over LSU proves they are a legitimate contender in the SEC. Plus, they discuss the electric atmosphere for the rivalry game between Tennessee and Alabama next week. Later, Rece and Pete give their dumb loses more than smart wins pick of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly look ahead to Week 6 and make their picks. The guys discuss Bill moonlighting as a soccer writer, if they’d think differently of LSU if the Tigers won in Week 1, TCU’s undefeated College GameDay record, where to find the best barbecue on the way to Lawrence, Oklahoma’s vulnerability to the big play, believing in UCLA, N.C. State’s disappointing offense and if they’re over the Nick Saban-Jimbo Fisher drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by David Pollack to discuss David’s new high-speed internet, David’s best Georgia-Auburn story, the Bulldogs’ youth and immaturity, what Alabama’s offense will look like if Bryce Young doesn’t play, Jimbo Fisher needing to evolve offensively, baseless speculation about who Fisher should hire as offensive coordinator, if Kansas’ undefeated season ends on Saturday, and TCU’s defense. Then, the guys lookahead to pivotal games this weekend for Notre Dame, Miami and Arkansas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by David Pollack to discuss David’s new high-speed internet, David’s best Georgia-Auburn story, the Bulldogs’ youth and immaturity, what Alabama’s offense will look like if Bryce Young doesn’t play, Jimbo Fisher needing to evolve offensively, baseless speculation about who Fisher should hire as offensive coordinator, if Kansas’ undefeated season ends on Saturday, and TCU’s defense. Then, the guys lookahead to pivotal games this weekend for Notre Dame, Miami and Arkansas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Wisconsin dumping Paul Chryst after getting embarrassed by Bret Bielema, the unrealistic expectations placed on Graham Mertz, if Jim Leonhard is a lock to lose the interim tag, Colorado entering the coaching market, Texas A&M’s getting outscored in its own red zone, GameDay heading to Lawerence, Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins and Rece picks an NFL team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Wisconsin dumping Paul Chryst after getting embarrassed by Bret Bielema, the unrealistic expectations placed on Graham Mertz, if Jim Leonhard is a lock to lose the interim tag, Colorado entering the coaching market, Texas A&M’s getting outscored in its own red zone, GameDay heading to Lawerence, Dumb Loses More Than Smart Wins and Rece picks an NFL team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Bill Connelly to pick this week’s games and the results show a shocking twist of events. Then, they analyze what to expect with the NC State - Clemson matchup. Plus, they discuss how Alabama struggling on the road is officially a thing, but lest we forget Alabama has Bryce Young. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Bill Connelly to pick this week’s games and the results show a shocking twist of events. Then, they analyze what to expect with the NC State - Clemson matchup. Plus, they discuss how Alabama struggling on the road is officially a thing, but lest we forget Alabama has Bryce Young. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss key matchups of the week, if Florida can survive the SEC gauntlet of talent, and how weather will impact this week’s games. Then, former Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall joins to break down the NC State - Clemson matchup, reveals why he left coaching, and what power level a program would need to be to get back in the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss key matchups of the week, if Florida can survive the SEC gauntlet of talent, and how weather will impact this week’s games. Then, former Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall joins to break down the NC State - Clemson matchup, reveals why he left coaching, and what power level a program would need to be to get back in the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel give their weekend bullet points breaking down what went wrong with Miami against Middle Tennessee, and Adrian Martinez’s breakout performance against Oklahoma. Then, they discuss the biggest upset of the day being the Missouri fumble against Auburn showing that dumb loses more than smart wins. Then, they break down the crazy A&M and Arkansas game, and the defeated Sam Pittman’s post-game press conference. Next, what was Rece’s biggest miss calculation in his fight with David Pollack about Clemson and Wake Forest? Plus, they discuss the emotional gauntlet of a season Appalachian State is having. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel give their weekend bullet points breaking down what went wrong with Miami against Middle Tennessee, and Adrian Martinez’s breakout performance against Oklahoma. Then, they discuss the biggest upset of the day being the Missouri fumble against Auburn showing that dumb loses more than smart wins. Then, they break down the crazy A&M and Arkansas game, and the defeated Sam Pittman’s post-game press conference. Next, what was Rece’s biggest miss calculation in his fight with David Pollack about Clemson and Wake Forest? Plus, they discuss the emotional gauntlet of a season Appalachian State is having. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly look ahead to Week 4 and make their picks. The guys discuss Rece being hung up on last week’s Super Dog pick, their lack of conviction in Iowa State-Baylor, the “ESPN Hates My Favorite Team" game, if Tennessee can excise the demons against the Gators, the Fighting’ Flecks, Bo Nix running in a Palouse fog, Arkansas’ shaky pass defense, Bill’s Barry Odom jersey and USC’s turnover luck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly look ahead to Week 4 and make their picks. The guys discuss Rece being hung up on last week’s Super Dog pick, their lack of conviction in Iowa State-Baylor, the “ESPN Hates My Favorite Team" game, if Tennessee can excise the demons against the Gators, the Fighting’ Flecks, Bo Nix running in a Palouse fog, Arkansas’ shaky pass defense, Bill’s Barry Odom jersey and USC’s turnover luck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss if Tennessee can turn the corner this week against Florida, previewing the Pac-12 road traps matchups, the impact of pucker power, and discussing Drake Maye’s sincere apology to NC State. Then, Dan Mullen joins Rece and Pete to discuss what separates playing Knoxville compared to other places in the SEC, the most impolite fanbases, the differences in quarterback development, and Georgia’s performance this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss if Tennessee can turn the corner this week against Florida, previewing the Pac-12 road traps matchups, the impact of pucker power, and discussing Drake Maye’s sincere apology to NC State. Then, Dan Mullen joins Rece and Pete to discuss what separates playing Knoxville compared to other places in the SEC, the most impolite fanbases, the differences in quarterback development, and Georgia’s performance this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss their time in Boone, Rece signing a person’s face, Luke Combs’ professional beer chug, Appalachian State’s “Big Ben” moment, Arizona State firing Herm Edwards, candidates for the job in Tempe, Washington pushing around Michigan State, their most impressive teams for the weekend, bandwagons that could get shaky and Clemson skepticism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss their time in Boone, Rece signing a person’s face, Luke Combs’ professional beer chug, Appalachian State’s “Big Ben” moment, Arizona State firing Herm Edwards, candidates for the job in Tempe, Washington pushing around Michigan State, their most impressive teams for the weekend, bandwagons that could get shaky and Clemson skepticism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly are loading up on games and picking through the Week 3 slate. They preview Miami-Texas A&M, BYU-Oregon, Mississippi State-LSU, Oklahoma-Nebraska, Penn State-Auburn, Michigan State-Washington, Texas Tech-N.C. State, UTSA-Texas and Kansas-Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly are loading up on games and picking through the Week 3 slate. They preview Miami-Texas A&M, BYU-Oregon, Mississippi State-LSU, Oklahoma-Nebraska, Penn State-Auburn, Michigan State-Washington, Texas Tech-N.C. State, UTSA-Texas and Kansas-Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Gene Wojciechowski to discuss Gene’s GameDay story on what it’s actually like for coaches when they’re fired, why coaches wanted to talk to him about it, the psyche of head coaches, and the Tennessee Volunteers. Then, Rece and Pete talk about BYU attempting to build its College Football Playoff resume, the difficulties Texas could face against UTSA, praising Air Force, Kansas knocking off West Virginia and games that sound better than they’ll actually be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel are joined by Gene Wojciechowski to discuss Gene’s GameDay story on what it’s actually like for coaches when they’re fired, why coaches wanted to talk to him about it, the psyche of head coaches, and the Tennessee Volunteers. Then, Rece and Pete talk about BYU attempting to build its College Football Playoff resume, the difficulties Texas could face against UTSA, praising Air Force, Kansas knocking off West Virginia and games that sound better than they’ll actually be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Nebraska firing Scott Frost, if the Cornhuskers can turn this very early firing into an advantage, candidates for the job in Lincoln, offensive struggles dooming Notre Dame to a loss against Marshall, Appalachian State winning in College Station and stealing College GameDay from the Aggies, Chase Brice finding a home in Boone, and if Texas should get a participation trophy for narrowly losing to Alabama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Nebraska firing Scott Frost, if the Cornhuskers can turn this very early firing into an advantage, candidates for the job in Lincoln, offensive struggles dooming Notre Dame to a loss against Marshall, Appalachian State winning in College Station and stealing College GameDay from the Aggies, Chase Brice finding a home in Boone, and if Texas should get a participation trophy for narrowly losing to Alabama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly start the show discussing which other teams Stetson Bennett could start for, Pat McAfee joining College GameDay, Quinn Ewers having his Porsche towed and Nick Saban’s elite record in “openers.” Then, the race for the ribeye continues with Week 2 picks, including Alabama-Texas, Tennessee-Pitt, Iowa-Iowa State, Florida-Kentucky, Oregon State-Fresno State and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly start the show discussing which other teams Stetson Bennett could start for, Pat McAfee joining College GameDay, Quinn Ewers having his Porsche towed and Nick Saban’s elite record in “openers.” Then, the race for the ribeye continues with Week 2 picks, including Alabama-Texas, Tennessee-Pitt, Iowa-Iowa State, Florida-Kentucky, Oregon State-Fresno State and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel talk to David Pollack on the way to football practice about the most "disturbing" thing he saw rewatching Clemson, when it will be safe to start Cade Klubnick, other teams copying Notre Dame’s defensive game plan against Ohio State, which games they’re eyeing on Saturday and an Anthony Richardson encore. Then, Rece and Pete discuss the latest on Michigan’s belabored quarterback point, West Virginia in need of a sign of progress, Oregon State rolling Boise State, bad Mike Leach impressions, Baylor-BYU, N.C. State not perpetuating its own stereotype, and Rece’s Saturday that will span from Austin to Palo Alto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel talk to David Pollack on the way to football practice about the most "disturbing" thing he saw rewatching Clemson, when it will be safe to start Cade Klubnick, other teams copying Notre Dame’s defensive game plan against Ohio State, which games they’re eyeing on Saturday and an Anthony Richardson encore. Then, Rece and Pete discuss the latest on Michigan’s belabored quarterback point, West Virginia in need of a sign of progress, Oregon State rolling Boise State, bad Mike Leach impressions, Baylor-BYU, N.C. State not perpetuating its own stereotype, and Rece’s Saturday that will span from Austin to Palo Alto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss how LSU-Florida State perfectly encapsulated the sport, Iowa relying on safeties to beat South Dakota State, Rece’s reoccurring dream that he can’t get to the GameDay set, Appalachian State’s botched two-point conversion, Stetson Bennett’s stellar performance, which Pac-12 loses were disqualifying for the College Football Playoff, why Georgia should be No. 1, the evolving Buckeyes, Oregon State thumping Boise State and a brand new Arizona team winning in Week 1. Plus, who was the real MVP while the GameDay crew was in Columbus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss how LSU-Florida State perfectly encapsulated the sport, Iowa relying on safeties to beat South Dakota State, Rece’s reoccurring dream that he can’t get to the GameDay set, Appalachian State’s botched two-point conversion, Stetson Bennett’s stellar performance, which Pac-12 loses were disqualifying for the College Football Playoff, why Georgia should be No. 1, the evolving Buckeyes, Oregon State thumping Boise State and a brand new Arizona team winning in Week 1. Plus, who was the real MVP while the GameDay crew was in Columbus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Bill Connelly start the show discussing Rece eating Italian food with his hands, Connecticut pizza, the latest on conferences jockeying for TV contracts, the importance of the late TV windows and the odds we see an expanded playoff in the near future. Then, the Race for the Ribeye revs up in week one as the guys pick Illinois-Indiana, Georgia-Oregon, Cincinnati-Arkansas, Utah-Florida and Notre Dame-Ohio State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pete Thamel and Rece Davis discuss Sam Pittman’s interesting analogy for Cincinnati, what to expect from the post-playoff Bearcats, if Florida and Arkansas could both lose their home openers, and Rece piloting the Stetson Bennett VI bandwagon. Then, David Pollack drops by and the guys get into Georgia’s wide receiver room, if Ladd McConkey is related to Phil McConkey, David’s first Friday night lights experience on the sidelines, Pete’s portal pet peeve and Jim Harbaugh attempting to split the baby. Later, Rece and Pete pick the Thursday night games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel discuss Nebraska finding a new way to lose, the curse of Bo Pelini, Michigan’s interesting plan to quell any quarterback drama, the time a West Virginia fan sent Mark May $500 in pennies, Rece’s trade value, an offseason of robust hype for Tennessee, lobbying for free cookies, what to expect from Wake Forest with Mitch Griffith, and Auburn and Texas A&M name their starting quarterbacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel look ahead to Week 0 and day dream about their ideal game-watching setups. Then, Bill Connelly joins the show to picks games with steaks on the line. The guys discuss their philosophies for picking games, tight games in Hawaii favoring Hawaii, an unfavorable outlook for Vanderbilt, Illinois’ defense, and if Nebraska will shed its unlucky streak or Pat Fitzgerald will celebrate a win with a Guinness. Plus, Rece’s Big Ten West champion, too much UConn talk and who’s been to Ireland.
Rece Davis and Pete Thamel kick off the inaugural episode of the College GameDay podcast by talking about Nick Saban’s contract extension through 2030 and what they remember from Alabama’s coaching search from 2007. Then David Pollack stops by to discuss Rich Rodriguez battling spies, Rece’s AP Top 25 ballot, if Utah can start the season strong, Texas A&M’s talent level, USC being a test case for the new era of the sport, if Rece is ignoring the Group of Five, the learning curve for Marcus Freeman, what would induce more conference realignment in the short term and more.
Join ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis and Senior Writer Pete Thamel, as well as many of GameDay’s key analysts and contributors, as they discuss and debate the biggest stories and break down the biggest games in college football, while also leaning into the key basketball moments and storylines as well. With episodes Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays in the fall, and a year-round weekly presence this is the place to be for the college sports fan.