KSR Podcast Episode Summary: Hour 2 (December 19, 2024)

Hosted by Matt Jones with Ryan Lemond and Drew Franklin

1. Addressing Rising Hate in the Nation

• Discussion Initiates at [00:00]

  • Matt Jones opens the episode by highlighting the growing issue of hate in the country.
  • Ryan Lemond shares personal experiences, emphasizing that hate is "at an all-time high" and poses significant challenges to societal cohesion.
  • The hosts advocate for collective action to combat hate, urging listeners to visit standuptoallhate.org.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemond ([00:25]): "People are facing way too much hate. A lot of people don't think it's a problem, but I do."

2. Netflix's SEC Football Documentary Featuring Kentucky

• Discussion Begins at [04:34]

  • Matt Jones announces a forthcoming Netflix documentary on SEC football, highlighting Kentucky's participation.
  • Drew Franklin expresses concerns about the documentary potentially showcasing Kentucky in a negative light, particularly focusing on recent losses to South Carolina and Tennessee.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([04:34]): "Sixteen teams in the SEC. Ten of them agreed to be in the documentary, one of which is Kentucky."

3. Insights into the College Football Playoff Structure

• Conversation Initiates at [06:04]

  • The crew delves into the unique structure of the College Football Playoff, noting the cold weather conditions at host locations like South Bend and Texas.
  • Drew Franklin highlights the challenging atmosphere for Ohio State fans attending the Tennessee game in Columbus, anticipating a mixed crowd due to Ohio State fans' dissatisfaction with their coach.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemond ([07:00]): "If you were this quarterback, don't you stay through the end of the playoff?"

4. Penn State Quarterback Transfer Controversy

• Discussion Initiates at [08:02]

  • The podcast addresses the issue of Penn State's backup quarterback entering the transfer portal before the playoffs, raising concerns about team depth and NCAA regulations.
  • Matt Jones questions the ethics and timing of the backup's decision, pondering the broader implications for the team's championship aspirations.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemond ([09:21]): "That's a little slap in the face. I mean, that's a fan base that takes a lot of pride in their football program."

5. Diego Pavia's Legal Battle and NCAA Eligibility

• Conversation Begins at [14:03]

  • Matt Jones discusses Diego Pavia's court case challenging NCAA rules that count junior college (JUCO) years against athletic eligibility.
  • The potential outcome could revolutionize NCAA policies, offering high school athletes the option to attend JUCO without penalty, thereby maturing before committing to four-year colleges.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([16:09]): "If Diego Pavia's ruling stays in place, I think it's massive for JUCO football and actually has the potential to really change college football."

6. NCAA Settlement Payments to Former Athletes

• Discussion Initiates at [16:18]

  • The hosts reveal that former athletes from 2016 to 2020 have received access to their settlement payments from the NCAA, ranging from $75,000 to $200,000.
  • Drew Franklin acknowledges the life-changing impact these payments can have on athletes who didn't pursue or succeed in professional careers.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([17:03]): "If you just, if you were able to get $200,000, I'm shocked the payments are that much."

7. Rick Patino Bans Postgame Handshakes at St. John's

• Conversation Begins at [24:23]

  • Rick Patino, presumably a coach at St. John's, announces the cessation of postgame handshakes to reduce tensions and prevent potential fights.
  • The hosts express skepticism, noting the lack of significant incidents to warrant such a decision.

  Notable Quote:

  Drew Franklin ([25:16]): "I was wondering, have I been missing all these fights?"

8. Doug Gottlieb's Dual Role and Coaching Struggles

• Discussion Initiates at [27:10]

  • Doug Gottlieb, former sports announcer now coaching at Green Bay, faces criticism for maintaining his radio show alongside his coaching duties, which some argue detracts from his effectiveness.
  • The hosts debate the feasibility and professionalism of juggling both roles, emphasizing the potential negative impact on team performance.

  Notable Quote:

  Ryan Lemond ([29:37]): "How can you do your team any justice if you're not three hours a day you're doing this radio show."

9. Impact of NIL Policies on Alabama's Football Program

• Conversation Begins at [38:03]

  • The podcast examines how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have affected powerhouse programs like Alabama, leading to financial strains and challenges in maintaining their competitive edge.
  • Matt Jones suggests that traditional dominant programs may struggle to adapt, potentially facing decline similar to what Nebraska and Notre Dame experienced in past seismic shifts.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([41:50]): "This is a seismic shift in college sports... and there are going to be people that take advantage of it and they're going to be people that get left behind by it."

10. Temporary Drone Ban in New Jersey Amidst Alien Fears

• Discussion Initiates at [31:30]

  • A brief segment covers the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary ban on commercial drones over New Jersey, purportedly to "calm hysteria" related to alien sightings.
  • The hosts humorously speculate on the implications, tying it back to flight disruptions during the Christmas season.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([31:32]): "If they can't deliver packages right before Christmas? Ryan, that's not good."

11. Kentucky vs. Ohio State Game Analysis and Fan Attendance

• Conversation Begins at [43:22]

  • The hosts analyze the upcoming Kentucky vs. Ohio State game, questioning the expected fan turnout due to recent scheduling changes and the ongoing playoff games.
  • Concerns are raised about whether traditional fan bases will attend, potentially impacting the game's atmosphere and competitiveness.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([52:34]): "I think they might have to. I think the biggest spread is not quite out yet, but we have a good chance that it will be favorable for us."

12. Denver Broncos Game Time Change and Fan Backlash

• Discussion Initiates at [49:08]

  • The podcast addresses the NFL's decision to reschedule a Denver Broncos game from Sunday to Thursday, leading to significant frustration among Broncos fans who have travel and accommodation plans.
  • The hosts empathize with affected fans, highlighting the inconvenience during the holiday season.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([50:50]): "Next week's game, the Bron... Bronco fans are really mad. They're like, this is the Christmas holiday season."

13. Listener Calls and Predictions for Upcoming Games

• Conversation Begins at [47:17]

  • The hosts engage with listener calls, discussing running backs visiting Kentucky, player performances, and making predictions for upcoming bowl and playoff games.
  • They encourage listener participation in game picks and predictions, offering chances to win prizes.

  Notable Quote:

  Matt Jones ([47:44]): "Or all four will be multiple winners for each game?"

Conclusion

The episode of KSR Podcast's Hour 2 delves deep into pressing issues within college football, including the impact of NCAA policies on athlete eligibility and financial settlements, the challenges faced by traditionally dominant programs amid shifting NIL regulations, and specific game analyses affecting Kentucky's sports landscape. Additionally, the hosts touch upon broader societal issues, exemplifying the podcast's commitment to both sports and community concerns.

For more detailed insights and discussions, tuning into the full episode of KSR Podcast is highly recommended.