Episodes

  • College Football Week 5 Picks, DFS & Podcast: FSU-SMU, Georgia-Alabama, Louisville-Notre Dame and more

    College Football Week 5 Picks, DFS & Podcast: FSU-SMU, Georgia-Alabama, Louisville-Notre Dame and more
    Sep 27 2024
    As we enter week five of the 2024 college football season, we’re finally into “multiple games with plenty of storylines” territory, and boy does it feel good to live in the era of the four-box YouTube TV setup. First, the game of the week: Georgia, shunted from its perch atop the AP rankings, has finally gotten the “they don’t believe in us!!!” motivation that Kirby Smart has previously had to pull out of thin air in an effort to keep them invested. Alabama has had the Bulldogs number in year’s past, but Nick Saban ain’t walking through that door — Jalen Milroe, however, is. The Crimson Tide haven’t looked anywhere near what people perceive Alabama to be (though, last year, that didn’t stop the committee from....I’m sorry, I’m sorry), and Georgia is much more capable of taking advantage of opportunities than Wisconsin and USF. Then, we’ve got FSU, with an albatross of an offense dangling around its neck as the defense tries to claw its way from the depths. There’s a chance that they can shake things off and find some production for the first time this season, but combine the lack of evidence this offense is capable with the soft factor angle of SMU coming to the table eager to prove it deserves its spot in a power conference after being specifically targeted in lawsuits showing why the ACC can’t be taken seriously, and it’s hard to see things going pretty there. In Louisville and Notre Dame, it’s a chance for Marcus Freeman to shake off the perception that Notre Dame isn’t built to contend under his leadership while Jeff Brohm is looking to build off an impressive win against Georgia Tech and elevate Louisville to actual threat from potential. The same goes for Penn State, who has a chance to prove itself a legitimate contender in the Big 10 while facing off against an Illinois team riding the high of last week’s Nebraska win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • FSU, SMU set to meet for first time ever — how do the Mustangs stack up with the Seminoles? Preview, prediction, analysis feat. Dean Ralsky of On the Pony Express

    FSU, SMU set to meet for first time ever — how do the Mustangs stack up with the Seminoles? Preview, prediction, analysis feat. Dean Ralsky of On the Pony Express
    Sep 26 2024
    Florida State (1-3, 1-2 ACC) will once again serve as an opponent’s first-ever ACC matchup, this time doing so on the road vs. the SMU Mustangs. SMU (3-1) heads into the game having bounced back from a close loss to No. 22 BYU with a dominant 66-42 win over the TCU Horned Frogs. The Mustangs, who ponied up plenty of cash to be able to prove themselves as worthy of power conference status, will be looking to make a statement in a primetime matchup (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network). In this week’s episode of the Line of Scrimmage, we speak with Dean Ralsky of On the Pony Express, an On3 SMU site. to get all the details on what SMU brings to the table, including: How Lashlee’s offensive system has evolved in his third year as head coach The confidence level in quarterback Kevin Jennings after his breakout game against TCU Brashard Smith’s impact as a converted running back and his explosive start to the season The strengths and potential weaknesses of SMU’s revamped offensive line A veteran-laden defensive line and how Elijah Roberts has led the charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • College Football Week 4 Picks, DFS: FSU vs. Cal, Miami vs. USF, Florida vs. Mississippi State, Tennessee vs. Oklahoma and more

    College Football Week 4 Picks, DFS: FSU vs. Cal, Miami vs. USF, Florida vs. Mississippi State, Tennessee vs. Oklahoma and more
    Sep 20 2024
    No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (+8.5) at No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers — Friday, 8 p.m., FOX Illinois has a nice upset over Kansas and plays great defense. Nebraska’s big win was a blowout of Colorado, but freshman QB Dylan Raiola has had it too easy so far. I expect a grind-it-out Big Ten game. I’ll take Illinois and the points. Brian’s Pick: Illinois +8.5 Florida Gators (-6.5) at Mississippi State Bulldogs — Noon, ESPN This has to be Billy Napier’s first win of the season, or he’s in real trouble. Mississippi State is dreadful, and they were quickly dominated by Toledo last week. If Florida doesn’t win this, it’s over for Napier. Brian’s Pick: Florida -6.5 NC State Wolf Pack (+20.5) at No. 21 Clemson Tigers — Noon, ABC With Grayson McCall out for NC State and true freshman CJ Bailey starting at Clemson, it’s a tough spot for the Wolf Pack. I don’t want to bet on a true freshman in this environment. Brian’s Pick: Clemson -20.5 No. 11 USC Trojans (-5.5) at No. 18 Michigan Wolverines — 3:30 p.m., CBS Michigan being a 5.5-point underdog at home shows the lack of confidence in the defending champs. I’ve been down on Michigan, but this line feels bigger than expected. I think Michigan could pull off a surprise win. Brian’s Pick: Michigan +5.5 UCLA Bruins (+24.5) at No. 16 LSU Tigers — 3:30 p.m., ABC UCLA has struggled to score, even against Hawaii. LSU has shown some vulnerabilities, but at home, in the Louisiana heat, they’ll be too much for UCLA to handle. Brian’s Pick: LSU -24.5 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+10.5) at No. 19 Louisville Cardinals — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2 Louisville has had an easy schedule so far, but I’m not sold on them. Georgia Tech’s physical run game should keep this one close. Brian’s Pick: Georgia Tech +10.5 No. 12 Utah Utes (+1.5) at No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys — 4:00 p.m., FOX The big question is Cam Rising’s health. If he’s not 100%, I’ll take Oklahoma State and their ground game at home. Brian’s Pick: Oklahoma State -1.5 No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (-16.5) at USF Bulls — 7:00 p.m., ESPN USF nearly upset Alabama a couple of weeks ago, and while they might make this interesting, their passing attack isn’t enough to overcome Miami. Brian’s Pick: Miami -16.5 Cal Golden Bears (+2.5) at Florida State Seminoles — 7:00 p.m., ESPN2 Cal’s defense, especially the linebackers, has been tough. Florida State continues to struggle to find offensive rhythm, and I’ll take Cal as the more consistent team. Brian’s Pick: Cal +2.5 No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (-7.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 7:30 p.m., ABC This is the game of the day. Tennessee’s offense has been unstoppable with Nico at QB, but the key will be how their defense can get the ball back in good positions. If they do that, Tennessee wins. Brian’s Pick: Tennessee -7.5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • FSU vs. Cal: Preview, breakdown, analysis of how Seminoles, Golden Bears matchup feat. Nick Kranz

    FSU vs. Cal: Preview, breakdown, analysis of how Seminoles, Golden Bears matchup feat. Nick Kranz
    Sep 19 2024
    As Florida State continues to navigate its early-season struggles, Cal (3-0) comes to Tallahassee, riding its best start since 2019 under head coach Justin Wilcox. For Florida State, this game represents a critical opportunity to find momentum after an underwhelming start, while Cal will look to prove itself as a legitimate contender in its new conference home. What should FSU fans expect from Cal when the Golden Bears make their first trip to Tallahassee? As part of our Line of Scrimmage series, we connected with Nick Kranz from Write for California to get the inside scoop on the Bears, including: How has Justin Wilcox utilized the transfer portal to build Cal's most complete team yet? What’s been the key to quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s growth in Year 2? Can Cal’s trio of running backs, led by Jaydn Ott, continue to carry the offense? Will Cal’s offensive line hold up against a hungry Florida State defensive front? How has Teddy Buchanan emerged as the leader of a stout Cal linebacker corps? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • College Football Week 3 Picks, DFS Plays: Memphis vs. Florida State, Alabama vs. Wisconsin, LSU vs. South Carolina, Boston College vs. Missouri, Oregon vs. Oregon State, Colorado vs. Colorado State and more

    College Football Week 3 Picks, DFS Plays: Memphis vs. Florida State, Alabama vs. Wisconsin, LSU vs. South Carolina, Boston College vs. Missouri, Oregon vs. Oregon State, Colorado vs. Colorado State and more
    Sep 13 2024
    Memphis Tigers (+6.5) at Florida State Seminoles — Noon, ESPN Brian: I’ve had this one marked as a potential upset since the preseason. Memphis has been a contender for the Group of 5 playoff spot, and Florida State hasn’t impressed me enough to change my mind. I need to see more from FSU to believe in them. Brian’s Pick: Memphis +6.5 Jordan’s Pick: Memphis +6.5 No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (-15.5) at Wisconsin Badgers — Noon, FOX Brian: This spread is bigger than I expected. Last week’s close call with USF might scare some off Alabama, but USF troubled them last year, too. I think Alabama dominates because Wisconsin won’t contain Jalen Milroe. Brian’s Pick: Alabama -15.5 Jordan’s Pick: Alabama -15.5 No. 16 LSU Tigers (-7.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks — Noon, ABC Brian: I’m surprised this game is hosting College Gameday. South Carolina shocked Kentucky, but I wasn’t high on the Wildcats to begin with. South Carolina has a strong pass rush, but LSU is more talented, and I like betting on talent. Brian’s Pick: LSU -7.5 Jordan’s Pick: LSU -7.5 No. 24 Boston College Eagles (+17.5) at No. 6 Missouri Tigers — Noon, SEC Network Brian: I didn’t expect BC to be ranked this season, but here we are. Missouri can score, but BC showed they can hang with top teams, and Bill O’Brien has proven he can coach. BC keeps this close. Brian’s Pick: Boston College +17.5 Jordan’s Pick: Boston College +17.5 No. 9 Oregon Ducks (-16.5) at Oregon State Beavers — 3:30 p.m., FOX Jordan: I trusted Dan Lanning to figure things out last week, but I’m doubling down on Oregon here. The talent gap will show in this rivalry game. Jordan’s Pick: Oregon -16.5 Brian’s Pick: Oregon -16.5 Tulane Green Wave (+13.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 3:30 p.m., ESPN Jordan: OU looked shaky, and Tulane performed well last week. With Tennessee coming up next for Oklahoma, this could be a trap game, but I’m taking the Sooners. Jordan’s Pick: Oklahoma -13.5 Brian: Tulane impressed me last week, and Oklahoma struggled with Houston. I think Tulane keeps it close. Brian’s Pick: Tulane +13.5 Texas A&M Aggies (-4.5) at Florida Gators — 3:30 p.m., ABC Jordan: Florida’s QB situation could cause confusion, while Texas A&M is better on both lines. I’m taking the Aggies. Jordan’s Pick: Texas A&M -4.5 Brian’s Pick: Texas A&M -4.5 West Virginia Mountaineers (-3.5) at Pitt Panthers — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2 Brian: Dez Reid has transformed Pitt’s offense, and I expect them to keep rising. Brian’s Pick: Pitt +3.5 Jordan’s Pick: Pitt +3.5 Washington State Cougars (+5.5) at Washington Huskies — 3:30 p.m., Peacock Jordan: WSU’s offense is clicking, and UW hasn’t been tested. The Cougars could pull off an upset. Jordan’s Pick: Washington State +5.5 Brian’s Pick: Washington State +5.5 Colorado Buffaloes (-7.5) at Colorado State Rams — 7:30 p.m., CBS Jordan: Colorado is a mess, and losing Shilo hurts. I’m taking CSU with Fort Collins fired up. Jordan’s Pick: Colorado State +7.5 Brian’s Pick: Colorado State +7.5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • FSU vs. Memphis: Preview, breakdown, prediction feat. Steve Helwick of Underdog Dynasty -- How do Tigers stack up with FSU?

    FSU vs. Memphis: Preview, breakdown, prediction feat. Steve Helwick of Underdog Dynasty -- How do Tigers stack up with FSU?
    Sep 12 2024
    2024 hasn’t shaken out the way most anticipated it would for Florida State football, with the Seminoles still searching for their first win of the year after an 0-2 start. After a bye week, the team that stands in the Seminoles’ way of turning their season around is head coach Mike Norvell’s former squad — the Memphis Tigers (2-0). For Florida State, this game is about salvaging momentum before the season slips away, while Memphis will look to continue its strong start, earn a program-defining win and further establish itself as a contender in the AAC this season. What will Memphis bring to the table when it makes the trip to Tallahassee? As part of our Line of Scrimmage series, we connected with Steve Helwick of Underdog Dynasty to get the inside scoop on the Tigers, including: How has Ryan Silverfield shaped Memphis in his own way? What makes Seth Henigan a dangerous quarterback? Why FSU shouldn’t overlook Memphis’s WR/TE group Memphis’s experienced O-line’s outlook in trenches against FSU Who has emerged as the leader in Memphis’s secondary? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Week 2 College Football Picks, Daily Fantasy Plays: Breaking down major matchups including Michigan vs. Texas, Tennessee vs. NC State and more

    Week 2 College Football Picks, Daily Fantasy Plays: Breaking down major matchups including Michigan vs. Texas, Tennessee vs. NC State and more
    Sep 6 2024
    So... a bye week is cool, right? Feels like we could all kinda use one and luckily this one comes with some pretty great nonconference games. I mean an SEC sleeper in Tennessee travels to Charlotte to take on NC State. We’ve got a couple Group of 5 playoff hopefuls heading to some serious power five schools — Clemson and Oregon — looking to get a gold star on their resume. We’ve got another in Tulane hosting a Power Four conference title contender in Kansas State. Deion and Colorado face freshman phenom Dylan Raiola and Nebraska. It’s a doozy. And let’s not forget the big one in the Big House. One of the SEC’s newest and brightest teams Texas faces defending national champion Michigan. It’s a menu with bangers in each window that I think will allow a bit of a pallet cleanser before returning to the home team next weekend. Without further delay, let’s get to the business. If you’re new to the program, I provide 10 games for us to watch this weekend that I think are the most impactful. You can join in the fun by picking those same 10 games in the comment section against me. Unfortunately, the only prize is me adding you to our Comment Section Hall of Fame in my next edition. No cash prizes awarded. I had an excellent Week 1 — though it was at the risk of my own emotional wellbeing with the LSU and FSU losses. A 7-3 start against the spread gets our season rolling on a very positive note. Hoping to keep that rolling this week. But I wasn’t alone. Two people matched my 7 win start. Yapo.SD and Jason Kuruvilla each missed three games and to make it fun, they acutally missed none of the same games. One other fun nugget is Yapo.SD was one of our Week 1 winners a year ago. Congratulations and welcome back to the Comment Section Hall of Fame! Let’s keep this hot streak going this week. Comment Section Hall of Fame Week One: Yapo.SD and Jason Kuruvilla (7-3) Could you be the next Comment Section Champion of the season? Leave your picks to the 10 games below in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You have to pick the 10 games I provided to be eligible for the Hall as those are the only ones I grab. Most correct is our winner. My co-host Chris Tyndall and I also talk Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) for the weekend ahead, which gives us a chance to look at the matchups and players that matter in those games. It’ll get you more familiar with the names making big impacts each weekend as well. If you want to get in on those picks, listen to the Sharpen the Point podcast, where we talk in-depth on those game picks as well as the Daily Fantasy Sports contests on DraftKings each weekend. New to DFS? We can help you through the thought process of building a team. AS ALWAYS, we are just two guys with keyboards and microphones, not gambling professionals, so follow at your own risk and play responsibly. All lines and DFS pricing from our friends at DraftKings. Brian’s Against The Spread Game Picks No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-7.5) at No. 10 Michigan Wolverines — Noon, FOX Brian’s Pick: Texas -7.5 Arkansas Razorbacks (+7.5) at No. 16 Oklahoma State Cowboys — Noon, ABC Brian’s Pick: Oklahoma State -7.5 No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats (-9.5) at Tulane Green Wave — Noon, ESPN Brian’s Pick: Kansas State -9.5 Baylor Bears (+14.5) at No. 11 Utah Utes — 3:30 p.m., FOX Brian’s Pick: Utah -14.5 Iowa State Cyclones (+2.5) at No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes, — 3:30 p.m., CBS Brian’s Pick: Iowa -2.5 California Golden Bears (+13.5) at Auburn Tigers — 3:30 p.m., ESPN Brian’s Pick: Auburn -13.5 No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (-7.5) vs. No. 24 NC State Wolfpack (Charlotte) — 7:30 p.m., ABC Brian’s Pick: NC State +7.5 Colorado Buffaloes (+7.5) at Nebraska Cornhuskers, 7:30 p.m., NBC Brian’s Pick: Colorado +7.5 App State Mountaineers (+17.5) at No. 25 Clemson Tigers — 7:30 p.m., ACC Network Brian’s Pick: Clemson -17.5 Boise State Broncos (+18.5) at No. 7 Oregon Ducks — 10:30 p.m. Peacock Brian’s Pick: Oregon -18.5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • College Football Week 1 Picks, DFS & Podcast: Georgia-Clemson, Miami-Florida, Penn State-West Virginia, Notre Dame-Texas A&M and more

    College Football Week 1 Picks, DFS & Podcast: Georgia-Clemson, Miami-Florida, Penn State-West Virginia, Notre Dame-Texas A&M and more
    Aug 30 2024
    Did you miss it? I’m sure last weekend’s result may skew your answer to that. But I know deep down in that Guiness-filled, jet-lagged gut of yours, the answer to that question is still yes. I know I sure did. Seven months of trying to connect the dots of where people are playing, who’s coaching where and what conference all these teams are in. We did preview pods on Sharpen the Point for each of them — and there’s still time for you to check them all out on the podcast feed! But the reality is none of it matters when the games are played. If you’re new to the program, I provide 10 games for us to watch this weekend that I think are the most impactful. It’s pageantry and passion you don’t see anywhere else in sports in this country. And win or fly across the pond to lose, we all share it this time of year... no matter how much everything has changed. Saturday No. 14 Clemson Tigers (+13.5) vs. No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (Atlanta) — Noon, ABC Brian’s Pick: Georgia -13.5 No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions (-8.5) at West Virginia Mountaineers — Noon, FOX Brian’s Pick: West Virginia +8.5 Virginia Tech Hokies (-13.5) at Vanderbilt Commodores — Noon, ESPN Brian’s Pick: Virginia Tech -13.5 No. 19 Miami Hurricanes (-2.5) at Florida Gators — 3:30 p.m., ABC Brian’s Pick: Miami -2.5 Colorado State Rams (+32.5) at No. 4 Texas Longhorns, — 3:30 p.m., ESPN Brian’s Pick: Texas -32.5 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+31.5) at No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide — 7:00 p.m., ESPN Brian’s Pick: Alabama -31.5 No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5) at No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies — 7:30 p.m., ABC Brian’s Pick: Notre Dame +3.5 Fresno State Bulldogs (+21.5) at No. 9 Michigan Wolverines, 7:30 p.m., NBC Brian’s Pick: Fresno State +21.5 Sunday No. 23 USC Trojans (+4.5) vs. No. 13 LSU Tigers (Las Vegas) — 7:30 p.m., ABC Brian’s Pick: LSU -4.5 Monday Boston College Eagles (+17.5) at No. 10 Florida State Seminoles — 7:30 p.m. ESPN Brian’s Pick: Boston College +17.5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins