Tom Fornelli on CFB Preview, KSR Callers, and the Mount Rushmore of Eventually
NFL Cut Day brings the annual tradition of roster shuffling and practice squad stashing, but the spotlight was firmly on the Indianapolis Colts. Big Cat and PFT monitored the Jonathan Taylor trade saga in real-time, dreaming of a world where the star running back lands in South Beach to create a truly terrifying Dolphins offense.
I will bet on the Dolphins every week if they trade for Jonathan Taylor
I will say this right now, if Jonathan Taylor goes to the Dolphins, it will be very hard for me not to bet on the Dolphins every week. Because in a [Dolphins offense], they would probably be leading the league.
The Ryder Cup picks also ignited a fierce debate in the studio. Hank is officially on the record as a Justin Thomas hater, questioning why a guy who struggled all season is heading to Rome. Big Cat, however, isn't looking at current form; he’s looking at the resume of a guy who simply doesn't lose when the red, white, and blue are on the line.
Justin Thomas is a killer in international play and belongs on the Ryder Cup team
Justin Thomas is a killer in international play. That's a fact. ... Justin Thomas 16 and 5 [in international play]. ... How do you say no to that? Hank? That's a resume pick. ... He's a fucking killer when he plays an international play.
College Football Preview with Tom Fornelli
our good friend Tom Fornelli joined the show in person to break down the upcoming college football season. The vibes are high, even if Tom thinks the ending of the season is already written in stone. Between Georgia’s talent and a schedule that looks more like a vacation than a gauntlet, he isn't seeing many roadblocks for the Bulldogs.
Georgia's schedule is so easy they are a lock for the CFP and a likely three-peat
Georgia's obviously won the last two national titles. They're probably gonna win a third. ... when I look at Georgia's schedule, there is absolutely no way in hell they are not making the playoffs.
Moving across the conferences, Tom is calling for a power shift in the SEC West. He’s officially cooling on the Alabama dynasty and buying high on Brian Kelly’s LSU squad. But his boldest take for the early season involves the most polarizing team in the sport: the Texas Longhorns. Tom thinks they aren't just back; they're actually underrated.
Texas is the most underrated team in the country and will beat Alabama in Week 2
I was asked for the most underrated team in the country and I chose Texas. ... I really do think this year's Longhorns team is going to be very good. ... I think Texas, if there is an elite team in that conference [Big 12] this year, it is Texas. ... Texas is gonna win that game [against Alabama].
The Big 10 discussion centered on whether Penn State can finally break through the Ohio State and Michigan wall. Tom believes Drew Allar is the missing piece for the Nittany Lions, but he’s also keeping a close eye on the Big 10 West. While the world mocks the Iowa offense, Tom is predicting a scoring explosion (by Iowa standards) and a division title for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa will score 31 points per game and win the Big 10 West
I'm on record. They're gonna score 31 points per game and I think they're gonna win the west. I think they are the best team. They're the one I have the fewest questions about.
Before letting him go, Tom gave the people what they really wanted: gambling locks. If you’re looking for a Week 1 heater, Tom has his eyes on the plains of Wyoming, where he thinks the market is drastically undervalueing Texas Tech.
Texas Tech -14 against Wyoming is a Game of the Year lock
Texas Tech minus 14 against Wyoming... I went full I mean go as many as you're comfortable going, but it's Game of the Year Territory for me. I have Texas Tech minus 14. I also have Texas Tech alternate lines at minus 20. So that's, I'm feeling pretty good about this one.
Best of KSR Callers
Big Cat and PFT guest hosted Kentucky Sports Radio this week, and the callers did not disappoint. We got treated to a 10-minute masterclass in the world of cockfighting, courtesy of a caller named DJ who treated it like he was breaking down the NFL Draft. From "cut cocks" to the specific breeds used in the hills, it was some of the most educational and absurd radio of the year. We also met Ron from Milton, a man who doesn't like the "stepdad" energy of the PMT crew but was willing to offer them a beer anyway.
Hot Seat/Cool Throne
Hot Seat/Cool Throne featured a deep dive into the "World Champion" debate sparked by track star Noah Lyles. Big Cat thinks the debate is essentially an "Acho"—someone trying to say something deep that actually falls flat when you realize the NBA features every elite player on the planet.
The 'World Champion' debate is dumb because all the world's best players are in the NBA
This is the dumbest debate ever, especially when you consider all the best players in the world playing the NBA. ... This is one of those cases where a guy's trying to say something deep and then he says it... and when it comes out of his mouth, he's like, yeah, take that guys.
On the Cool Throne, PFT is tracking the movements of Blake Bortles, who is reportedly living out his lifelong dream of working construction on his own house. Meanwhile, the White Sox reached a new level of "circus season" with reports of a stadium shooting involving a weapon concealed in folds of belly fat. It's a train wreck you can't look away from.
Mount Rushmore of Things We’ll Eventually Do
The Mount Rushmore season is reaching its boiling point as Hank and Max face the very real possibility of a 24-hour stay in a very small room. The topic was things we plan on doing "eventually," which led to a lot of self-reflection about getting jacked, buying houses, and Jake Marsh’s strange relationship with imaginary homework.
I am willing a Tom Brady return to the Patriots into existence
If I'm gonna put it on my Florio hat real quick here... I will Tom Brady back to the Patriots. ... Tom Brady has been linked to conversations coming back to New England Patriots this year per us.
Hank’s saltiness reached an all-time high during the draft, as he remains convinced that Big Cat and PFT are rigging the standings to ensure he ends up in the box. Whether it’s biased voting or just Hank’s inability to pick a winning topping, the drama is set for a massive finale on Friday.
We'll see everyone in the box, eventually.
