Explore every episode of the podcast One True Podcast: Baylor/Big 12 football
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor fails to get to a bowl game after falling to Houston in regular-season finale | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:12:10 | |
In a game that mirrored how the Baylor season has gone in many ways, the Bears couldn't climb out of an early hole in a loss to Houston in the final game of the regular season Saturday at McLane Stadium. Baylor has missed a bowl game in three of six seasons under head coach Dave Aranda, while it has had four losing seasons in that span. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith break down the loss to the Cougars and discuss what comes next for the Bears. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A conversation with Baylor President Linda Livingstone on Mack Rhoades, Dave Aranda and the the state of Baylor athletics | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:21:55 | |
The Baylor athletics department is in flux. After nine years as athletics director at Baylor, Mack Rhoades stepped down last Thursday after taking a leave of absence for personal reasons earlier this month. The day after he stepped down, Baylor President Linda Livingstone released a letter saying the school would retain head football coach Dave Aranda for the 2026 season despite an underwhelming season. The Tribune-Herald's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith recently sat down with Dr. Livingstone to discuss the state of the athletics department, the search for a new athletics director, the future of the football program and what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Recapping a turbulent week in Baylor sports: The Bears collapse at Arizona, Mack Rhoades out, Dave Aranda retained | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:13:33 | |
It was a busy week at Baylor. After taking a leave of absence last week, Mack Rhoades stepped down as athletic director on Thursday. On Friday, Baylor President Linda Livingstone released a letter stating that the school would retain head coach Dave Aranda, citing Rhoades' departure, the incoming recruiting class and the costs associated with a buyout. Then, the Bears allowed 27 unanswered points in the second half in a 41-17 loss on the road against Arizona on Saturday, dropping Aranda to an even 36-36 in six years as head coach. Join Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor gets embarrassed by Utah at home; where do Dave Aranda and the Bears go from here? | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:12:06 | |
Baylor got boatraced by No. 13 Utah Saturday at McLane Stadium, allowing the most rushing yards in a game in almost a decade and giving up three touchdowns of 60+ yards in a lopsided loss to the Utes. What is there left for the Bears to play for with two games left in the season? Will Baylor even make it to a bowl game? What does Dave Aranda's future look like with so much uncertainty in the Baylor athletic department? Tribune-Herald sports editor Brice Cherry and beat writer Zach Smith give their instant reaction to the loss and look ahead to next weekend's game at Arizona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Recapping Baylor's eventful bye week and previewing the Bears' game against Utah, and an early look at men's and women's basketball | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:37:05 | |
The bye week was very eventful for Baylor, as news broke that athletic director Mack Rhoades got into a physical and verbal altercation with tight end Michael Trigg two months ago. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and beat writer Zach Smith discuss whether it will be a distraction for the Bears for the remainder of the season and how it might affect Trigg's NFL draft stock. They then look ahead to Baylor's game against No. 13 Utah on Saturday and talk about how the Bears can have a chance against the dominant Utes. Then, they shift gears to basketball. Zach is back from Paris, where Baylor's women's team upset No. 7 Duke, while Brice discusses future dunk champion Cameron Carr and the Bears' late-night win over Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Breaking down Baylor's best performance of the season against UCF on homecoming | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:10:22 | |
Baylor played its best game of the season against UCF, as the defense shut down the potent UCF rushing attack, and the offense was efficient and locked in. Can the Bears carry the momentum through the bye week? What are the realistic goals for Baylor with three games left in the regular season? Is it enough to save Dave Aranda's job? Join Waco Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor enters desperation mode with UCF coming to Waco for homecoming with Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:27:43 | |
Baylor is in desperation mode with UCF coming to Waco for homecoming. Waco Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel to break down the game. Which team needs a win more? What constitutes a successful season for both teams? How hot would Dave Aranda's seat get if the Bears lose their third game in a row? Plus, with basketball right around the corner, the guys give a quick look at the state of Baylor and UCF men's basketball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor is running out of time to turn around its season with red-hot Cincinnati up next w/ Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:23:41 | |
Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer to preview Baylor's road game against No. 21 Cincinnati on Saturday. Dave Aranda and the Bears are running out of chances to turn around their season, and a trip to face the red-hot Bearcats isn't the easiest next step. With Cincinnati surging and Baylor slumping, how did both of these teams get here? What are going to be the keys to the game for both teams? Then, we look at some of the biggest games around the conference and discuss who has the best chance to represent the Big 12 in the College Football Playoff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Things get weird in Fort Worth as Baylor drops ugly rivalry game to TCU | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:09:41 | |
It wasn't pretty, and it took forever. Baylor went to Fort Worth and lost to TCU on Saturday. Sawyer Robertson and the offense were uncharacteristically off the mark, the Bears struggled to run the ball and the defense continued to give up big plays. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are here to break it all down from Amon G. Carter Stadium. Baylor is now 1-5 in its last six games against TCU. The Bears continue conference play at Cincinnati next Saturday afternoon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How the 'Revivalry' can be a springboard for Baylor or TCU, Big 12 CFP scenarios and more with Jim Barnes of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:32:33 | |
Baylor heads to Fort Worth this Saturday for the 121st playing of the 'Revivalry' game against TCU. Waco Tribune-Herald sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by Fort Worth Star-Telegram sports editor (and former Trib sports editor) Jim Barnes to break down the game. What does this rivalry mean to both teams and both fanbases? Can either team use this game as a launching pad for the rest of the season? What are the best rivalries in the Big 12? Can the conference keep pace with the Big 10 and SEC? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What Sawyer Robertson needs to do to win the Heisman and can Baylor repeat last season's run after the bye week? With The Baylor Bear Insider Jerry Hill | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:33:37 | |
Baylor football is off this week, but Trib Sports Editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are still here to talk about the Bears. They're joined by the Baylor Bear Insider and Baylor's Director of Sports Journalism, Jerry Hill. After the first bye week last season, Baylor went on a six-game winning streak to end the regular season. This season feels similar, so can the Bears repeat those fortunes this time around? What does Sawyer Robertson need to do to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy? With basketball season right around the corner, they talk about expectations for Scott Drew and Nicki Collen this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'If Dave Aranda had hair, it would probably be gray' - Instant reaction from Baylor's comeback win over Kansas State | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:13:48 | |
If Dave Aranda had hair, it would probably be grey. For the second time this season, Baylor found itself in a 14-point hole. And for the second time, the Bears clawed their way back, using a pick-6 by Jacob Redding, a 53-yard field goal from Connor Hawkins and a blocked field goal by Cooper Lanz to beat Kansas State on Saturday. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are here to break it all down. How sustainable is this for the Bears? How much are they looking forward to the bye week? Is Dave Aranda's seat any cooler? Can this win have the same effect as the bye week did last season? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How important is this weekend to Baylor and Kansas State? Where do the teams need to improve most? w/ Tim Everson of the Manhattan Mercury | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:30:17 | |
Both Baylor and Kansas State are coming off victories as they prepare to face off this Saturday at McLane Stadium. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by Tim Everson of the Manhattan Mercury to break down the game. How important is this game in the narrative of the season for both teams? Where will the game be won or lost? Can either team go on a run and push for a championship? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Instant reaction: Baylor offense shines, defense stumbles in uneven win over Oklahoma State | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:13:22 | |
Baylor is coming home from Stillwater with a win over Oklahoma State. On one hand, things were beautiful for the Bears, who put up more than 600 yards of offense and established a running game for the first time this season. On the other hand, the defense took a step back, allowing the hapless Cowboys to put up nearly 450 yards, more than double their season average. Waco Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor prepares to face Oklahoma State without Mike Gundy for first time in 25 years. What should the Bears expect? w/ Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:31:37 | |
Baylor heads to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State this weekend, and the Cowboys will be without Mike Gundy, who was fired Tuesday after 21 years as head coach. Gundy made a bowl game in 19 of his 21 years in charge. The last time Baylor faced a team that fired its longtime coach was in 2021, when TCU fired Gary Patterson and then upset the 13th-ranked Bears. -Will this weekend be similar? -What sort of hornet's nest will Boone Pickens Stadium be? -How are Baylor players approaching this game after losing to Arizona State? -Who are the realistic candidates to replace Gundy? -Is Baylor OC Jake Spavital a possible candidate? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Where does Baylor go after losing to Arizona State? Plus, checking in with other teams in Texas w/ Mike Craven of Dave Campbell's Texas Football | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:31:49 | |
After losing to Arizona State on Saturday night in the first game of conference play, Baylor has plenty to correct. Were the offensive struggles a one-game thing or the sign of larger problems? Six years into his tenure, is Dave Aranda on a good path? What is Jake Spavital's next move? The Waco Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith is joined by Mike Craven of Dave Campbell's Texas Football to break it all down. After talking about the Baylor/Arizona State game, Zach and Mike zoom out to other schools in Texas, including discussing Houston's quick rise, Texas Tech's portal haul, and TCU's confident coach. Then, Mike breaks down Texas A&M's CFP hopes ahead of his trip to College Station this weekend for the A&M/Auburn showdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Instant reaction: Uneven play dooms Baylor in loss to Arizona State in Big 12 opener | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:12:24 | |
Tribune-Herald sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith react to Baylor's 27-24 loss to Arizona State in the Big 12 opener on Saturday night. The Bears were uneven all night. While their defense played one of the best games of the season, the offense stumbled. When the offense started to find a rhythm, the defense gave up big chunk plays that led to the loss. Where does Baylor go from here? What kind of changes need to be made? Are the Bears still in the Big 12 title picture? Baylor heads to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State next Saturday afternoon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Does Baylor/Arizona State have the chance to be the Big 12 game of the year right off the bat? w/ Michelle Gardner of the Arizona Republic | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:35:15 | |
Baylor opens Big 12 play Saturday night at McLane Stadium against defending conference champion Arizona State. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) are joined by Arizona State beat writer Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) of the Arizona Republic to preview to monumental matchup between two teams gunning for a conference title: -Does this game have the chance to be the game of the year right off the bat? -What are some keys to the game for both teams? -How much of a chip does Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt and Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson have on their shoulders? -Have Big 12 title picks changed three weeks into the season? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How important is for Baylor to get off to a good start in Big 12 play? w/ Cam Stuart of Locked on Baylor | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:34:03 | |
With Big 12 play beginning this weekend for Baylor against defending conference champion Arizona State, the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith is joined by Cam Stuart, the host of Locked on Baylor, to talk about expectations for the game, whether the Bears can turn around their lackluster defense and how important it is to get off to a good start in conference play. They then look at the Big 12 as a whole. What's changed most over the first three weeks of the season? Have their Big 12 title game picks changed? Exactly how good is Texas Tech? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Instant reaction to Baylor's ugly win over Samford. What's next for the Bears? | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:10:16 | |
It wasn't always pretty, but Baylor closed out non-conference play with a 42-7 win over Samford on Saturday afternoon. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith break down all the action. Even with the win, the vibes postgame were very pessimistic. Sawyer Robertson threw three interceptions, but the defense got a trio of takeaways. Dave Aranda said the team lacked focus in the game, which was against a winless FCS opponent on a blazing hot morning. The Bears turn their attention to Big 12 play, and Arizona State comes to Waco to open conference action next Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Where does Baylor need to improve most? Just how good is Sawyer Robertson? w/ 'The Voice of the Bears' John Morris; previewing Baylor vs. Samford w/ Grant Gardner of Samford Scoop | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:44:29 | |
Baylor closes out its non-conference schedule Saturday at home against Samford. In the first half of the episode, Waco Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by Baylor's John Morris, who has been the radio voice of the Bears for more than 30 years and has broadcast more than 440 consecutive football games. The group discusses the Bears' epic comeback against SMU last week, where Sawyer Robertson ranks among the Baylor greats and what they're expecting when Baylor hosts Samford. Then, Zach is joined by Grant Gardner, who covers Samford for Samford Scoop and appears on The State of the Bulldogs podcast. They talk about key players to look out for, what kind of program head coach Chris Hatcher has built in his 11 years at Samford and what this game means in the story of the Bulldogs' season. Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Picture perfect: Baylor-SMU shows these Bears can be elite with a near-unstoppable offense | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:10:14 | |
OK, maybe the journey wasn't picture perfect, but the final 8 minutes of regulation were. This Baylor Bears offense is worthy of high, high praise. And how good is Sawyer Robertson, anyway? Live from the press box, Waco Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith recap a stunning double-overtime turn of events as BU beat SMU 48-45 in Dallas on Saturday. Next up: The Bears come home to play FCS foe Samford, and we look at what the Bears needs to work on (defense!) before heading into the Big 12 opener at home vs. Arizona State in two weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Southwest Conference returns (for a week): Previewing Baylor/SMU with Lia Assimakopoulos of the Dallas Morning News | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:24:08 | |
An old Southwest Conference rivalry is renewed when Baylor heads north to take on No. 17 SMU on Saturday. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by SMU beat writer Lia Assimakopoulos of the Dallas Morning News to discuss the game and the old SWC rivalry, whether regional games have a place in today's college football landscape, Kevin Jennings and Sawyer Robertson's Heisman paths and more. The Bears have won 13 straight games in the series with the last meeting in 2016, but Baylor is coming off a humbling home loss to Auburn. The Mustangs, a CFP team last season, beat East Texas A&M to open the year but have some key injuries to potentially overcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How can Baylor improve its leaky defense? Is Texas Tech legit? With Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:30:05 | |
Baylor had a dreadful defensive performance in its season-opening loss to Auburn on Friday night. Join the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith and Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports as they discuss how the Bears can improve on defense ahead of their road trip to No. 16 SMU on Saturday. Plus, Jeyarajah wrote an extensive story on how and why Texas Tech spent big this offseason. He gives an inside look at how and why the Red Raiders splashed the cash this offseason to build a roster capable of winning the Big 12 and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor struggles to slow down Auburn rushing attack in season-opening loss. Is it fixable? | 30 Aug 2025 | 00:12:35 | |
Friday was one of the most hyped games in the history of McLane Stadium, but Baylor dropped its first game of the season against Auburn. Waco Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith recap the game, what went wrong with the defense and discuss how some of the mistakes can be fixed. The Baylor offense, despite its inability to establish a real running game, did have some positives. The Bears will travel to face SMU, a College Football Playoff team last season, next Saturday in Dallas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Previewing Baylor's season opener against Auburn with Peter Rauterkus of AL.com | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:21:33 | |
Baylor and Auburn will begin the season Friday at McLane Stadium in a prime-time matchup. There's a lot at stake for both teams. Trib sports editor Brice Cherry and the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith are joined by Auburn beat writer Peter Rauterkus of AL.com to talk about the game.
Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Talking Baylor/Auburn, the future of the Big 12 and more with The Athletic's Chris Vannini | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:27:51 | |
Baylor and Auburn will kick off the season this Friday night, and Chris Vannini, a senior college football writer at The Athletic, will be watching a game at McLane Stadium for the first time. He and the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith talk about their expectations for the game, give an outlook for Baylor this season and discuss where the Big 12 fits in the ever-changing world of college athletics. Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| These Baylor players will make a big impact for Aranda, Drew and Collen in 2025-26 | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:28:20 | |
• It’s the nature of the college game these days, but there’s always a lot of new athletes to keep track of every year. We talked last time about how Dave Aranda’s Baylor defense will need to make some headway this season. Who are some of the new additions you’re expecting to make a big impact? • How about offensively? Who should Baylor fans keep track of there? • We discussed Nicki Collen’s team a bit last week. Is there one particular new player you’re particularly intrigued in seeing play? • And what about the Baylor men? There are a few newcomers to choose from. • Finally, word came down that the Baylor women will open their season in Paris against Duke. We’ve seen international games in the summer, but we really can’t remember Baylor playing a regular-season game overseas. What does this do for the program? Editor's note: This episode was recorded in June 2025. --------- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor's fallout after NCAA lawsuit, spring football and offseason Bears basketball talk | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:27:38 | |
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| Texas Bowl: Does Baylor have the motivational edge vs. LSU? Plus talking Dave Aranda, traveling crowds and more | 14 Dec 2024 | 00:19:04 | |
Let's talk Texas Bowl — the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) check in for some Baylor and LSU football talk:
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| Is Houston a trap for Baylor? Aranda vs. Fritz, looking for Big 12's next hegemon & more | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:29:07 | |
We're joined by Houston beat writer Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle (@Joseph_Duarte), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk:
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| Baylor, WVU totally unpredictable; plus Neal Brown vs. Dave Aranda, Big 12's biggest surprises and disappointments | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:26:58 | |
We're joined by Cody Nespor (@CodyNespor) of WVSportsNow.com, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears head to Morgantown this week.
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| Baylor, TCU's sudden success; Kendal Briles' future; Colorado in the CPF? | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:35:38 | |
We're joined by longtime Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel (@MacEngel) of the Tulsa World, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears rekindle the Revivalry this week. • Don't look now, but Baylor and TCU are both headed in the right direction again after the Frogs beat Utah on the road and escaped Texas Tech last week, while Baylor has strung together two wins for the first time in a long time. What's sparked these twin turnarounds in Fort Worth and Waco? • Let's talk Sonny Dykes: He's had a wide range of outcomes leading the Horned Frogs thus far. Was it too much success too fast in Fort Worth? Will we see him at TCU long-term, or will he be moving on? • Kendal Briles is returning to Waco this week with TCU. He's highly thought of as an offensive coordinator around the sport. He's only 41, so do you think he'll be a college head coach someday, or is the Briles name just too toxic? • As far as the Big 12 goes, it seems pretty safe they'll get at least one team in the new 12-team CPF. But is two possible? BYU and Iowa State are still undefeated. If they both get to Jerryworld undefeated, could they both make the field? Or is there a path for Colorado to get in? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| One True Podcast: Gundy on the hot seat? Big 12's doomsday scenario, comparing Gundy-Aranda and more | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:36:53 | |
We're joined by Oklahoma sportswriting raconteur Berry Tramel (@BerryTramel) of the Tulsa World, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears return to Waco for Homecoming this week. • While Baylor had a big breakthrough last week in Lubbock, Oklahoma State hasn't yet won a conference game. Has Mike Gundy passed Dave Aranda on the Big 12's hot-seat-o-meter? • We ask Berry: What has been the issue with these Cowboys? Only three wins on the year — can they get three more and get to a bowl game? • In terms of press-conference styles, Mike Gundy and Dave Aranda could not be more different. As a sportswriter, do you prefer an animated, colorful guy, or is there something to the subdued, introspective approach? • Let's talk about a Big 12 doomsday scenario: What if the conference gets left out of the College Football Playoff entirely? Berry breaks down how it could actually happen. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What if Baylor hired Joey McGuire? Can BU win again in Lubbock? Plus BYU, Iowa State going undefeated | 17 Oct 2024 | 00:39:30 | |
We're joined by Lubbock legend Don Williams (@AJ_DonWilliams) of the Avalanche-Journal, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears hit the road this week. • Coming off an open week, Baylor (2-4) heads to Lubbock (5-1). Kirby Hocutt and Mack Rhoades won't like this question, but let's ask it anyway: When Matt Rhule left Baylor, assistant Joey McGuire was a serious candidate for the job. Instead, he went to Lubbock. If he had been hired instead of Dave Aranda, how would the trajectories of these programs been different? • The last time Baylor went to Lubbock, in 2022, the Bears shocked the Red Raiders 45-17 and spoiled Patrick Mahomes Night. What are the odds of a repeat this week? • Texas Tech is 5-1 and 3-0 in the Big 12, yet remains unranked in the Top 25 — in fact, they're the equivalent of No. 32 in the poll. Is this just the Big 12 not getting enough respect nationally and how much of a problem is that, or are the rankings more or less right? • The Big 12 has two undefeated teams left in BYU and Iowa State. Will either or both of them make a run at a 12-0 regular season, and if not, who loses first? • Lubbock eats: We get advice from Don on some grub, plus some weather talk. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Is Baylor just a speed bump for Iowa State's success? Is the Big 12 disrespected or just wide-open? | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:24:35 | |
We're joined by Rob Gray (@ROBWGRAY) of Cyclone Fanatic and the Cedar Rapids Gazette, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears hit the road this week. • For the second straight week, the Baylor Bears will face an undefeated, nationally ranked team when it goes to Ames, Iowa. Iowa State moved up to No. 16 and is the BIg 12's highest ranked team after Utah's home loss to Arizona dropped the Utes to 18. Is this Cyclones squad equipped to get back to the title game for the first time since 2020, and is Baylor anything more than a speed bump? • Is the fact that the Big 12's highest-ranked team is only No. 16 in the country a sign of disrespect for this league, or is that about right — and a reflection of how wide-open this conference is? • Houston plays TCU in a growing trend of Friday night games. Is this just the cost of doing business in the business of college football, or is this an affront to all that is good and holy in our nation's football landscape — i.e. high school football? • We've got a pretty big nonconference game this week with UCF going to Florida. This is not a vintage Gators team, but how big would it be for this Knights program to win in Gainesville? • Getting some food and hangout recommendations for anyone traveling to Ames. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Will Baylor-BYU live up to last week's craziness? Travis Hunter for Heisman, greatest plays you've seen and more | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:31:39 | |
We're joined by Sean Walker (@ActuallyDSW) of KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears return to McLane Stadium this week. • It's time for the "Holy War" between Baylor and BYU — two teams on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum with the 4-0 Cougars and the 2-2 Bears both coming off surprising outcomes. How much craziness do we expect, and who comes out on top? • Where does Parker Kingston's punt return against Kansas State last week rank among the best plays you've ever seen live? • Let's talk about Travis Hunter. He's pretty special, and Baylor saw why last week. Can he win the Heisman if Colorado goes 7-5? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor in Boulder, the end of the Prime era, Sonny Dykes' hot seat, Utah-OSU, more | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:31:36 | |
We're joined by Mike Craven (@CravenMike) of Dave Campbell's Texas Football, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears head west this week. • The Big 12 opener for the Bears is in Boulder, Colorado, against a new and old conference squad. It seems like a pretty interesting toss-up game. What's the key for the Bears to win in the mountains, and will they get it done? • Can Deion Sanders, Coach Prime, actually win in Boulder, or is this just a pit stop on the way to another job? • Things can change in a hurry in college football — just ask TCU, which blew a three-touchdown lead to UCF last week. The Horned Frogs were in the national championship game just a couple of years ago. Amid the Frog faithful, you hear a lot of grumbling. How hot is Sonny Dykes' seat in Fort Worth, or is that premature? • Game of the Week: No. 12 Utah goes to Stillwater to play No. 14 Oklahoma State. Cam Rising is supposedly back for the Utes. Meanwhile, Alan Bowman is tearing it up for the Cowboys. Is this a Jerryworld preview? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Is Baylor still a bowl team? How big a worry is Air Force? Big 12 champ prediction & more | 12 Sep 2024 | 00:20:36 | |
We're joined by Darby Brown of KWTX-TV in Waco (@DarbyJoBrown), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) as the Bears return home this week. • Both Zach and Darby were in SLC to witness Baylor's 23-12 loss to Utah firsthand. Obviously there's no shame in losing at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but this still felt like a step back for the Bears. What were the biggest areas of concern? • Baylor's where we figured they'd be, sitting at 1-1. Is this team well-equipped enough to get back to a bowl game? Did the Utah game change anything in your mind? • Speaking of bowl games, the Bears get a rematch with Air Force, who they faced in 2022 in a freezing Armed Forces Bowl affair in Fort Worth. The Falcons are a unique unicorn in college football with an old-school wing-T offense, but they haven't exactly lit up the scoreboard so far this year in a 17-7 loss and a 21-6 win. Is there anything the Bears need to watch out for here? • Friday night we have a not-actually-a-Big-12-game with a Top 25 matchup between No. 14 Kansas State hosting No. 20 Arizona. Is the winner of this one the team to beat in the league, or is Utah still the favorite? • How good did the Texas Longhorns look vs. Michigan? Could they win the national title? ----- SUBSCRIBE to One True Podcast at https://shows.acast.com/one-true-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor-Utah predictions, grading the new Big 12, impactful Week 2 upsets | 05 Sep 2024 | 00:31:07 | |
We're joined by Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) of KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) after one week in the books for the Bears.
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| 2024 season preview: Aranda embracing the pressure, Baylor's prove-it unit, record prediction | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:33:32 | |
We're joined by Trib and Baylor legend Jerry Hill (@ViewFromHill) of the Baylor Bears Insider, along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) to preview a pivotal year in the tenure of Dave Aranda. 1. The fifth-year Baylor ball coach doesn't seem to be ducking the pressure of what's clearly a a win-or-else year. Do you think his players are embracing that mentality, and what do you ultimately expect from the 2024 Baylor Bears? Will they return to a bowl game? 2. Which person, player or position group has the most to prove for this edition of the Bears? 3. Six wins gets you to a bowl, but Baylor is probably only a lock to be favored in four of its 12 games. There look like three likely losses on the board, with several toss-ups. Let's predict the Bears' record for 2024 — which games are they best-equipped to win? Is there one where BU shocks the world? 4. Remembering our friends John and Karen Werner. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor's new-look offense, Aranda's 2024 mission, desperate transfer portal needs, Texas in the CFP and more | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:31:28 | |
We're joined by Texas State correspondent for the Austin American-Statesman Keff Ciardello (@Keff_C), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to react to an eventful week of Baylor and Big 12 happenings as the season winds down. 1. Jake Spavital spent four years as the head coach at Texas State, going 13-35, but was fired after the 2022 season and has been the offensive coordinator at an improved Cal program this year. He'll now be Dave Aranda's third OC in four seasons after Jeff Grimes was unsurprisingly let go. Keff, what can you tell us about what to expect from a Spavital offense? 2. Mack Rhoades zigged where others zagged as many other coaches were fired over the last week — but Dave Aranda was not, even following a very disappointing 3-9 season. Being patient is not the norm in today's college football world, and a lot of Baylor fans are definitely unhappy. Now with Aranda under the gun, what kind of season does he need to have in 2024 to stick around for a sixth year (and beyond) in Waco? 3. The transfer portal allows teams to completely reinvent themselves from year to year. Nobody flipped their whole roster this year quite like Texas State, but how aggressive does Baylor need to be when the portal opens next week? What's the biggest area of need for the Bears? 4. The Big 12 championship game is this week with the Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma State at Jerryworld. Assuming the Longhorns win, do they crack the College Football Playoff, despite sitting No. 7 at the moment? 5. The Texas State Bobcats are going bowling after a 7-5 year, finishing tied for second in the Sun Belt. What's their likely destination in the first year under GJ Kinne? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| One True Podcast: WVU and Dave Aranda watch, the No. 1 Baylor problem, Heisman arguments and Big 12 coaching honors | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:31:42 | |
We're joined by Eric Kelly of KWKT-TV Fox 44 in Waco (@EricKellyTV), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk to wrap up the regular season: 1. There will be plenty of good seats available at McLane Stadium on Saturday for the end to a lackluster, to understate it, Baylor Bears season. So we're all on Dave Aranda watch: But does this game even really factor in to that decision? Would a big win, or a big loss, actually matter to his job security? 2. There have been a lot of problem areas for the Bears, who are something like No. 68 in the nation in total offense, 108th in total defense and the special team aren't sterling, either. What area is the most obvious need for Baylor to improve the most? 3. Neal Brown at West Virginia clearly had the hottest seat coming into to the Big 12 season, but the Mountaineers are now looking like they'll go 8-4. Is he the obvious choice for Big 12 coach of the year, and it not, who? Could Mike Gundy or Matt Campbell get a look? 4. Who are your Heisman top 3? What are the pros and cons of Jaden Daniels? Is there a Big 12 dark horse? We debate it all. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor isn't talented enough to win; plus TCU talk, Kansas-KState and Fort Worth eats | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:24:10 | |
1. This isn't exactly the rivalry game most were expecting coming into this year, with Baylor (3-7) and TCU (4-6) really not having good years, to put it mildly. Is there really any reason to watch this one at all? 2. We've talked a lot about Baylor's spiraling season, but TCU has had a pretty awful year, too, following up on last year's national title game appearance. What has gone wrong in Fort Worth and led to this erratic season for the Horned Frogs? 3. TCU may have won some close games to reach the CFP championship game last year, but Baylor is currently playing some not-so-close games. Dave Aranda always says the film is "humbling and frustrating to watch." The fans and media like us have banged on Aranda and the coaching staff plenty this year, but is it possible this version of the Bears just isn't talented enough, or doesn't have enough roster depth, to win? And how do the transfer portal and NIL play into that? 4. The big game this week is the Sunflower State Showdown, with Kansas State traveling to Kansas. The Wildcats are coming off an easy win over Baylor while the Jayhawks dropped a surprising one at home, 16-13 to Texas Tech. But it's still a big game: What's the likelihood of little-brother Kansas knocking off K-State? 5. Let's talk some Fort Worth eats: Here are our Trib traditions of can't miss-places when you head to Cowtown. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor-Kansas State: The total mismatch; K-State's keys to success; Quinn Ewers' status and more | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:32:44 | |
We're joined by Kansas State beat writer Tim Everson of the Manhattan Mercury (@iamtimeverson), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith), Trib alum John Werner (@JohnWernerTrib) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk: 1. This is as big a mismatch as Baylor has had this year: The Kansas State Wildcats are the defending Big 12 champs, 6-3 overall despite an OT loss in Austin last week, and they still have a path back to Arlington. Baylor, on the other hand, will not be invited to Arlington and maybe not a bowl, either. Where would a Bears upset rank on the weird-o-meter for 2023? 2. We've talked about how disciplined and physical K-State is, with great fundamentals. Let's get some insight from Tim: What makes this team so tough? 3. Let's go down to Austin for a second — QB Quinn Ewers has been upgraded from questionable to day-to-day. How much of a difference can Ewers make for the Longhorns down the stretch? 4. The Sunflower State Showdown is next week: How big a game is Kansas vs. K-State this year, especially in the history of that rivalry? 5. Time for some Kansas/Kansas City food talk: Where are the good places to hit? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ‘Fraudulent Sooners,’ Baylor-Houston's Disappointment Bowl, hot seats for Aranda/Holgorsen, Bedlam picks & more | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:26:45 | |
We're joined by Houston beat writer Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle (@Joseph_Duarte), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk: 1. Saturday's game could be called the Disappointment Bowl — which may be the closest either of these teams gets to a bowl this year. It's been a pair of erratic, disappointing seasons for the Bears and Cougars, who are both 3-5 overall, with the Cougars 1-4 in the Big 12 thanks to a Hail Mary win against West Virginia and the Bears at 2-3 after a humbling Homecoming loss to Iowa State last week. Houston has not won a road game this year. Baylor has not beaten an FBS team at home. So something's gotta give. Who wins? 2. Obviously, neither fanbase is very happy with its head coach right now. Dana Holgorsen has been at UH since 2019 and went 12-2 in 2021, winning the American, but the team regressed to 8-5 last year. Meanwhile, after a bad COVID-19 debut, Dave Aranda's squad also went 12-2 in 2021, winning the Big 12 and the Sugar Bowl before a big backslide to 6-7 last season. On a scale from 1 to 10, how hot is the seat for each of these guys? 3. For all the OU-Texas talk dominating the season, it's actually a five-way tie atop the Big 12 standings right now, along with Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Iowa State. The Wildcats travel to the Longhorns this week, and Chris Klieman's team is probably playing as well as anyone in the Big 12, winning by a combined 81-3 the last two weeks. How worried should Texas fans be about this one? 4. It's Bedlam week, and for the last time in awhile. It's kind of early for this game to be played, but it's always a fun one. OU has won 17 of the last 20, but the last game in Stillwater was a Cowboys win. Can OSU send the "fraudulent Sooners," according to one of our pundits, off to the SEC with a loss? 5. Dana Holgorsen is “still kind of mad” about the 2020 "equipment truck-gate," which saw the game between the Cougars and Baylor canceled. He seems intent on turning Baylor-Houston into a permanent rivalry. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Baylor-Iowa State will be close again; Who will topple OU, Texas? Plus Matt Campbell rumors | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:17:10 | |
We're joined by Iowa State beat writer Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register (@RandyPete), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk: 1. Iowa State's last game was against Cincinnati, too, a 30-10 road win two weeks ago as the Cyclones are coming into Waco this Saturday off a bye week. The Baylor Bears, who held on 32-29 last week in the Queen City, are now just a game under .500 after a rocky start. This one seems to historically be pretty close — it was a 31-24 BU win last year in Ames and a two-pointer two years ago at McLane Stadium. This year the oddsmakers have it close, too, under a field goal — who wins, and will it be close yet again? 2. It's hard to run the table in the Big 12, emblematic in OU and Texas' narrow escapes a week ago. But with just five games to go, is there a school out there in the league that can upend the Longhorns-Sooners collision course for the Big 12 title game? 3. Let's talk Matt Campbell: His name has popped up a lot for different jobs over the years, most recently Michigan State. What's the likelihood the Iowa State coach might depart? He's been in Ames since 2016. ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pillow Fight of the Week: Baylor, Cincy try to shake sluggish starts; evaluating UH, BYU, UCF so far | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:25:39 | |
We're joined by Cincinnati beat writer Scott Springer of the Enquirer (@sspringersports), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk: 1. About 15 or 20 years ago, an old ESPN.com feature broke down the "pillow fight of the week." That may not be exactly what's going on this week in Cincinnati, but it's not far off. Both teams are 2-4, after the Bearcats having lost four straight, including last week 30-10 at home to Iowa State and Baylor's loss to Texas Tech two weeks ago. What's led to these sluggish first halves, and who gets win No. 3 on Saturday? 2. When the Big 12 added Cincinnati, BYU, Houston and UCF, they seemed to be the best four options available. But they haven't exactly lived up to the standard, going just 1-9 against the old-school teams in the league so far. (And that one win was a Hail Mary win last week by Houston against WVU, 41-39.) Is this a sign that it's going to take a little time for the new guys to adjust, or is it a cyclical thing and these teams are just in a down place right now? 3. The flip side of the imports' woes is that the exports are killing it, with the Big 12's only ranked teams Texas and Oklahoma, of course. This time next year, they'll be in the SEC. The conference will probably be fine long-term, but at the same time, how much will the league miss the Longhorns and Sooners? 4. Culinary Corner: What's the place to visit for good eats in Cincinnati? Zach will be looking for some Skyline Chili, I guess. What else is good in the Queen City? Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| It's time to talk about Dave Aranda's job. Plus, can OU go undefeated? Is BU's season salvageable? And midseason awards | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:27:50 | |
We're joined by Trib alumn John Werner (@JohnWernerTrib), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk: 1. Baylor's weird season took a further downturn in a home loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. It's hard to say what was most troubling: the non-existent rushing game, the perplexing play-calling or the lack of playmaking by a sleepy defense. Is there still a hope for a turnaround, and what would that look like from a record standpoint? 2. It's hard to fathom that this Baylor program was the Big 12 champion and Sugar Bowl winner just two seasons ago. So it's time to address the elephant in the room: Dave Aranda. In his fourth season, he's in the midst of his third losing year (so far), though last year was 6-7 with a bowl loss. How hot is Aranda's seat, and will Mack Rhoades make a coaching change this off-season? 3. Oklahoma and Texas delivered a battle for the ages on Saturday as the Sooners survived, 34-30. We've talked a lot about the Longhorns so far this year, but how about Brent Venables and OU? Now they're 6-0. Can the Sooners run the table and be undefeated heading into the Big 12 championship game? 4. We're basically at the midpoint of the season, so let's hand out some award: Who are your picks for Big 12 coach, offensive and defensive player of the year? Are there any non-Sooners on this list, other than maybe Neal Brown? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Predicting Baylor-Tech after strange seasons, ‘new’ QBs so far; the final Big 12 Red River Shootout and the future without Texas, OU | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:36:10 | |
We're joined by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal mainstay Don Williams (@AJ_DonWilliams), along with the Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@byzachsmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry), ready to dig into some BU and Big 12 football talk: 1. This probably isn't where either team expected to be, but Baylor and Texas Tech are both 2-3 (1-1) headed into Saturday's game at McLane Stadium. But both have actual momentum, the Raiders after drilling Houston 49-28 and Baylor posting the biggest comeback win in school history in last week's stunner at UCF. This is historically a really tight series — how do you see this one matching up? 2. And both teams have "new" QBs — After missing 3 games with an MCL injury, Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen played well against UCF, rushing and throwing for a score during the rally. Meanwhile, Texas Tech turned to its backup last week in Behren Morton after Tyler Shough went down with a broken leg. How does this Tech offense operate differently under Morton? 3. It's the final Red River Shootout in the Big 12 for OU and Texas this weekend. Is this a preview of the Big 12 title game? And who wins? 4. These two teams have combined for 17 of the 27 Big 12 championships over lo these many years. With both now exiting for the SEC, that would seem to leave a void in the power position atop the conference. Will the new Big 12 be more wide open, or do you think there's a team that will install itself as the perennial top dog? 5 Bonus question in honor of the State Fair of Texas: What's your deep-fried fair food of choice? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/subscribe/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||