Cougar Tailgate

Having matched up with Liberty only once, the Cougars are looking to move to 2-0 against the Flames this weekend. At Liberty University, there is more to it than just playing football. Lauren and Cleon sat down with Dr. Ed Gomes, Director of Spiritual Development for Liberty Football, and learned what it was like to be more than an athlete. Ed dives into the process of how he got to where he is now and what he does to help out the players on and off the field. The Flames is also a pretty cool mascot. So, Lauren and Cleon discuss their favorite mascots and what they would do differently to rebrand BYU if they got the chance.

One of the greatest walk-on college football players was Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth. He eventually earned a scholarship and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Burlsworth died in a car crash before he played a down in the NFL. Brandon's brother, Marty, explains how they still honor Brandon today through the Burlsworth Foundation and Burlsworth Trophy. Lauren and Cleon mention some of their favorite BYU football walk-ons. And with Arkansas playing BYU for the first time, the duo also chat about which SEC teams they'd like the Cougars to face in the future, along with other schools they want BYU to play for the first time.

Did you know that legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne taught at BYU? Jim Lefebvre, Executive Director of the Knute Rockne Memorial Society, explains why that came about. But first, Lauren and Cleon talk about the football history between BYU and Notre Dame, if this matchup is considered a rivalry game, and BYU's home away from home Las Vegas.

Utah State is BYU's second longest rival in football. But with BYU entering the Big 12, who knows how often they will play in the future? Lauren and Cleon discuss what they like about the game for the Old Wagon Wheel trophy and how often the two teams should play. Plus, BYU Sports Network analyst Riley Nelson shares what the rivalry means to both fan bases. Curtis Brown, Bret Engemann, and Nelson also share memories of comeback victories in the rivalry game.

Do Cougar fans remember that BYU and Wyoming were big rivals? The two teams have played 88 times? Lauren and Cleon reminisce on Wyoming and some of our other favorite rivalries. Which rivalry would you like to see BYU continue in the future? Also, Wyoming football color commentator, Kevin McKinney, joins us as we look forward to this Saturday's matchup.

Lauren and Cleon briefly discuss what they loved about BYU's 26-20 over Baylor before talking about Oregon's uniform revolution. Nike helped the Ducks pioneer the sweet threads we see on the Cougars and other college teams today. Some of the players share their favorite uniform combinations. Rob Moseley, editor-in-chief of Oregon athletics, stops by the show to talk about what Cougar fans can expect at Autzen Stadium and if fans are excited to see BYU stop in Eugene again.

Are you ready for BYU's home season opener vs. Baylor? Lauren and Cleon are here to help. Join us as we discuss our first memories of attending a game at Lavell Edwards Stadium and some of our favorite Cougar home openers. Former Cougar tight end Chad Lewis says BYU's best home opener was one he watched but didn't play in. Also, Baylor's director of sports journalism, Jerry Hill, joins our tailgate to preview a potential friendly rivalry.

BYU's last season of independence kicks off at the University of South Florida. So, Lauren McClain and new co-host Cleon Wall prep fans by revisiting our most memorable road openers in Cougar history. Joey Johnston, senior writer and radio talent for USF Athletics, then joins the crew to give the short history of Bulls football. Hint: the hosts are older than the football program.

BYU football's fall camp is just about ready to start, so former Cougar QB Robbie Bosco stops by to talk about what he experienced during his time in Provo and what he learned from guys like Jim McMahon and Steve Young. But first, Spencer Linton details what he thinks will be the top storylines from this version of Camp Kalani. Let's say quarterbacks Jaren Hall and Jacob Conover will be big topics of conversation over the next few weeks. (Photography by: Mark A. Philbrick/BYU Photo)

Jennifer Rockwood is a pioneer when it comes to BYU women's athletics. She has been the Cougars' only women's soccer coach in the team's history. And it all started with her playing club soccer for the university back in the 80s. As Rockwood starts her 27th season, she reflects on the program's humble beginnings and tells fans what type of team fans can expect in 2022. (Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU)