March 2 The Pod Podcast

Chris Walker / KatFund:

CBS Sports analyst and former college basketball coach Chris Walker joins the show to discuss XtraPoint and KatFund. Walker explains why college athletic departments need to expand beyond major donors and how a large group of smaller recurring contributors can create meaningful financial support.

Walker describes the difficult cycle facing athletic departments: programs need money to win, but winning also makes it easier to raise money.

Sam Houston Basketball:

Walker discusses the changing mid-major basketball landscape, Conference USA and the challenge of retaining productive players in the transfer portal era.

He also offers a strong endorsement of Chris Mudge, calling him an up-and-coming coach and saying Sam Houston should do everything possible to keep him.

Texas Tech Look Back:

Sam Houston lost 49-14 at Texas Tech, but the final score does not completely describe the first half.

Consecutive pick-sixes turned a 7-0 game into 21-0 before the Bearkats responded with two touchdowns and entered halftime down 21-14. Sam Houston’s defense also created four turnovers before Texas Tech eventually took control after halftime.

Around the Farm:

We discuss Sam Houston’s latest athletics funding momentum before going Around the Farm.

Volleyball opened Conference USA play with two road wins at Kennesaw State, both cross country teams won the Clifton Gillard Invite, men’s golf finished second at the Bayou City Collegiate, tennis added another tournament title and soccer opened CUSA play with a 2-1 loss despite creating significantly more shots than Kennesaw State.

Sam Houston’s Second-Half Problem:

The Bearkats have scored 42 first-half points against Troy, Tulsa and Texas Tech but only 10 after halftime.

The clearest statistical decline appears on first down. Sam Houston averages 9.09 yards per first-down play before halftime against FBS opponents and only 3.02 afterward.

Longo says conditioning is not the issue. He points toward execution and says the offense needs greater efficiency and more explosive plays from the running game.

We compare those comments with the numbers and discuss whether the disappearance of explosive passing plays after halftime deserves additional attention.

Conference USA / Rivalries:

Conference USA enters league play without an obvious dominant team, creating an opportunity for Sam Houston if the Bearkats can turn competitive performances into wins.

The conversation eventually turns to something Sam Houston has lacked since leaving the Southland: a real rivalry. We discuss bringing an NRG Stadium game back and possible opponents that could create something worth building around.

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Sam Houston delivered exactly the kind of performance it needed against Nicholls, rolling to a 59-0 win with 619 yards of offense, no turnovers and no sacks allowed.

We look deeper than the final score, including Landyn Locke’s continued development, a more productive rushing attack and what Phil Longo’s four-yard standard tells us about where the Kats have been most efficient running the football. We also look at the defense and an important trend to watch against Texas Tech’s rushing attack.

Around the Farm includes a win at the Red Raider Invitational for women’s golf, volleyball’s four-match winning streak entering Conference USA play, soccer’s 7-0 victory over Texas A&M-San Antonio, fall tennis and the newly released 2027 baseball and softball conference schedules.

Then we get into the DJ Bailey saga. Bailey was publicly listed as QB2 before freshman Brett Holloway received the meaningful backup snaps against Nicholls. Bailey did not enter the game and was later removed from the online roster. We discuss Phil Longo’s explanation, the apparent communication problem, support Bailey has received from teammates and why the situation needs clarity before it becomes a larger distraction.

Finally, we preview Saturday’s trip to No. 11 Texas Tech. We discuss where the matchup could become difficult for Sam Houston, why the Kats may need to lean heavily into their passing game and whether a 37.5-point spread gives Sam Houston too little credit.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Sam Houston is 0-2, but the first two games have looked considerably different from most of last season. We break down what happened against Tulsa, including the final goal-line sequence, continued problems in the run game, Landyn Locke’s start to the season, the offensive line and a costly fake punt.

Then we turn to Nicholls. The Colonels already own a win over UTRGV, have forced 10 turnovers through three games and present another test for an offense still searching for its identity. We discuss whether Phil Longo should lean harder into the Air Raid if the running game continues to struggle and what would constitute a convincing win Saturday.

We also have major basketball news. Fanta Kone and Deborah Ogayemi are back with the women, Anthony Fobb is leaving Chris Mudge’s staff for Ole Miss, James McCall-Spears has committed for 2027 and more of the men’s nonconference schedule is taking shape.

Around the Farm includes soccer, volleyball, cross country, golf and a discussion about the future of the volleyball program.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Bobby Williams is entering his 45th and final year at Sam Houston, and we spend time looking beyond the wins, championships and facility projects to discuss what his tenure has meant to the university and the people around it. Williams reflected this week on why the time was right to retire, the importance of finally seeing the Bowers Stadium press box project completed and his desire to enjoy his final year instead of immediately looking toward the next problem to solve.

We also hear Phil Longo describe what Williams has meant to him personally and discuss the challenge awaiting whoever eventually follows the longest-tenured Division I athletic director in the country.

Then we turn back to football and break down what we learned from Sam Houston’s 24-21 loss at Troy. The Bearkats were noticeably different from last season, but improvement doesn’t erase the issues that cost them a chance to win. We dig into Landon Locke’s interception to begin the second half, the offensive lull that followed, the fourth-and-1 check that moved away from Longo’s original downhill run call, the problems creating consistent movement in the run game and the encouraging performance of true freshman left tackle Miles Joseph.

We also discuss Sam Houston’s improved defensive front and Longo’s explanation for why he continues signaling plays from the sideline even with helmet communication available.

Around the Farm includes a difficult week for volleyball, an improving attack from women’s soccer and a strong opening meet for Sam Houston cross country.

Finally, football returns to Bowers Stadium after 647 days. Tulsa arrives after a 24-10 win over Oklahoma State in which the Golden Hurricane forced four turnovers, and its size and physicality present another major test for Sam Houston’s young offensive line. We discuss Tulsa quarterback Baylor Hayes, former Bearkat running back DJ McKinney, the importance of the new Bowers Stadium game-day experience and whether the expected crowd can become an advantage.

Then we make our picks. Ben has Tulsa winning 28-20. Cory has Tulsa winning 31-20. We both have Sam Houston covering the 13.5-point spread and the game staying under 51.5.

Timestamps:

0:00:30–0:07:40 — Opening and early Conference USA discussion

0:07:40–0:23:33 — Bobby Williams reflects on 45 years at Sam Houston

0:23:33–1:00:23 — What we learned from Sam Houston’s 24-21 loss at Troy

1:00:23–1:00:57 — Midroll

1:00:57–1:05:24 — Around the Farm: volleyball, women’s soccer and cross country

1:05:24–1:30:09 — Tulsa preview, Bowers Stadium return and predictions

1:30:09–1:30:44 — Closing

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

0:00 – Opening and Bobby Williams retirement• Sam Houston announces longtime athletic director Bobby Williams will retire at the end of the year• Why the timing was not a major surprise• What comes next for the athletic department• March2ThePod sponsorship update

5:44 – Around the Farm• Men’s basketball adds point guard Aiden Gross• Sam Houston baseball’s growing 2027 recruiting class• Why continuing to recruit high school players matters in the portal era• Women’s soccer shows offensive improvement against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi• Volleyball opens 3-0 at the Bearkat Invitational• Chloe Monson, Bella Wood, Chelsea Butler and the improved play at the net• What this weekend in Arlington could tell us about volleyball’s ceiling

22:43 – Phil Longo press conference reaction• What Sam Houston expects from Troy’s new offense• Landon Locke’s command of the offense• A more settled quarterback situation• Reaction to Sam Houston’s first depth chart• Longo says seven or eight offensive linemen could be ready• Why offensive-line depth remains a concern• Questions about pass protection and the size of the line

40:45 – Gerad Parker press conference reaction• Troy’s need to improve its running game• Parker’s honest evaluation of last season• Troy’s emphasis on stopping Sam Houston’s running backs• What Troy sees from the Bearkat defense• Why Sam Houston should return primarily to a four-man defensive front• Tim Burns Jr. emerging at wide receiver and returner

47:31 – Sam Houston at Troy preview• Saturday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+• Troy leads the all-time series 7-0-1• The Trojans won the last meeting 31-21 in 2000• Troy replaces most of its receiving production and four offensive-line starters• New offensive coordinator Adam Austin brings an explosive system from Tarleton• Donnie Smith leads an experienced Troy pass rush• Special teams could be a major factor• Why this is an early measuring-stick game for Sam Houston

56:09 – Week 1 picks• Troy favored by 17.5• Total: 50.5• Ben: Troy 30, Sam Houston 21• Cory: Troy 34, Sam Houston 20• Both take Sam Houston +17.5• Both take the over

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

SHOW NOTES

0:00 — Welcome to March2ThePod

Season 4, Episode 5

Presented by Eternal Roofing

Football prediction time has arrived

0:02 — Men’s basketball recruiting

Quentel Young and James McCall-Spears visit Huntsville

Ben’s player comparisons for both prospects

Why size and physicality matter in the current game

First look at Sam Houston’s new black and white uniforms

Our thoughts on the designs

Upcoming basketball events and dates

A difficult nonconference schedule continues to take shape

0:23 — Around the Farm: Soccer

Texas A&M defeats Sam Houston 5-0

The Aggies finish with a 32-2 shot advantage

Hannah Stipp continues to see heavy work in goal

Opponents have outshot SHSU 72-15 through three matches

Why the midfield remains the biggest concern

What we need to see in the response against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

0:26 — Around the Farm: Volleyball

Looking back at an 11-18 season

Chloe Monson, Chelsea Butler and Shaelin White return

Lauren Pyle and Annika Brooks headline the newcomers

Encouraging exhibitions against Texas A&M, Houston and HCU

Ben raises the floor and ceiling for his expectations

Why this could be an important season for the long-term direction of the program

0:33 — Linebacker preview

Dean Ford and Brian Bates lead the group

Tokyo Gordon provides experienced depth

Stacey Bay and Mike King Jr. add versatility

Why the front seven could be Sam Houston’s biggest strength

0:37 — Defensive back preview

Added length at cornerback

Cesar McGee, Ish Atkins and Javon Wilson

Justin Cottrell and Octavius Henderson add more options

Tyler Bailey anchors the safety group

Jace Arnold appears headed for the nickel role

The second safety spot remains unsettled

0:42 — Special teams preview

Cal Joseph appears set at punter

Kicker remains one of the biggest questions entering the season

Tate Ryan, Sam Carpenter and Nico Ottominelli

We discuss how much practice emphasis should be placed on special teams

0:47 — 2026 football predictions

Vegas sets Sam Houston’s win total at 3.5

Troy

Tulsa

Nicholls

Texas Tech

Liberty

Western Kentucky

New Mexico State

Missouri State

Jacksonville State

Kennesaw State

Middle Tennessee

FIU

Our final predictions

Cory: 4-8

Ben: 5-7

Both: Over 3.5 wins

Ben sees a ceiling of seven wins

Tulsa, Kennesaw State and FIU could determine whether SHSU beats our projections

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod — Season 4, Episode 4 | Episode 139 overallPresented by Eternal Roofing

Topics:

SnapBack Sports CEO Jack Settleman joins the show

Why SnapBack chose Sam Houston for its jersey patch sponsorship

How CUSA’s midweek schedule helped make the partnership attractive

SnapBack’s plans for content, exposure and time in Huntsville

Jack learns more about Sam Houston history and culture

Guessing Bearkat Icons & Notables trivia

Phil Longo’s post-fall camp press conference

The improved mood and momentum surrounding the football program

Landon Locke firmly established as QB1

Wide receiver competition

Questions surrounding the offensive line

Why the defensive line could be Sam Houston’s best position group

Soccer’s 0-0 draw at Lamar

Is the midfield becoming a concern?

Sam Houston at Texas A&M on Saturday

A preview of next week’s season predictions and remaining position groups

Subscribe for year-round Sam Houston coverage at March2ThePod.Substack.com.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod — Season 4, Episode 3 (Episode 138)Presented by Eternal Roofing

Cory Hogue and Ben Sorrells discuss:

Sam Houston’s 10-year, $6 million sponsorship agreement with First Community Credit Union

What the FCCU deal could mean for future athletics sponsorships

Ben’s day inside Sam Houston football camp

Why the 2026 roster looks bigger, faster and deeper

The biggest remaining concern with the offensive line

Why the defensive line could become a strength

Josh Alexander-Felton, Brody Henderson and Elijah Groves

Landon Locke establishing himself as QB1

The competition behind Locke at quarterback

Chris Reed and the search for additional receiving threats

Ben’s updated thoughts on Sam Houston’s 2026 ceiling and floor

Women’s soccer earning a 1-1 draw at Oklahoma State

Gabrielle Gipson’s set-piece goal

Hannah Stipp’s seven-save performance

What we want to see Sunday against Lamar

Running back preview: Coco Brown, Alton McCaskill, Caden Winkfield and Jerrion Parker

Freshman tight end Jack Merriman

Audience questions and additional camp observations

Subscribe: March2ThePod.Substack.comFollow: @March2ThePodPresented by: Eternal RoofingPart of the CUSA Podcast Roundtable

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Remembering Ronnie Choate and his lasting influence on Sam Houston

Why Choate’s impact extended beyond championships

Steven Gilbert and Zavior Alvarez join the women’s basketball staff

Why additional staffing is a necessary investment

First look inside the new Bowers Stadium press box

Strong suite sales and new revenue potential

The problem with a six-seat working media area

A possible solution involving the visiting athletic director’s room

Stadium naming rights and sponsorship opportunities

Why Sam Houston needs more marketing and sales staff

Selling sponsorships throughout every athletics venue

Landon Locke enters camp as the starting quarterback

The areas Locke must improve this season

DJ Bailey’s progress and role as the likely backup

Mason Holtzclaw and Brett Holloway represent the future

Quarterback stability in the transfer portal era

Why Sam Houston must embrace player development as part of its identity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod returns for its Season 4 premiere

The story behind the March 2 The Pod name

Conference USA Media Days recap

What Phil Longo’s media tour revealed

Why Sam Houston is further ahead entering 2026

Longo balancing head coaching and play-calling duties

How Sam Houston is beginning to use AI

Landyn Locke’s physical and leadership development

Concern over Sam Houston men’s basketball injuries

Breaking down the size and potential of the basketball roster

Sam Houston’s licensing and sponsorship revenue

Untapped naming-rights and jersey-patch opportunities

Why Sammy Bearkat merchandise needs wider distribution

Presented by Eternal Roofing

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com