Pigskin Dispatch

The 2025 football season is shaping up to be a compelling saga of triumph and unprecedented milestones, particularly within the New England Patriots organization, which has successfully navigated the complexities of a post-Brady era. Their current standing as the number one seed in the American Football Conference is a testament to their resilience and strategic prowess, driven by the remarkable performances of second-year quarterback Drake May. With an impressive 3,412 passing yards and 23 touchdowns under his belt, May's emergence as a leading figure in the league symbolizes a transformative period for the Patriots, who are redefining their identity on the field.

Furthermore, the landscape of rushing statistics has also undergone a significant transformation this season. Jonathan Taylor's dominance as the leading rusher with nearly 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns reflects a shift towards a new generation of running backs. The contributions of players such as James Cook and Devon Akane highlight the depth of talent present in this year's league, while Jameer Gibbs' rapid ascent in the Detroit Lions' rushing records positions him as a player to watch in the coming years, drawing connections to legendary figures in football history.

The podcast episode culminates in a celebration of remarkable athletic feats witnessed during week 13, where breathtaking receptions by players like Brock Bowers and Puka Nakua captivated audiences and reinforced the notion that the modern game continues to evolve. These moments not only serve to entertain but also to connect fans with the rich tapestry of football history, emphasizing the podcast's mission to honor the legacy of the sport while simultaneously celebrating its current evolution. Through these narratives, we aim to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of football's past and present, highlighting the interconnectedness of historical achievements and contemporary performances.

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The calendar turning from Thanksgiving signaled more than just the start of December; it marked the official dividing line for the 2025 NFL season. As Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese settled in for their weekly breakdown, the mood was a mix of holiday hangover, relief over fantastic games, and sober reflection on the 12 teams (a full third of the league) that, according to Ed, are now "officially done."

This sentiment—that the excitement for a third of the league's fan bases fades as they shift their focus to the NFL Draft and coaching changes—set the stage for a dramatic discussion. While the players remain locked in, fighting for jobs and contracts, Ed argues that many fans have emotionally checked out, especially in places like Cleveland where another "let’s get this over with" season is grinding to an end.

The most shocking development of Week 13, however, wasn't about the teams checking out, but one legendary special teams disaster that has already become a viral meme.

Amidst the discussion of the Steelers’ (Darin’s team) humiliating loss to the Bills—a loss Darin described as watching a "plane crash that continues to happen"—the conversation pivoted to the absolute low point of the weekend: the Giants kicker's now-infamous special teams gaffe.

After the Giants’ defense had already surrendered a long kick return and a 94-yard punt return touchdown, the kicker provided the capper. The consensus among the hosts was that this moment, which saw the kicker attempt a dropkick only to have the ball roll forward for a turnover, was perhaps the most embarrassing special teams play in modern NFL history. Darin summarized the debacle perfectly: “At least I’m not the Giants kicker.”

Despite the chaos on the field, our two prognosticators had a solid, if uneven, week, resulting in a shocking tie in their season-long head-to-head competition.

Host

Week 13 Total

Running Total

Ed Kleese 6 Points 60 Points

Darin Hayes 4 Points 60 Points

Ed’s Week 13 Breakdown (6 Points): Ed secured a solid week thanks to his Thanksgiving picks. He correctly nailed Jordan Love as the MVP of the Packers' impressive win over the Lions, a victory he noted felt controlled by Green Bay despite the close score. He earned a full two points for his "no analysis needed" pick of the Jets over the Falcons. However, he dropped points on the Black Friday game (missing the Eagles’ offensive struggles) and his bold prediction that the struggling Commanders would upset the Broncos.

Darin’s Week 13 Breakdown (4 Points): Darin managed to stay afloat, earning a bonus point by correctly predicting Joe Burrow would be the offensive MVP of the Thanksgiving night game. His biggest win was correctly taking the Texans over the Colts in what proved to be a compelling and fun game. Unfortunately, Darin took a zero for betting on his beloved Steelers to beat the Bills, admitting the team looked "tired." He also lost points predicting a Chiefs victory over the Cowboys, noting he was "more shocked... by their defense" than their inability to score.

With 50 possible points remaining in the season, both hosts are now locked in a 60-60 tie, setting up a thrilling photo finish over the next five weeks.

With the season turning cold, our hosts wasted no time diving into their Week 14 predictions, starting with a unanimous upset pick.

Here is a summary of the Week 14 predictions made by Ed Kleese and Darin Hayes, followed by the remainder of their conversation.

-Jets vs. Dolphins Jets Win. No analysis necessary. Based partly on the cold weather factor affecting Miami. Unanimous Upset Pick.

-Bengals vs. Bills Bills Win. Bills offense scores 31 or more points against the Bengals' inconsistent defense. Bills score 31+ points.

-Titans vs. Browns Titans Win. Upset based on public betting (The "public is loaded up" on the Browns). Upset pick over the favored Browns.

-Rams vs. Cardinals Rams Win by 10 or more points. Predicts an "easy breezy win" as the Cardinals officially check out. Double-digit blowout (10+ point victory).

-Packers vs. Bears Packers Win by 10 or more points. Predicts the Packers will control the game and take control of the division. Double-digit blowout (10+ point victory).

-Jets vs. Dolphins ~ Jets Win, squashing the Dolphins for their biggest win of the season. Unanimous Upset Pick.

-Bengals vs. Bills ~ Bengals Win in a shootout (e.g., 35-31 or 38-35). Joe Burrow exposes the Bills' inconsistent defense. Bengals win with a high score (35+).

-Lions vs. Cowboys Cowboys Win in a shootout, with Dak Prescott tossing four touchdowns. Dak Prescott throws 4 TDs.

-Packers vs. Bears Packers Win, stopping the Bears streak, aided by Parsons having a three-sack game. Persen achieves 3 sacks.

-Chiefs vs. Texans Chiefs Win by seven points. Believes the Chiefs' talent and coaching staff will "figure it out." Chiefs win by exactly 7 points.

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We often think of football conditioning as a precise science of hydration, nutrition, and tailored strength programs. But a century ago, the rules of getting in shape were dramatically different. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch recently dove into the past with Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology to explore an article from the 1923 season, revealing the bizarre, and sometimes dangerous, training philosophies that shaped early gridiron stars.

The episode stems from one of Tim's Tidbits titled: How Conditioning took place in 1923.

The primary source for this peek into the past is the Wilson Athletic Library, a series of publications giving professional advice for the era. The specific guidance on "conditioning" came from two knowledgeable figures: Potsy Clark, a coach at Kansas (and a future NFL head coach), and John Griffith, the influential commissioner of the Big Ten. Their shared philosophy was heavily rooted in tradition and what they believed to be common sense, even when it defied basic human physiology.

The most striking, and arguably most harmful, advice given was the strict adherence to water discipline: explicitly telling athletes not to drink water close to or during practice. This widespread but dangerous belief held that withholding water would make players tougher, similar to the old notion of not swimming after eating.

As Timothy Brown points out, this practice put players in significant danger, especially when combined with the gear of the era. Everything worn was cotton, wool, or leather—heavy, non-wicking fabrics that made it impossible for players to perspire properly and cool down. Depriving yourself of water while wearing gear that traps heat only compounded the risk of heat-related illness.

The coaches of 1923 also held a remarkably casual attitude toward summer training. Conditioning, in their minds, wasn't something players needed a formal program for. Instead, the ideal preparation was for athletes to be "farm boys" or to engage in "good outdoor labor" like construction, dock work, or lifeguarding. Any kind of heavy, physical work outside was deemed superior to formalized pre-season training, because that, as Brown notes, is what "training camp was for."

Training camp itself was the six-week period designed to get the players in shape. This philosophy was exemplified by the tales of players like Red Grange, who gained legendary strength hauling massive blocks of ice, earning him the nickname "Wheat and Iceman."

Clark and Griffith's advice also focused on the non-physical elements of team administration, especially avoiding the dreaded state of "staleness." They believed a coach must walk a delicate balance: working the athletes hard, but not overworking them. If a player was "stale," it was considered the worst thing that could happen to their performance.

The key barometer for a coach to know if they had pushed the team too far? Player complaints. While lazy players would complain regardless, a coach knew they had crossed the line when even the hard-working, dedicated athletes started voicing their displeasure.

The contrast between the rudimentary, sometimes dangerous, conditioning of 1923 and the hyper-scientific training of today is a fascinating look at how far the gridiron has evolved. It proves that even a century ago, coaches were desperate to find that competitive edge, even if they were wrong about the most fundamental elements of human survival.

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In the late 1930s, the name Tom Harmon was synonymous with unstoppable American athletic prowess. The University of Michigan’s single-wing tailback, number 98, was more than just a college football player; he was a phenomenon, the “Golden Boy” of the gridiron. He shattered records, won the Heisman Trophy in 1940, and famously earned a standing ovation from the rival Ohio State crowd in his final game—a show of respect so rare it remains legendary.

In 1941, Harmon was the first overall pick in the NFL draft and even starred in a movie about his own life. The world was his, but as the United States plunged into World War II, Harmon put his celebrity and professional career on hold, trading his football helmet for a pilot’s cap in the U.S. Army Air Force. The man who seemed invincible on the field was heading into a war where no one was.

Tom Harmon’s first brush with death didn't come in a dogfight against enemy planes, but against the raw, unyielding power of nature.

By April 1943, Lieutenant Harmon was piloting a B-25 Mitchell bomber, fittingly nicknamed Old 98 after his famous jersey number. While flying through a brutal tropical storm over the dense jungles of Dutch Guiana in South America, disaster struck. The storm’s violence was so extreme that it tore the right wing clean off the aircraft, sending the bomber into a catastrophic, deadly spin.

Harmon desperately screamed for his six crew members to bail out, but with the plane plummeting, he knew he had only seconds to save himself. He fumbled for his parachute cord, leaped out, and blacked out.

He awoke to find himself dangling from a tree, just yards from the burning wreckage. He was the sole survivor.

For four agonizing days, Harmon, the former All-American, became a castaway. He battled through razor-sharp grasses, dodged crocodiles, and trudged through miles of murky, dark swamps, surviving on swamp water and meager rations. He later credited his legendary “football legs” with carrying him through the nearly impassable terrain. Exhausted and believing he couldn't take another step, he finally collapsed. It was then, at the brink of death, that he was found by local natives who guided him to safety via dugout canoe.

He eventually reached an American army base where he made a simple, relieved phone call to his parents: "I'm not hurt." He had survived a fiery crash and five days alone in the jungle. But his war was far from over.

After recovering from his ordeal, Harmon transferred to the 449th Fighter Squadron in the China-Burma-India Theater, where he trained to fly the P-38 Lightning, a fast, twin-tailed fighter. Again, his signature number 98 was painted on the side.

On October 30, 1943, while escorting bombers over the Yangtze River in Japanese-occupied China, Harmon’s squadron was ambushed by Japanese Zero fighters. Harmon, showing the same aggressive instinct he displayed on the field, managed to shoot down two enemy planes. But in the thick of the dogfight, his own P-38 was critically hit. The cockpit erupted in flames.

His famous legs were literally on fire. Frantically beating the flames, he popped the canopy and was violently sucked out of the disintegrating aircraft. He yanked his ripcord and was yanked into the open sky, now a helpless target for the remaining enemy fighters. As they strafed his position, Harmon played dead and plunged into a lake below, hiding beneath the parachute silk until the enemy planes departed.

Severely burned, wounded, and deep behind enemy lines, Harmon was reported missing in action for the second time. For 32 terrifying days, the American hero was gone.

But once again, a miracle unfolded. Harmon was rescued by Chinese guerrilla fighters. His journey back to safety became an unbelievable ordeal that required an immense feat of human endurance. His burns became infected, and he was too weak to walk, forcing his Chinese rescuers—the real heroes of this chapter—to carry him on a stretcher for hundreds of miles over mountain trails and through Japanese lines. This clandestine operation was the Chinese version of the American Underground Railroad.

Finally, at the end of November 1943, news broke: Tom Harmon had cheated death again. He was safe. For his extraordinary valor and refusal to surrender, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

When Harmon returned from the war, the physical toll of his crashes was immense. His legendary speed was gone, and after two injury-plagued seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, he retired from professional football. He then began the broadcasting career he always wanted, and for decades, his voice was as famous as his legs had once been.

Perhaps the most enduring symbol of his unbelievable survival came on his wedding day. He married actress Elyse Knox, and for her wedding gown, he gave her the very silk parachute that had carried him out of the burning sky over China. His mother-in-law carefully took the fabric, working around the tears and bullet holes, fashioning it into his bride's dress.

The same fabric that saved the Golden Boy became a symbol of a new beginning, a testament to a hero who fell from the sky twice and simply refused to be broken. From that marriage came three children, including the actor Mark Harmon. Tom Harmon passed away in 1990, but his legacy endures as a powerful reminder that true strength isn't about being invincible—it’s about getting back up, no matter how far you've fallen.

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Welcome to the Pig Pen for our special Thanksgiving week edition of Big, Bold Predictions! The NFL schedule is bursting at the seams this week with games spread across four days—Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday—meaning no bye weeks and a full slate of football to digest alongside your holiday feast.

Hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese checked in to review the tumultuous results of Week 12 and lay out their choices for Week 13, including the highly anticipated Thanksgiving MVP bonus picks. Before diving into the scores, Ed took a poignant detour down memory lane, reflecting on the shared cultural experience of Thanksgiving Day football, forever tied to the unmistakable voices of John Madden and Pat Summerall. Though Ed humorously recalled one infamous "Silent Thanksgiving" ruined by a 2002 Commanders loss to the Cowboys, the overall reverence for the holiday tradition—of family, food, and the gridiron—was clear.

Despite both hosts admitting to a generally poor Week 12 performance, the race for the season title tightened, with Darin managing to extend his narrow lead.

Darin & Ed

Bills over Texans

Texans won

0

Both hosts missed the Texans' dominant defensive performance (8 sacks).

_________________

Darin & Ed

Cardinals over Jaguars (Upset)

Jaguars won

0

Cardinals committed 4 turnovers but still lost, sinking both hosts.

________________

Darin & Ed

 Cowboys over Eagles (Upset)

Cowboys won

2

Both hosts correctly predicted the Cowboys’ second-half defensive shutout.

__________________

Darin Only

Chiefs win by 7+ vs. Colts

Chiefs won by 6

1 point

Chiefs won but missed the margin by one point, earning Darin partial credit.

_________________

Darin Only

Bucs over Rams

Rams won big

0 points

The Rams dominated, proving Darin wrong on the late-season surge.

__________________________

Ed Only

Seahawks win by 20+ vs. Titans

Seahawks won by 6

0 points

Ed's bullish pick failed to reach the 20-point margin.

______________

Ed Only

Steelers over Bears

Bears won

0 points

Steelers lost, leaving Ed stuck on 2 points for the week.

Week 12 Score:

• Darin Hayes: 3 Points
• Ed Kleese: 2 Points

The difference remains razor-thin heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Total Season Points (Week 12 Complete)

Darin Hayes: 56 Points

Ed Kleese: 54 Points

For Week 13, Darin and Ed introduced three bonus picks: selecting the MVP of each of the three Thanksgiving Day games, worth three extra points apiece.

• Darin’s MVP Pick:Jameer Gibbs(Lions RB)
• Darin is betting on the Lions' versatile running back to break out in the traditional early slot.
• Ed’s MVP Pick:Jordan Love(Packers QB)
• Ed believes Love, who has been shaky all year, will have a pivotal breakout game, leading the Packers to a late comeback victory.

• Darin’s MVP Pick:Nick Bolton(Chiefs LB)
• Darin picks a defender, believing the Chiefs’ middle linebacker will have a big performance helping shut down the explosive Cowboys offense.
• Ed’s MVP Pick:George Pickens & CeeDee Lamb(Cowboys Receivers - Shared Award)
• Ed anticipates the Cowboys' receiving corps to dominate, sharing the MVP award on their home turf in Dallas.

• Darin’s MVP Pick:Joe Burrow(Bengals QB)
• Darin expects Burrow to return from his minor injury with little rust and carry the Bengals to a win over their AFC North rivals.
• Ed’s MVP Pick:Derrick Henry(RB)
• Ed is betting on a running back to exploit the opposing defense, declaring Henry will simply "run them over" on a chilly Thanksgiving night in Baltimore.

Here are the complete Week 13 Standard Picks:

Darin

 Chiefs over   Cowboys

KC vs. DAL

Darin believes the KC defense will be the hero, holding Dallas to 27 points or less, while Mahomes scores enough to secure the win. He also cites historical animosity from the "Dallas Texans" era.

Darin

 Bengals over  Ravens

CIN vs. BAL

Darin expects Joe Burrow to shake off injury concerns and lead a high-scoring Bengals offense (potentially 38-35) past the Ravens, despite Baltimore's strong running game.

Darin  

Eagles over Bears

PHI vs. CHI

Darin agrees with Ed that the Bears' win streak ends. He highlights weather as a major disruptive factor for the Bears' precision passing game, favoring the Eagles' run-heavy approach with Hurts and Barkley.

Darin 

Steelers over Bills

PIT vs. BUF

Darin makes a bold pick for his Steelers, citing key injuries on the Bills' offensive line (both tackles potentially out) which will allow Pittsburgh's pass rush to keep Josh Allen under siege. He believes the Steelers pull out the home win.

Darin

Texans over Colts

HOU vs. IND

Darin sees the Texans on the rise and the Colts' armor showing "chinks" recently. He picks the Texans to take out the Colts by a score of seven points or less.

___________________

Ed

Packers over Lions (Upset)

GB vs. DET

Ed is picking against the Lions, believing they are "just not that great anymore." He thinks Jordan Love is due for a big game and will lead the Packers to a close victory on Thanksgiving.

Ed

Ravens over Bengals

BAL vs. CIN

Ed hints strongly at this pick, reinforcing his Derrick Henry MVP pick. He believes the Ravens' running attack will dominate the Bengals' "porous" defense.

Ed

Eagles over Bears

PHI vs. CHI

Ed believes the Bears' luck runs out on Black Friday. While he isn't bullish on the Eagles' offense, he thinks their defense will "bottle up" Caleb and the Bears, holding them to 17 points or fewer.

Ed

Bills over Steelers

BUF vs. PIT

Ed agrees the game will be close, but ultimately believes Josh Allen will bounce back and lead a late, final-drive victory in Pittsburgh, though the Steelers will cover the spread.

Ed

Jets over Falcons (Upset)

NYJ vs. ATL

With a jam-packed schedule and nine total points up for grabs this week, Thanksgiving promises to be one of the most consequential weeks of the year for Darin and Ed. Will Darin hold onto his narrow 56-54 lead, or will Ed use the bonus points to finally take the season lead? Tune in next week for the dramatic results!

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The 2025 college football season has emerged as a remarkable chapter in the annals of the sport, particularly spotlighting the impressive performances of true freshman quarterbacks. We delve into the extraordinary achievements of these young signal callers, who, only recently removed from high school, are now competing at the highest collegiate level. Throughout this episode, we will explore the statistics and contributions of six standout quarterbacks, including Bryce Underwood of Michigan and Bear Bachmeier of BYU, as they navigate the challenges of a pivotal season. The significance of their roles is underscored by the impending college football playoffs, which promise to further define their legacies. Join us as we reflect on the historical context of their accomplishments and the potential future they hold within the sport.

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Timothy P. Brown joins us to discuss a significant historical football game that took place on Thanksgiving in 1932, focusing on the remarkable achievements of Colgate University during that season.

The discussion is based on Tim's Tidbit titled: The 1932 Colgate-Brown Thanksgiving Game for the Rose Bowl

The Greatest Team That Wasn't Invited: Colgate's Unscored-Upon 1932 Season

For many, Thanksgiving means turkey and football. But in 1932, it meant a historic, high-stakes showdown that cemented one team's place in college football lore. This was the scene for the Thanksgiving Day game between the undefeated Colgate Red Raiders and the equally unbeaten Brown Bears, a story recently shared by football historian Timothy P. Brown on the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch podcast.

The game pitted two Eastern powerhouses against each other in a deeply rooted rivalry game. Going into the matchup, Coach Andy Kerr’s Colgate squad boasted an immaculate 8-0 record, having dominated their opponents with a staggering 243-0 cumulative score. Brown was also 8-0, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated East Coast battles of the decade. Kerr, a notable disciple of coaching legend Pop Warner (he was even sent to coach Stanford for two years in Warner's place), employed a highly effective, pass-oriented double-wing offense that consistently produced high scores.

The national press built the game up as a Rose Bowl elimination contest, with the winner thought to be the most deserving contender. Colgate, fueled by the desire to cap an already legendary season, needed one specific number to secure another national title: the scoring crown. They needed 21 points against Brown to surpass West Liberty and claim the national scoring title.

In a feat of near-perfect offensive execution, Colgate won the game 21-0. The win not only ensured they finished the year a national scoring leader, but more impressively, it completed the most dominant season in modern college football history.

Colgate’s final record was 9-0, undefeated, untied, and unscored upon. Yet, when the invitations were handed out, the famous line was coined: The 1932 Red Raiders were “undefeated, untied, unscored upon, and uninvited.”

The Pacific Coast Conference ultimately chose Pitt to play in the Rose Bowl, a team that subsequently lost to USC 35-0. While the Rose Bowl passed them over, Colgate secured a far more exclusive and permanent title: they remain the last major college football team to finish a season unscored upon. Coach Andy Kerr’s legacy extends beyond the 1932 team; in a four-year stretch, his teams averaged nearly 33 points a game while only allowing two, an incredible combination that defines one of football’s most enduring mysteries.

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The week leading up to Thanksgiving 2025 was a wild blend of honoring football’s past and watching history unfold in the present. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch dives into the biggest stories from the weekend, from a 100-year-old anniversary to the emergence of a new Heisman frontrunner.

Here is a look at the history that was made, and the history that keeps on giving.

This weekend marked a significant anniversary: 100 years since the legendary Red Grange finished his college career and instantly redefined the professional game.

• November 21, 1925:Grange played his final college game for Illinois, defeating Ohio State 14–9. The game was a massive draw, pulling in an estimated80,000fans.
• The Next Day:Grange signed with the professional Chicago Bears, owned by George Halas.
• Thanksgiving Day 1925:Grange played his first professional game for the Bears, a scoreless tie against the Chicago Cardinals.

The most striking detail is the crowd size for his first pro contest: only 39,000 fans attended. The fact that the same superstar drew less than half the crowd in the much larger city of Chicago—just four days after his college finale—perfectly illustrates the overwhelming dominance of college football over the professional game a century ago.

(To commemorate this milestone, check out Chris Willis's new book, Red Grange Into Chicago Bears: The 100th Anniversary Scrapbook, available via Amazon and the Pigskin Dispatch store.)

The 141st edition of "The Game" between Harvard and Yale was about more than just rivalry this year. It was a winner-take-all battle for the Ivy League's first-ever automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, a monumental change after four decades of the league prohibiting football postseason play.

The stage was set for an upset:

• Undefeated Harvard(9-0 overall, 6-0 in Ivy play) traveled to take onYale(7-2 overall).
• Yale dominated the contest, winning45-28. The Bulldogs scored immediately after recovering a fumble on the first play from scrimmage and never looked back.

The victory created a virtual tie in the league standings, but the head-to-head win gives Yale the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA FCS playoffs. Harvard (9-1) is now waiting anxiously to see if they will receive an at-large bid. After years of demanding change, the student-athletes and coaches of the Ivy League now have their chance to prove themselves against the nation's best.

Notre Dame delivered a performance that rewrote the record books this weekend, largely powered by the sensational play of Heisman frontrunner Jeremiah Love.

The Fighting Irish pummeled Syracuse 70-7, in a game that was historic for both sides:

Notre Dame (8-2) Statistic Syracuse (3-7) 35 points

Points scored in the 1st Quarter (ND record since the 1930s)70 points allowed70 pointsTotal points scored (Most since 1932 vs. Haskell)70 points allowed (Most since 75-0 loss to Union College in 1891)

Jeremiah Love's dominant day—which was largely confined to the first half—only solidified his Heisman candidacy:

• 3 Touchdowns
• 171 Yards Rushing
• On just8 Carries(an average of over 21 yards per carry!)

Love scored three times as many touchdowns as the entire Syracuse offense, making a powerful statement to voters as the Heisman ceremony approaches.

For more great history and daily headlines, be sure to check out the redesigned pigskindispatch.com and the new nostalgia-focused yesteryearhub.com!

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The 2025 NFL season is flying by! Week 11 is wrapped, leaving the AFC playoff picture in chaos, and Week 12 is upon us. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch and analyst Ed Kleese returned to the Pig Pen to discuss the Chiefs’ unexpected struggles and lay down their biggest Bold Predictions for the coming slate of games.

The most significant takeaway from Week 11, according to Ed Kleese, was the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ed asserts that this loss is bigger than just one game; it signals a major shift in the AFC. The Chiefs are now 5-5 and have suffered losses to all the teams they're competing with for a Wild Card spot (Broncos, Chargers, Bills, and Jaguars).

Ed now believes the Chiefs will not win the AFC and are no longer a sure bet for the playoffs, meaning the AFC is now "open season" for other contenders. Darin agreed, noting that Denver head coach Sean Payton exposed a successful blueprint for beating the Chiefs: running the ball, eating the clock, and keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.

While the Chiefs stumbled, Darin Hayes delivered his best week of predictions yet, flipping the script and snatching the overall lead.

1. Lions at Eagles-Lions win Incorrect 0
2. Bears at Vikings-Bears win & DeAndre Swift over 100 yards. Correct (Nailed both)2
3. Bills at Buccaneers-Bills win & Josh Allen 4+ TDs. Correct (Nailed both)2
4. Rams at Seahawks-Rams win & force 4 turnovers. Correct (Nailed both)2
5. Panthers at Falcons-Panthers win by 10+Bonus (Panthers won)2

Total Week 11 Score 8 - Overall Total 53

Pick Details Outcome Points

1. Bears at Vikings.Vikings win Incorrect 0
2. Rams at Seahawks.Seahawks win Incorrect 0
3. Chargers at Jaguars.Jaguars win.Correct2
4. Giants at Packers.Jameis fun/Packers win late.Correct (Giants had ball in the red zone late)2
5. Raiders at Cowboys.Cowboys win easily.Correct2

Total Week 11 Score 6 - Overall Total 52

The analysts now turn their attention to a critical Week 12 slate.

1. Bills at Texans.Bills win in a close one. The Bills will pull it out late, as missing the injured C.J. Stroud makes it too tough for Houston's offense, despite their good defense. Less than 40 total points will be scored in the game.
2. Cardinals at Jaguars.The Cardinals upset the Jaguars. This will be a tough, unpredictable loss for the Jags, cementing their "roller coaster" path that will see them miss the playoffs.
3. Steelers at Bears. The Steelers win in a close one in Chi-Town.
4. Eagles at Cowboys. The Cowboys beat the Eagles. Ed likes the additions Dallas has made on defense (Easley, Wilson) and how they will neutralize the Eagles’ running attack.
5. Seahawks vs Titans.Seahawks bounce back from a loss last week to beat Tennessee by 20 plus points

Game Bold Prediction Rationale

1. Bills at Texans.Bills sneak past Texans with a late field goal; total score under 35 points.Similar to Ed's pick, but adds the bold layer of a low-scoring defensive struggle (less than 35 total points).
2. Cardinals at Jaguars. The Cardinals upset the Jaguars. Arizona, led by Brissett, has been surprisingly competitive and will capitalize on the Jags' erratic form.
3. Chiefs at Colts. The Colts win by 10 or more points. The Colts are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and the shaken Chiefs can no longer be trusted to "figure it out" against good opponents.
4. Eagles at Cowboys. The Cowboys beat the Eagles. The defensive additions Dallas made to shore up their run defense will be the deciding factor in neutralizing Philadelphia's primary strength.
5. Buccaneers at Rams. Buccaneers win by 10 or more points. The Rams are due for a "hangover" after their emotional win last week, giving the Bucs a significant edge.

The duo will return next week to break down these predictions and preview the Thanksgiving Day slate of games.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The episode presents a thorough examination of the evolution of defensive strategies in American football, with a particular focus on the tactics employed for fumble recovery. Speaker A, in conversation with Timothy P. Brown, articulates the fundamental premise of modern defensive play: to neutralize offensive threats by regaining possession of the football. The dialogue illuminates the historical context of fumble recoveries, tracing back to the early days of football when defenses had the opportunity to advance recoveries, a practice rooted in the sport's rugby ancestry.

A salient point of discussion is the pivotal rule instituted in 1929 that restricted defenses from advancing fumbles, thereby altering the tactical considerations for both offenses and defenses. This modification not only impacted gameplay but also instigated a cultural perception shift regarding the act of 'stealing' the ball. The episode explores the implications of this rule change, highlighting how it led to the development of a new vocabulary surrounding defensive actions and how certain maneuvers were judged in terms of sportsmanship. Anecdotes regarding players like Chuck Taylor serve to exemplify the evolution of athleticism and the admiration for players who showcased remarkable skill in recovering fumbles and scoring.

Furthermore, the conversation delves into the historical significance of various plays, notably the hook and lateral, and discusses how its recognition has evolved over time. The narrative elaborates on the return to allowing defenses to advance fumbles in college football, marking a significant shift that resonates with earlier practices and embodies a return to a more fluid and dynamic style of play. This exploration of both historical and contemporary football dynamics invites listeners to engage with the sport on a deeper level, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate relationship between rules, strategies, and the ethos of American football. Through this discourse, the episode not only informs but also enriches the listener's understanding of the game as a historical and cultural phenomenon.

Takeaways:

• Modern football defenses aim to thwart offensive plays primarily by reclaiming possession of the ball.
• Tim Brown elucidates historical strategies employed by defenses to recover fumbles effectively.
• The podcast explores the evolution of football rules regarding the advancement of fumbles by defenses over the years.
• A significant rule change in 1929 prohibited defenses from advancing fumbles, altering game dynamics substantially.
• Historically, the act of 'stealing the ball' from an opponent was considered unsportsmanlike conduct during early football.
• The term 'scoop and score' emerged in the 1990s, marking a shift in defensive strategies in college football.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Tim Brown
• footballarchaeology.com
• Darrin Hayes
• pigskindispatch.com
• University of Pennsylvania
• Chuck Taylor
• Web Eubank
• Boise

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.