Whiskers & Whiskeys

As the crisp autumn winds gust from the rolling hills of The Palouse to the mountains of Montana, thousands of college students flock to the gridiron to watch their teams do battle. For late evening kickoffs in the Pacific Northwest, sometimes you need a heavy beer coat to stay warm. And there’s no better vessel for said liquid heat than a (really fairly large) Little Brown Stein. 

It’s freaky Wednesday for the boys when ghosts of patriots past inspire them to switch spots for this New England clash. There is no love lost in this century long rivalry that traces its roots to a disagreement over 2 sq miles. This rivalry and its trophy will have you seeing double. So pour a strong mead into your finest flagon and listen to the tale of the Southwick Jug.

They say “heavy lies the head that wears the crown” - but that’s a burden either of these Virginia programs would be willing to bear. We’ve got the royal treatment for our listeners this week, as our Small School Spotlight is delivered by one of the loveliest Dukes to ever toss a streamer. So pull up a seat, grab some ice cream and cake, and let’s dig into the Royal Rivalry. 

At the turn of the 20th century, the American Southwest exemplified the very best of college football as we know it today. Gritty, tough nose individuals. Hard men doing hard things. Big cattle drives. Prospecting for great fortune. And out of that time, a rivalry was born that has stood the test of time. Come join us as we dive into the Battle of I-10.

As we make our way through Season 5, we’ll find that sometimes the most heated rivalries come from the most unexpected matchups. After last year’s melee, it’s no secret there’s no love lost between NC State and UNC. But what if we told you that the real thorn in the Wolfpack’s collective paw is a rowdy, rambunctious Group of 5 squad on the rise? A purple-clad program that gives no quarter to any foe, much less the cross-state canines? Pull up a chair as we roll out the barrel at the center of the ECU vs NC State rivalry. 

One of the sad facts of life is too few members of civilized society would classify college football as a classical masterpiece. A grand spectacle, teeming with aura and majesty, performed harmoniously across the nation every fall. This realization is not lost on the good folk of Middle Tennessee State and Troy. They hold their rivalry in the same regard as any treasured historical work of art. These Raiders have their own odyssey across campus for every home game, and Troy’s band has more rhythm than dactylic hexameter. The mystical quality of their rivalry will transcend tens of tens of ages - so long as they hold close their Palladium. 

We did it, guys. We actually did it. It’s Monday, and there’s college football on Saturday. We are on the precipice of one of the most unpredictable seasons in the sport’s history. So let us give you our final predictions for the Playoff, then let’s all take a minute, put in our future bets, then kick back and enjoy the show. College football is back. Cheers boys.

They may have lost their super powers, but my goodness, the Big 12 showed last year that they’re as frisky and fun as ever. It’s the Southwest teams you know and love with some Pac 12 aura. Big play offense, defense is optional. The team everyone picked to finish dead last almost knocked off this season’s Preseason No. 1. If you take anything away from today’s episode, it’s simply this: watch more Big 12 football. Thank us later.

This conference won the Natty in 2023. They won one in 2024, that’s two in a row. If they win another one in 2025, that’s called a winning streak. And a statement that there’s a new super power at the top of the Power 4. Does the Big Ten have the juice? We’ll break it down for you. 

We put the “SEC” in “second conference preview.” Admittedly, we were pretty tired and tuned up when we recorded this one. We can’t be held responsible for the accuracy of any predictions in the episode. Except for the one about Auburn. They’re frauds. And Tennessee, they’re dead. And Bama. Bama is back. Alright, maybe just listen and form your own opinion. Cheers boys.