Zone Podcasts

The segment opens with an in-depth conversation featuring CBS Sports columnist and author John Talty. Talty dives into his new book, Lane Being Lane: College Football’s Agent of Chaos, discussing the immense challenges of reporting on Lane Kiffin, from handling early-stage source outreach to navigating a bizarre meeting at the SEC Spring Meetings with Kiffin, his agent Jimmy Sexton, and an LSU communications official. He explains that Kiffin’s past—particularly his upbringing as Monte Kiffin’s son and his complex dynamic with his mother—offers critical context for his coaching persona, while also touching on the intense fan resentment surrounding Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss. Looking ahead to the matchup between LSU and Ole Miss, Talty expects Kiffin to be overly aggressive and gives a slight edge to Ole Miss playing at home, while noting the high stakes and playoff implications surrounding the game.
Shifting gears to national college football action, Dennis Dodd breaks down recent Friday night games, spotlighting Texas Tech’s narrow 28–26 victory over Houston and Miami quarterback Cam Ward’s record-setting start against Wake Forest. The discussion expands to early-season shakeups, emphasizing Oregon’s upset loss to Oklahoma State and the mounting playoff elimination pressure on traditional powerhouses with tough schedules like Oregon and Ohio State. The segment introduces a recurring "Keeping Up with the Bison" feature tracking North Dakota State's FBS transition, followed by the "Stat of the Week" highlighting an Athletic report on Power Four roster spending. The hosts contrast top-spending programs like Ohio State with efficient outliers like Duke, concluding with a debate on how NIL economics, roster payrolls, and potential College Football Playoff expansion to 24 teams could impact future marquee non-conference scheduling.

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This week’s show dives straight into the aftermath of massive Week 5 high school football action, featuring postgame reactions and strategic breakdowns from two top head coaches. First, East Robertson head coach Chris Keylon joins to discuss the Indians' hard-fought 29–21 victory over an undefeated, explosive Kirkwood squad. Keylon details how his defense stepped up to contain Kirkwood’s dual-threat quarterback, highlights the steady leadership of four-year starter Cason Young under center, and praises standout freshman running back Isaac Prince Jr. and senior wideout Brody Perry for their explosive plays and crucial downfield blocking. Then, Ravenwood head coach Ricky Rodriguez breaks down the Raptors' dominant 56–0 shutout win against Franklin. Rodriguez applauds defensive coordinator Anthony Brown’s game planning, the defensive unit’s suffocating performance, and the versatile spark provided by all-purpose back Caden Pace as Ravenwood gears up for region play and a trip to "The Den" to take on CPA.

In the final segment, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean steps in to tackle the off-field buzz surrounding Tennessee high school football governance and potential seismic shifts in Division II Class AAA. Kreager and host Tate unpack reports of several private school programs exploring an independent schedule rather than competing under the TSSAA's current postseason umbrella. They explore the root causes driving the frustration—including modern transfer rules, NIL dynamics, and roster imbalances—and break down the potential domino effects on division realignment if schools opt to play independent football and forgo traditional playoff contention

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Tate is joined by Tom Kreger of The Tennessean to unpack the mounting controversy surrounding Tennessee’s Division II Class AAA (D2-AAA) football classification. Kreger discusses recent reports and rumors indicating that several programs are deeply dissatisfied with the current landscape, which has been reshaped by relaxed residency rules, one-time transfer allowances, and NIL policies that have effectively created "super teams on steroids". Rather than participating in a system they believe no longer reflects traditional high school football, anywhere from three to six schools within the 12-team division are actively exploring options to step away from playoff eligibility and play an independent schedule—potentially capping their seasons with separate bowl games instead.

The discussion highlights the growing frustration among member institutions regarding the TSSAA’s perceived reluctance to address structural inequities, including debates over whether financial aid and boarding school advantages should play a role in classification alongside raw enrollment figures. Tate and Kreger note the potential domino effect facing the league: current bylaws dictate a 12-team roster for D2-AAA, which could force lower-division programs into the bracket if teams opt out unless the governing rules are amended. With official classification commitments looming in the coming days, Kreger emphasizes that the impending choices of these programs could mark a pivotal turning point for the future of private school football across the state.

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Ravenwood Raptors head coach Ricky Rodriguez joined the show to break down his team’s dominant 56–0 shutout victory over Franklin. After a challenging start to the year, Rodriguez praised defensive coordinator Anthony Brown and the staff for their preparation, emphasizing how former role players have stepped up into pivotal, two-way positions to keep high-scoring opponents off the scoreboard. While pleased with the lights-out defense and game-changing special teams play—highlighted by a blocked punt—Coach Rod noted that the Raptors must continue to improve their turnover margin as region play heats up.
The conversation also highlighted standout playmaker Caden Pace, who exploded for 107 rushing yards, two ground scores, and an 80-yard touchdown reception. Coach Rod commended Pace’s offseason dedication to expanding his role into a versatile, all-purpose back with breakaway speed. Looking ahead, Rodriguez stressed that Ravenwood must stay sharp and focused as they travel to "The Den" next week against CPA, capping the segment with a shoutout to his son RJ and the Brentwood Blaze.

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East Robertson head coach Chris  Keylon joined the show following his team's thrilling 29–21 victory over an undefeated Kirkwood squad, improving the Indians to 5–0 on the season.  Keylon discussed the defensive challenge of containing Kirkwood’s dual-threat quarterback Miles Reding, while spotlighting standout offensive performances from his own sideline. Senior quarterback Cason Young led with poise and efficiency, throwing for three touchdowns, while breakout freshman running back Isaac Prince Jr. continued his dominant season on the ground, logging 26 carries for 183 yards and a touchdown without yielding a single fumble. Wide receiver Brody Perry also made significant contributions, hauling in two touchdown grabs and executing critical downfield blocks that sprang Prince into the end zone.
Looking ahead,  Keylon reflected on the team's balance and clutch execution as they prepare to transition into the most critical stretch of their schedule. With region play kicking off next week on the road against Hickman County, the focus turns toward securing playoff positioning and home-field advantage.  Keylon emphasized maintaining sharp preparation and discipline during practice while expressing his gratitude for the community culture and strong support surrounding the East Robertson program.

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The Best of the Buck Reising Show - Titans legend Nate Washington & Ben Jones on Week #1 Disappointments & Adam Sparks on Vols' Impressive Start

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3HL - 9-18-26 - Hour 3 - Vol Football Outlook

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Jayson Swain on 3HL - Vols vs Georgia Tech Recap + Kennesaw State Preview

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3HL - 9-18-26 - Hour 2 - Titans Hosting the Eagles

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3HL - 9-18-26 - Hour 1- CFB Week 3 Slate

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