Best Gut Check Time Sports Podcasts (2025)

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Week 5 Fireworks: Big Jeff's Lock City Upset and 5 Game-Changers 56:38

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24m ago56:38

56:38

Dive into The Big Ten Huddle with host JR and expert Big Jeff as they break down Week 5's five pivotal Big Ten football games, from potential upsets to high-stakes clashes that could alter playoff paths. Fresh off a 3-2 week (including a perfect Lock City on Indiana), Big Jeff delivers unfiltered analysis, predictions, and key insights on trench ba…

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The Best College QBs With Todd McShay. Plus, the Irresistible Jags, the Resistible Steelers, and NFL Week 4 Picks With Joe House 1:56:16

10h ago1:56:16

1:56:16

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Todd McShay to catch up on college football QBs before discussing the NFL “Cut the s***” QBs and Drake Maye (3:33). Then, House joins Bill to make their Ringer 107 picks for the week and close with a Ryder Cup discussion (01:02:46). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Todd McShay and Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat a…

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Why Big Ten Must Mandate Power Conference Opponents: More of Finebaum's Folly 44:21

17h ago44:21

44:21

Join JR on The Big Ten Huddle as he breaks down why the Big Ten must mandate a Power 4 opponent for every team—matching the SEC, ACC, and Big 12's bold scheduling moves—to strengthen the conference and silence critics. Drawing from Brett McMurphy's recent article, JR argues against the Big Ten's hesitation and explores how this could impact automat…

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Big Ten Week 5 Whirlwind: USC at Illinois and the Ducks' Penn State Battle 1:08:44

1d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Join JR and Zach on The Big Ten Huddle as they break down Week 5's biggest Big Ten football games! We dive deep into USC at Illinois—a must-win for both teams' playoff hopes amid injuries and rankings drama. Then, it's Rutgers at Minnesota, where we discuss under-the-radar factors that could lead to an upset. Finally, the marquee matchup: Oregon at…

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Big Ten Week 5 Face-Offs: Indiana's Iowa Gut Check and Buckeyes' Pacific Peril 55:23

2d ago55:23

55:23

Join JR and Zack on The Big Ten Huddle for an in-depth preview of Week 5 Big Ten football action in Part 1! We break down the crucial matchups: Indiana facing a tough road test at Iowa (3:30 PM ET on Peacock), UCLA battling Northwestern, and No. 1 Ohio State heading to Washington for their first away game. From Indiana's rising efficiency under Kur…

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A Rockets Gut Punch, Expectations for the Celtics and Pacers, and a Vegas Tourism Slump With Zach Lowe, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan 1:58:55

3d ago1:58:55

1:58:55

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Zach Lowe to react to the Fred VanVleet injury and to discuss how it may have derailed the promising Rockets season (7:19). Then, Bill and Zach check in with the Celtics and the Pacers ahead of the season (01:12:11). Finally, Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey join to talk about what’s going on in Vegas (01:26:05).…

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AP Top 25 Sleeping on Big ten Teams | LSU's Clemson Win Inflated? + Playoff Bold Picks 37:49

3d ago37:49

37:49

Dive into the chaos of Week 4's AP Poll Top 25 with JR and Zack on The Big Ten Huddle – where college football rankings get the unfiltered roast they deserve. We're exposing the obvious SEC bias that's propping up overrated teams like LSU just because of one shiny win against Clemson, while Big Ten beasts Indiana and USC get buried because pundits …

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Report Card Time: Dissecting Big Ten QBs' Week 4 Triumphs and Turmoil 37:18

4d ago37:18

37:18

Join JR on The Big Ten Huddle as he breaks down Week 4 performances of every Big Ten quarterback using PFF grades and stats! From high-flying A+ efforts to tough F's, we cover it all – including deep dives on stars like Fernando Mendoza's Heisman buzz, Dante Moore's clutch plays, and the pressures facing guys like Danny O'Neill and Luke Altmyer. Wh…

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Who Crushed and Who Crumbled? | Big Ten Performance Tier Rankings In Week 4 22:06

4d ago22:06

22:06

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, JR welcomes listeners, thanks sponsors FanDuel and Believe Podcasting Network, and dives into performance tiers for Big Ten teams after week 4. He analyzes matchups starting with Indiana vs. Illinois: Indiana's 63-10 win earns them elite status for dominance, with QB Fernando Mendoza excelling (21/23, 267 yds,…

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Week 4's Big Ten Reality Check | Takeaways That Change Everything 1:06:58

4d ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Join JR and Zack Guggenheim on The Big Ten Huddle as they recap Week 4 of Big Ten football, delivering one essential takeaway for every team—from Indiana's dominant rout of Illinois to Washington's underrated streak and Ohio State's looming challenges. Dive into the chaos of blowouts, potential upsets like Penn State vs. Oregon, and heated debates …

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Are the Chargers for Real? Plus: the Tommy Boy Titans, a New York Swoon, Throwback Pats PTSD, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal. 1:43:31

4d ago1:43:31

1:43:31

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to react to Week 3 of the NFL season (3:26). Then, they guess the lines for Week 4 before closing with Parent Corner (01:01:04). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo Get Gameday Deals all season long only on Uber Eats. Order Now. The Ringer is committed to …

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Big Ten Power Rankings Post Week 4: New Contender Emerges | with Casual Big Ten 37:56

5d ago37:56

37:56

Join JR and Kent (Casual Big Ten) on The Big Ten Huddle for an in-depth breakdown of Week 5 Power Rankings after Week 4's action-packed games. They kick off with prayers for Michigan State's Wayne Matthews after his scary injury in the USC game, then dive into rankings debates: Indiana surges to the top after dismantling Illinois 52-14, with Kent b…

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Clutch or Collapse: Iowa Edges Rutgers in Heartbreaker Thriller + Is Oregon a lock to beat Penn St? 43:29

6d ago43:29

43:29

JR and Zach open by recapping Iowa's comeback win over Rutgers, 38-28, in a heartbreaker for the Scarlet Knights. They praise Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis for a strong game despite a late interception, highlighting receivers like KJ Duff, Sheffield, and Ian Strong. Rutgers' offense showed explosiveness, but their defensive line struggled against Io…

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Big Ten vs SEC Out of Conference Score Card | These 5 Big Ten Games Could CHANGE EVERYTHING We Know About the Big Ten | Big Jeff's Insights 1:14:49

7d ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Join us on The Big Ten Huddle for Jeff's expert breakdown of the Big Ten's non-conference struggles versus the SEC after three weeks, including a head-to-head scorecard showing the Big Ten at 1-4 against AP Top 25 teams while the SEC boasts 4-2. We dive into strength of schedule using PFF data, highlighting key wins like Ohio State's edge over Texa…

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The Kimmel Situation. Plus, "Can the Chiefs Really Go 0-3?" and More Week 3 Gambling Questions With Joe House 1:11:34

7d ago1:11:34

1:11:34

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reacts to ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel off the air (2:23). Then, Joe House joins the pod to make their Ringer 107 picks before checking in on the Clippers drama and other NBA news (16:42). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Steve Ceruti The Ringer is committed to responsible gamin…

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Big Ten Week 4 Preview Part 2: Sneaky Showdowns Set to Reveal Teams True Colors 49:24

8d ago49:24

49:24

Join hosts JR and Zach in Part 2 of the Big Ten Week 4 preview on The Big Ten Huddle, where they dissect four can't-miss matchups with sharp analysis, score predictions, and hot takes. Kicking off with Purdue at Notre Dame (7:30), they hail Purdue's gritty turnaround under Barry Odom—hanging tough vs. USC despite three picks from QB Ryan Brown—whil…

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EP313 Who's On First? 34:30

8d ago34:30

34:30

The title of EP313 asks the Question, Who will fill the hole vacated on the Leafs first line this season. But it also pays homage to our Jays coverage as the boys in Blue are on a heater. We talked training camp line combos and who we'd like to see with who as well as who we'd not like to see with who.…

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Big Ten Football Week 4 Preview: Which Big Ten Teams are on Upset Alert in Week 4? 56:08

9d ago56:08

56:08

Join JR and Zach on The Big Ten Huddle for an explosive Week 4 preview! They kick off debating UCLA's "insane" job status—calling out wild takes that it's worse than Northwestern—before diving into picks. Washington rolls WSU 38-21 in the Apple Cup (JR) or 52-13 (Zach), eyeing Ohio State next. Oregon crushes Oregon State 45-10, with Dillon Gabriel …

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Winning QBs and Football Nerds With Mina Kimes, Plus Robert Redford’s Incredible Career With Brian Koppelman 1:47:24

10d ago1:47:24

1:47:24

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Mina Kimes to discuss various NFL topics two weeks into the season and some television shows (3:01). Then, Brian Koppelman joins the pod to remember the late movie star Robert Redford (01:08:01). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Mina Kimes and Brian Koppelman Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Steve Ceruti…

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AP Poll Outrage: USC FINALLY RANKED! Vanderbilt Snubbed, Tennessee Untouchable? 49:42

10d ago49:42

49:42

On this edition of The Big Ten Huddle, JR dives into a sports debate regarding the latest college football rankings. He shares his top 5 teams and offers college football predictions for the upcoming playoff picture, which you can find on espn. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the ncaa landscape. #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball More from JR: On3 Il…

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From Worst to BEST: Brutal PFF Grades for EVERY Big Ten Signal-Caller in Week 3 42:54

11d ago42:54

42:54

In this casual, screen-share deep dive, host JR walks through PFF's Week 3 offensive grades for all Big Ten QBs, starting from rock-bottom (Northwestern's Preston Stone: 11/21, 135 yds, 2 INTs, 3 TWPs, D- from JR) to elite (Indiana's Fernando Mendoza: 19/20, 270 yds, 5 TDs, 94.3 grade, A+). He explains metrics like big-time throws (e.g., Stone's 2 …

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UCLA's Coaching Catastrophe: Inside the Deshaun Foster Firing Debacle 21:49

11d ago21:49

21:49

This somber yet insightful episode dives deep into UCLA football's unprecedented crisis: firing beloved alum and running backs coach Deshaun Foster just three games into his head coaching tenure. Joined by Bruin Source's Kevin (find them @Bruinsource on Twitter and major podcast platforms), hosts JR and Zach unpack the "impossible situation" Foster…

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10 Brutal Takeaways from the Big Ten's Week 3 Nightmare 1:05:42

11d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

In this lively reaction episode, hosts JR and Zach deliver 10 essential takeaways from an underwhelming Week 3 slate in Big Ten football. They kick off with sympathy for fired UCLA coach Deshaun Foster, calling it a "no-win situation" due to roster issues inherited from Chip Kelly. Zach argues Penn State isn't a national title contender yet, citing…

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Cincy Fails Burrow, the Boring Eagles, Guess the Lines, and Crawford’s Brilliance With Cousin Sal 1:55:46

11d ago1:55:46

1:55:46

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal react to Week 2 of the NFL season before getting into some “depressed fan base” rankings and playing a game of “I give up” (2:58). Then, they guess the lines for Week 3, discuss the Canelo vs. Crawford fight, and finally close with Parent Corner (01:09:06). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producers: Chi…

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Elite or Awful? Big Ten Performance Tiers Expose Week 3's Winners and Losers 26:11

12d ago26:11

26:11

JR kicks off The Big Ten Huddle with his Week 3 performance tiers, grading every Big Ten team's output against mostly non-conference foes. Elite tier shines with Michigan's 63-0 rout of Central Michigan, where QB Bryce Underwood added 114 rushing yards and 2 TDs despite passing woes; Oregon's 49-14 win over Northwestern, cruising despite a late gar…

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Big Ten Power Rankings Post Week 3: Ohio State Clings to #1, How Faer Does Wisconsin Drop? 30:21

12d ago30:21

30:21

In this late-night edition of The Big Ten Huddle, JR delivers his Week 4 power rankings following Week 3's action, noting minimal shake-ups overall but significant dings for underperformers. Ohio State stays #1 after a dominant second-half rally vs. Ohio (despite early red-zone woes), edging Oregon (#2) for their road demolition of Northwestern (34…

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EMERGENCY: New Mexico Upsets UCLA; DeShaun Foster is not the only issue... 40:51

13d ago40:51

40:51

In this fiery late-night edition of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR dives into the conference's wild duality after Week 3: UCLA's humiliating 35-10 defeat to New Mexico, a G5 team winless against Power 4 foes since 2008. JR calls the Bruins "embarrassing" for the Big Ten, ripping new HC Deshaun Foster—a first-time coach who "never should have had this …

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Big Jeff's Insights: Picking the Top 5 Games in the Big Ten in Week 3 and Evaluating AP Poll Bias 1:06:02

14d ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Join JR on The Big Ten Huddle for Big Jeff's Insights, where Jeff shares his trip to an Indiana game and critiques non-conference scheduling. They dive into AP Poll bias, comparing it to a FanDuel odds-based top 25 ranking—highlighting discrepancies like Illinois being overrated (AP #9 vs. FanDuel ~#20) and USC underrated (unranked AP vs. FanDuel #…

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The Juggernaut Packers, Realistic Clippers Punishments, and Week 2 NFL Picks With Joe House, Jason Concepcion, and Chris Ryan 1:47:36

14d ago1:47:36

1:47:36

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to react to the ‘TNF’ matchup between the Commanders and Packers (3:16). Then, Chris Ryan and Jason Concepcion join to discuss realistic punishment for the Clippers' scandal (21:32). Finally, House returns for Week 2 of the Ringer 107 picks (58:16). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House, Chris Ryan, a…

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EP312 WE'RE BAAAAAACK 34:39

13d ago34:39

34:39

On EP312 we looked ahead at the 2025/26 schedule. We broke down and ranked each month one by one. We shared our thoughts on the new Overdrive 2 hour format and go into some Jays talk.

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Big Ten Week 3 Preview Part 2: Conference Games Begin! 35:52

15d ago35:52

35:52

JR and Zach kick off with fun mascot banter before diving into previews. For Ohio (1-1) at Ohio State (2-0), they predict a Buckeyes blowout (49-10 JR, 52-17 Zach) but note QB Parker Navarro could frustrate OSU fans; OSU covers -31.5, over 52.5. Oregon (2-0) at Northwestern (1-1): Ducks favored -27.5, over 49.5; predictions 38-10 (JR) and 45-10 (Za…

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Big Ten Week 3 Preview Part 1 + SEC Upset Picks 48:04

16d ago48:04

48:04

Hosts JR and Zack start with lively banter and viewer shoutouts before previewing Big Ten Week 3's lower-tier games. They predict a massive Indiana win over Indiana State (infinity-0 per Zack), focusing on defensive line growth. For New Mexico at UCLA, they debate a close contest (JR: 38-21 UCLA; Zack: 31-30 UCLA) amid mental hangovers. Central Mic…

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Arch Manning, NFL Announcers, a New Deal for 'PTI', the Ballmer Scandal, and a Crawford-Canelo Megafight With Van Lathan Jr., Bryan Curtis, and Chris Mannix 2:04:09

16d ago2:04:09

2:04:09

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Van Lathan Jr. are joined by Bryan Curtis to discuss Arch Manning, college football, media storylines, and more (3:39). Then, Chris Mannix joins to talk about the Steve Ballmer scandal (51:40) and the Crawford-Canelo fight (01:17:05). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Van Lathan Jr., Bryan Curtis, and Chris Mannix Producers: …

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Why the AP Poll is a Joke: Our Top 25 Redo and College Football Playoff Predictions 37:10

17d ago37:10

37:10

JR and Zach kick off by welcoming viewers and outlining the episode: critiquing the AP Poll, sharing their top 25, and predicting the CFP. They dive into the AP Poll, with Zach arguing Penn State is overrated at No. 2 due to lackluster performances compared to teams like LSU, Oregon, and Miami with stronger resumes. They highlight SEC bias, questio…

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What Week 2 Taught Us About Every Big Ten Team 1:23:14

18d ago1:23:14

1:23:14

JR and Zack kick off with fun banter about Minnesota running out of fireworks after scoring big, then roast the AP poll for biases like underranking teams such as USC, Nebraska, and Minnesota while overhyping SEC squads. They critique voters like Pete Yannity and Reese Davis for odd rankings, including Notre Dame too high and Illinois inconsistentl…

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A Classic Josh-Vs.-Lamar Battle, the Week 1 Panic Meter, Guess the Lines and Parent Corner With Cousin Sal 1:32:20

18d ago1:32:20

1:32:20

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to react to Week 1 of the NFL season before guessing the lines for Week 2 and closing with Parent Corner (3:08). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Cousin Sal Producers: Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Steve Ceruti Post your job today at linkedin.com/simmons The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. P…

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S4 Episode 6: Home Stretch w/ Alex Hudson 54:22

17d ago54:22

54:22

The Seattle Mariners finally won their first road series since the All-Star break! Eric and Jamie tentatively celebrate while still reflecting on the recent skid. Then, musician, singer/songwriter and journalist Alex Hudson (Rec Centre, Exclaim!) joins the pod for a discussion of the current Blue Jays, '90s Mariners, and the Tacoma Dome.…

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Big Ten Power Rankings Post Week 2: How High Should Michigan State Rise? 41:37

19d ago41:37

41:37

JR gives his Big Ten football power rankings following week 2, discussing each game and providing an overview of the entire Big Ten conference. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts on michigan football, Ohio State football, USC football, and more, while reminding them to like and subscribe for more college football and Big 10 football cont…