After one of the most tumultuous years in Virginia sports history, there are a lot of new faces around Charlottesville. We brought on Kris Wright of TheSabre.com to analyze the state of the UVA athletic department and what to expect with the upcoming football and basketball seasons. Topics for discussion include: How Virginia is navigating the new college landscape in the wake of the House settlement What to expect from Virginia basketball now that the roster is nearly complete Fan expectations ...
Jun 24, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 18
The long-awaited approval of the House settlement was issued on June 6th and has already shifted the landscape of college sports. Has this agreement created a clear path forward or unearthed even more questions and lawsuits? In this episode, we discuss: Will Wade stoking the rivalry flames with UNC UVA baseball hiring Chris Pollard from Duke The most pressing questions that remain in college sports following the House settlement You can always email the show at preferredwalkons@yahoo.com . You c...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 17
We commemorated the 100th episode of the podcast by doing two of our favorite things: celebrating the success of the ACC and talking about college football betting. In this episode, we discuss the College World Series and preview ACC football teams that are under- and overrated by Vegas prognosticators. Topics for discussion include: The ACC's success in the Regional rounds of the NCAA Baseball Tournament Brian O'Connor leaving UVA to accept a job at Mississippi State Vegas projections of season...
Jun 04, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 16
The ACC faces economic headwinds in trying to keep up with other major conferences. Now, commissioners of the SEC and Big 10 are attempting to stack the College Football Playoff deck in their favor. What can the ACC do to fight for survival while still advocating for the good of the game? In this episode, we discuss: ACC coaches providing unflattering anonymous feedback about Virginia football College football's search for an equitable playoff system Overzealous fan expectations of incoming bask...
May 28, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Everyday brings new surprises for college sports fans in the era of the transfer portal. No one is more connected to college basketball recruiting than On3's Joe Tipton. We discussed how he has become one of the most influential reporters in the sport and the behind the scenes stories that have defined the offseason. In this episode, we: Discuss the pros and cons of the new scheduling model for ACC basketball (0:00-9:08) Debate whether UVA and NC State are capable contenders in the new college b...
May 14, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Virginia's football and basketball programs have experienced significant roster turnover this offseason. What should Cavaliers' fans expect in pivotal years for both teams? TheSabre.com contributor and Hoos On Podcast host Preston Willett joins the show to discuss: What fans should expect from the Virginia football team this fall after a complete roster overhaul Ryan Odom's success in rebuilding the Virginia basketball team Virginia baseball's NCAA tournament chances You can always email the sho...
May 07, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 13
After a season in which only four ACC teams made the NCAA Tournament, programs appear to be investing significant money in the transfer portal to be competitive in 2026. In this episode, we discuss how the conference is responding to the ever-changing college sports landscape and how the ambiguity about eligibility rules is shaping the offseason. Topics for discussion include: The Savannah Bananas game at Clemson How ACC basketball programs are faring in the transfer portal Whether the NCAA shou...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 12
This is our 2025 NFL Draft preview episode! Which college players are poised for superstardom on Sundays and which will leave fans disappointed? In this episode, we discuss: A missed connection with a possible fan of the show Coach Prime calling out Virginia football for recruiting his players Our overall impressions of this draft class and the buzz around Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter Which quarterbacks are worth the risk of using a first-round draft pick The most intriguing skill positio...
Apr 22, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 11
March Madness is over and it has ended in glory for the Florida Gators and Connecticut Huskies. Before transitioning to an offseason of transfer portal mayhem, we analyzed how these champions survived and advanced through the tournament and the legacies they leave behind. Topics for discussion include: How Florida was able to orchestrate another come-from-behind victory over Houston How fans are reacting to news from the transfer portal What Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers mean to women's baske...
Apr 09, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 10
There are sixteen teams still playing in the NCAA Tournament and only one of them represents the ACC. However, a new class of coaches bring promise to one of college basketball's premier conferences. We sat down with Kris Wright of TheSabre.com to discuss Virginia's new head coach and whether the ACC can bounce back from a disappointing season. In this episode, we discuss: The experience of watching the NCAA Tournament in Seattle What to expect from Ryan Odom's tenure in Charlottesville and UVA'...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 9
After four long months, the NCAA Tournament is finally here! We've got you covered with everything you need to know to confidently lose your pool. In this episode, we discuss: Duke's ACC Tournament championship and injury concerns The Selection Committee's questionable decisions with UNC and Louisville Best bets, upsets, compelling storylines, and Final Four picks from each region
Mar 18, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Our coverage of the ACC Tournament continues from Charlotte after two thrilling semifinal games. Both Duke and Louisville managed to survive after nearly giving away big leads, while North Carolina is left reeling on the bubble after a brutal lane violation. In this episode, we offer our quick reactions to both games, discuss UNC's chances of making the NCAA Tournament, and look ahead to the ACC Championship. You can always email the show at preferredwalkons@yahoo.com . You can also follow us on...
Mar 15, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 7
The Michaels are reporting live from the ACC Tournament in Charlotte. There have been two days of compelling basketball games and the sudden firing of UVA head coach Ron Sanchez. In this episode, we provide a behind-the-scenes look at everything that has taken place in the Queen City. Topics for discussion include: Virginia's decision to fire Ron Sanchez and possible replacements The most interesting and exciting storylines from the first two days of the ACC Tournament A preview of highly antici...
Mar 13, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 6
On the eve of the men's ACC basketball tournament, the basketball world received shocking news out of Raleigh. A year after winning the conference tournament and taking his team to the Final Four, Kevin Keatts has been fired from NC State. We analyzed the decision and whether any ACC teams are capable of making a similar run in this year's tournament. Topics for discussion include: NC State's decision to fire Kevin Keatts and what it means for other conference coaching vacancies The most intrigu...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 5
With the ACC having a tough year in men's college basketball, is it time for the conference to explore a merger with the Big East? We explore that topic and look ahead to the upcoming ACC tournament. Topics for discussion include: The possible partnership of the ACC and the Big East The ACC's bubble situation approaching March Madness Current matchups in the ACC Tournament Miami's potential hire of Jai Lucas and the weirdly secretive extension of Hubert Davis at UNC National contenders in the AC...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 4
With only a few weeks left in college basketball's regular season, we analyzed the job security of ACC basketball coaches. Which coaches are safe at their current schools and which should start updating their CV? Topics for discussion include: Duke's first loss of the season, UNC's tournament hopes, and the ascension of Clemson Which ACC basketball coaches are on the hot seat Ron Sanchez's prospects of getting another season at UVA You can always email the show at preferredwalkons@yahoo.com . Yo...
Feb 12, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The first weekend of February was fun for casual college basketball fans but less encouraging for supporters of Virginia and NC State. As the ACC title race heats up, we look at the most surprising teams in the conference and analyze whether anyone can stop Duke from an undefeated season. In this episode, we discuss: How the Luka Dončić trade impacts the ACC The prospect of NC State and UVA missing the ACC Tournament The biggest surprises in the ACC and which teams could make a run in the confer...
Feb 03, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The winter months have not been kind to fans of the Atlantic Coast Conference. With a poor showing in bowl season and the College Football Playoffs and mediocre prospects for March Madness, the ACC has been difficult to defend. We discuss our fandom of the conference and college sports generally, before turning our attention to the CFP semifinals. In this episode, we: Assess the strength of the ACC amidst the changing landscape of college sports Analyze the CFP quarterfinals, including Texas' co...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 1
At long last, the expanded College Football Playoff is here! We have you covered with analysis of the four first round games taking place this weekend and a recap of the Heisman Trophy race. Topics for discussion include: Whether Bill Belichick will be successful at UNC Whether Travis Hunter was a worthy Heisman Trophy winner Our picks against the spread for the first round of the College Football Playoff You can always email the show at preferredwalkons@yahoo.com . You can also follow us on Twi...
Dec 16, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 40
For fans of the Atlantic Coast Conference, it was a confusing week. On the one hand, two conference teams were able to punch tickets to the College Football Playoff. However, it was also a disastrous week for basketball teams looking for resume building opportunities. In this episode, we analyze both college football and basketball to see where the conference stands. Topics for discussion include: Bill Belichick interviewing for the UNC football opening Reactions to the release of the College Fo...
Dec 09, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 39
College football rivalry week produced some shocking upsets and unprecedented postgame fighting. However, for Virginia fans, it was an all too familiar result. After missing bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season, where do the Cavaliers go from here? We spoke to TheSabre.com reporter and Hoos On Podcast host Preston Willett about the path to relevance for the Virginia football team. Topics for discussion include: The rise of "flag planting" as a way of taunting rivals How to evaluate ...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 38
The last weekend of the college football season is upon and filled to the brim with rivalry games. With bowl eligibility and conference championship berths still on the line across the country, will we be treated to one last calamitous weekend of football? In this episode, we discuss: The interesting history of SMU's mascot, Peruna Major shake ups in the College Football Playoff after upsets in Week 13 Two chaotic endings that reaffirm our love for college football Previews and picks for every A...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 37
After a bye week, we are back and ready to analyze the stretch run of the college football season. As we enter the final weeks of the regular season, which College Football Playoff contenders have a legitimate chance of winning it all? In this week's episode, we discuss: A mock draft for the CFP hopefuls most likely to win the national championship The Week 13 ACC football schedule with picks, analysis, and betting advice The most interesting national games to watch this Saturday How the start o...
Nov 18, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 36
No league has started the college basketball season hotter than the ACC. All 15 teams who played on Monday's opening night came away with wins. To preview the upcoming season, we came up with our hottest takes to watch for as the season progresses. Topics for discussion include: Top takeaways from the opening night of the college basketball season Our hottest takes for the ACC basketball season Picks and stats for every ACC football game in Week 11 The most intriguing games to watch this Saturda...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 35
On Monday, American professional sports fans were just treated to the "equinox" with all four leagues playing games on the same day. For fans of college sports, we are rapidly approaching the overlap of meaningful football games with the beginning of the basketball season. In this episode, we preview a critical weekend of college football games and provide analysis of what to expect this season on the hardwood. Topics for discussion include: What we learned from Week 9 of the college football se...
Oct 30, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 34
On Friday, Tony Bennett shocked the college basketball world by announcing his immediate retirement. We reflect on his legacy at Virginia and the broader college basketball landscape that led to his decision to step away. Topics for discussion include: Tony Bennett's legacy at UVA and what he brought to the game of basketball Takeaways from Week 8 of the college football season Predictions and best bets for every ACC football game in Week 9 National games of interest to watch this weekend You ca...
Oct 23, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Week 7 provided a number of close calls for College Football Playoff contenders. With a second straight weekend of high-profile games on the docket, who will emerge as the frontrunner for the national championship? In this episode, we discuss: Whether it is a "down year" for the SEC Dan Lanning's strategic use of a "too many men" penalty Our picks and best bets for every ACC football game in Week 8 National games of interest including Texas-Georgia and Tennessee-Alabama You can always email the ...
Oct 16, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Week 6 of the college football season was a calamity for many elite football programs. Five Top 25 teams lost to unranked opponents, including Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan, and USC. With several high profile games on the calendar this weekend, will we see more chaos or a return to normalcy? In this episode, we discuss: The prize-winning foods at this year's Texas State Fair Another controversial ending to a Miami football game How major upsets in Week 6 impact the College Football Playoff Our pi...
Oct 09, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Week 5 brought us two of the most chaotic games of the college football season. As the calendar turns to October, what surprises should we expect this weekend? In this episode, we discuss: An instant classic between Alabama and Georgia A controversial ending to the Virginia Tech-Miami game The advent of "NIL redshirting" Our picks and key statistics for every ACC football game in Week 6 National games of interest to watch this weekend You can always email the show at preferredwalkons@yahoo.com ....
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Week 4 of the college football season was great for fans of high-powered offenses and haters of North Carolina. With a battle of top 5 teams looming this weekend, can anything top the rush of watching the Tar Heels surrender 70 points? In this episode, we discuss: North Carolina's defensive meltdown against JMU and Mack Brown's possible retirement Michigan's smashmouth win over USC and Florida State's first victory Virginia Tech's disappointing start to the season and other ACC surprises Predict...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 29