Inside the Upsets, Playoff Math & Rivalry Chaos — USC, A&M, Miami & the New MLB Media World

We dive head-first into a jam-packed Thursday slate as the playoff picture gets murkier, the rivalries get nastier, and the storylines get even better.

Larry and producer Tony open with college football’s shifting landscape — including the explosive pushback from USC and Michigan against private-equity money in the Big Ten — before bringing on three big guests breaking down three massive programs.

Guest: Cooper Perkins (Believe Podcast Network)
Cooper lays out the real path for USC against Oregon — including why Jaden Maiava has zero margin for error and why the Trojans’ only real winning formula might require him to run the ball more than expected.
We also get into:

• The truth about Oregon’s “elite” pass defense

• Why the USC–Notre Dame rivalry might actually get saved by playoff politics

• Which Trojan (hint: Biletnikoff front-runner) deserves more Heisman noise

Guest: Olin Buchanan (TexAgs)
After surviving the wild South Carolina scare, A&M sits undefeated — and the vibes in College Station are absolutely buzzing. Olin breaks down:

• What Mike Elko said at halftime that flipped the switch

• Why A&M’s physical identity MUST show up vs. Texas

• Whether the Aggies can realistically control their own playoff destiny

Guest: Adam Lichtenstein (Sun Sentinel)
Miami’s two-game skid may have knocked the shine off, but the Hurricanes are still mathematically alive — and maybe, finally, finding their rhythm again. Adam explains:

• What actually went wrong during the midseason stumble

• Why Miami’s defense may be playing its best football

• How the Canes stack up against Notre Dame for a potential at-large playoff bid

• The exact chaos needed in the ACC to sneak into Charlotte
  (Plus Adam’s dog weighs in with strong opinions.)

MLB inks new deals with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix — yes, Netflix. Larry and Tony break down what this means for Sunday nights, the future of baseball broadcasting, and how this all syncs with the next CBA window.

On this day in 1969: Pelé scores his 1,000th career goal — a milestone still unmatched in world football.

🏈 USC: Road Test in Eugene🏈 Texas A&M: 10–0 but Tested🏈 Miami: Still Alive and Dangerous⚾ MLB’s Media Shake-Up🌟 Moment of Awe