Blitz Podcast: USC football unrest, NCAA rules changes, Heisman odds
By Zach Bigalke
The Saturday Blitz Podcast discusses recent statements that could affect USC football, NCAA rules changes proposals, and early 2020 Heisman Trophy odds.
We are now officially into the offseason. The coaching carousel has stopped spinning for the moment. Football discussions are focused on the NFL Combine and XFL games. Spring football is just around the corner. That puts us in the sweet spot this week for the Saturday Blitz Podcast to discuss some other topics dealing with the upcoming season and the broader discourse around conference realignments.
With months between now and the next college football action, these are the doldrums where fans are left to fantasize. Mike Bohn, athletic director at USC for the past four months, dropped a bombshell on a recent 247Sports podcast saying that “everything is on the table” in terms of the Trojans future. This week’s podcast dives into how serious USC might be about leaving the Pac-12, and whether it would be an advantageous move for the school.
From there, the podcast moves into a conversation about five recent proposed rules changes released by the NCAA. Among the possible aspects of the game up for potential rule changes include targeting (but not the change many people wanted); time allotted for replay reviews; relatively nondescript changes to rules around jersey numbering; and a possible increase of pre-game officiating jurisdiction that could have the biggest impact of all.
The final segment of this week’s podcast turns attention toward the gambling aspects of college football. Specifically, after looking at early national championship odds a few weeks ago, we turn our attention to the bookmakers already starting to take bets on 2020 Heisman Trophy contenders. Which hopefuls might offer the best value, and who is wildly overrated by the sportsbooks?
Have a listen now through the player above or download this week’s episode to listen to through your favorite podcast player.
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The Saturday Blitz Podcast is part of the FanSided Radio Network at Spreaker. The show goes live every Wednesday morning. You can reach John Mitchell at @jlmitchell93 and Zach Bigalke at @zbigalke on Twitter.