Tim Brando Pt. 1 (Deion), Mike McFeely (NDSU-SDSU post-portal, NIL more than $$$), John's case for J.J. McCarthy

Happy Hour with John Gaskins

One of America's highest-profile college football and basketball anchors and play-by-play voices for over 30 years, Brando has spent time with Deion Sanders at Colorado and gives a unique perspective on why he thinks "Coach Prime" will stay in Boulder and forego a chance to coach his beloved Dallas Cowboys. (We'll have plenty more strong college football takes and stories about working with sportscasting icons on Friday in Tim Brando, Pt. 2).

McFeely, the 30-year Forum of Fargo-Moorhead columnist, has a strong feeling why Deion isn't as highly-lauded as most coaches who accomplished what he has at Colorado. But before that, he predicts SDSU's 2025 success based off gutted roster, explains why Jimmy Rogers' actions since taking the Washington State job were not becoming of a "Mr. Jackrabbit" kind of guy, and gives glimpse into Bryce Lance's decision to forego potentially far more money and a higher profile in the FBS and stay in Fargo — along with every other top experienced Bison player.

Plus, why so many of us are thinking about just money and overlooking some important nuance when it comes to how college football players determine if they will transfer for NIL reasons — especially those that stay at FCS schools like USD, SDSU, NDSU.

Before all this, John picks apart arguments against J.J. McCarthy's potential as an NFL quarterback. Was he really on easy street at Michigan and in for a rude awakening if he is the Vikings' starter next year? There are truth and stats that suggest he'll be far better under pressure than Sam Darnold.