Split Zone Duo: College Football Podcast · Richard Johnson and Alex Kirshner

24 Points to Change College Football Forever

·1 hr 8 min·5 clips

Sacramento State's economic impact claim rivals the entire GDP of the island nation of Tuvalu.

This episode of Split Zone Duo features hosts Alex Kirshner and Richard Johnson reflecting on recent losses in the college football community and analyzing a consultant report for Sacramento State's move to the FBS. They honor Tennessee media member Wes Rucker, Tampa Bay Times reporter Joey Knight, and former Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore, who all passed away recently. Richard Johnson investigated a consultant report projecting Sacramento State's FBS move would generate nearly $1 billion in economic impact over five years. The consultant's CEO stated the $975 million figure was a mischaracterization, as his $195 million annual projection was not intended to be multiplied by five. Johnson found the report based its $120 million broadcast exposure estimate on TV ratings from select Toledo and Central Michigan games, including a high-rated six-overtime bowl game. He compiled actual MAC game ratings from the previous season and shared them with the consultant, who then revised the broadcast impact estimate down by $40 million. The hosts compare the economic impact projections to a hypothetical $10 million revenue forecast for their own podcast, noting such figures are theoretical until directly linked to increased revenue streams. They humorously suggest their audience could produce an economic impact report surpassing the $61 million GDP of Tuvalu. Alex and Richard then discuss Jeff Monken's proposal to move the Army-Navy game to Thanksgiving weekend to accommodate College Football Playoff expansion. They debate whether the game's traditional standalone date is essential to its appeal, with Alex arguing people would watch Army-Navy whenever it's scheduled. The main segment is a game where each host has 24 points to change historical college football outcomes. Richard uses three points to flip Florida's 2001 loss to Tennessee, a game rescheduled to December after 9/11, which he believes cost Florida an SEC title and Rex Grossman a Heisman. Alex allocates two points to give Nebraska a win over Miami in the 1984 Orange Bowl, questioning if Miami's dynasty and South Florida's recruiting boom would have occurred without that win. Richard assigns four points to let 2010 Boise State beat Nevada, creating a messy BCS scenario with four undefeated teams. Alex uses three points to reverse Doug Flutie's Hail Mary, aiming to prevent the "Flutie Effect" and its influence on university presidents overvaluing football. Richard plans to spend eight points overturning the controversial pass interference call in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl between Miami and Ohio State. The hosts maintain a conversational and analytical tone, blending serious reflection with investigative reporting and playful historical speculation. This episode will appeal to fans interested in college football's economic realities, historical debates, and cultural impact, while those seeking only game previews or betting advice might find the deeper dives less engaging.

As heard by us

A skeptical college football discussion that turns a large historical question into a grounded, listenable debate.

Split Zone Duo starts with a plainspoken nod to recent losses in the college football world, then shifts into a skeptical, half-serious look at whether 9/11 changed the sport's course.

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Want a college football debate that opens with grief and then asks whether 9/11 changed the sport?

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