I've been a pretty regular listener from the beginning. I consider myself a thoughtful and measured person, so if Tyler is reading--noting I really enjoy the podcast--here are my constructive criticisms (sorry, kind of long):
1. The show needs a little more structure and consistency. During the season ALWAYS lead off with the previous or upcoming Iowa FB game. ALWAYS. That's what people tune in for. And leave the gambling stuff to the end. Some people don't find that all that interesting, though I understand the need to do it from a sponsorship standpoint
2. They need to be willing to criticize the coaches a little bit more (they do it some, but maybe not enough when we're losing). If BF makes a terrible play-call, they should say it. They should thoughtfully discuss the nepotism issue (like they did the racism stuff, which was VERY well done), and not avoid it. I don't think anyone expects them to do anything more than give forthright, honest opinions on what is happening. I don't see people even in the program holding thoughtful, sincerely held opinions against them
3. They should definitely continue to have former players on, noting those are consistently their best episodes. Jamie Morris is a great example, just a terrific hour with him, same for Henry Marchese. Strongly recommend any doubters give these a listen--you might just be converted
4. I like the new, albeit intermittent, "Top Five" feature. Do one every week at a consistent slot in the program
5. I don't mind "Drake being Drake" as long as he doesn't cross certain lines, which he now seems to be avoiding for the most part. Tyler is a real natural at hosting, and Ward is quite good as well. It makes for pretty easy listening, never any awkward pauses, lots of good back and forth
6. It's great when Kevin gets into X's and O's, like he did with Henry Marchese regarding the 2021 Nebraska punt block. That's really good stuff, they should have some sort of stat or breakdown segment every episode during the season
7. People consistently want to hear "insider" stuff about being a D1 football player. Anecdotes about asst coaches are especially welcome, it really humanizes them, and most are hilarious. A great example was a recent story about Chris Doyle being concerned a Black player was being bullied. Where else are you going to hear something like that about Chris Doyle? You just aren't. All of their behind-the-scenes stuff is worthwhile
8. It's almost worth it just to hear the KF impressions. If I could make one my ring-tone, I would. They are gold
9. In the off-season, consider a weekly recap of a game you were in. What was OSU 2017 like, start to finish? Or 2016 Michigan? Or the Stanford Rose Bowl? What do you remember about it that maybe a fan doesn't know about?
Well, that's all I got. In sum, I highly recommend people give it a try. Would it benefit from a little more structure, among other things? Sure, I think so. It's not perfect by any means
Is it worth giving a try? Absolutely. Start with the Jamie Morris and Henry Marchese episodes. Terrific stuff. Really