Episode 42: Bring on the Podcast with Derek Smith

Junction City Daily Union sports editor Derek Smith makes his triumphant return to Bring on the Cats to join us in this week's podcast, but to be honest, you guys, he doesn't seem that sad to be covering K-State for real instead of just blogging about them from his mom's basement. Weird, right? Anyway, Derek and BracketCat offer some solid insights as to why you should appreciate this team — and especially Jake Waters — more than you probably do, and just what went wrong to prevent them from winning another Big 12 title.

We also take a look around the Big 12 and discuss the possible beginnings of a dynasty at Baylor, how TCU got so far ahead of schedule, how long it might take Charlie Strong to get Texas back to being Texas, what Tyreek Hill's huge punt return means in Norman and Stillwater, why Paul Rhoads still has a job, and LOLKU. There's also a bit of an Alamo Bowl Preview in there somewhere, but come back later for a much more in-depth look, ideally with someone who has UCLA expertise.

In case you're new here, don't forget to follow Derek Smith on Twitter at @dereksmith and you can also read his work (subscription required) at the Junction City Daily Union's website.

Note: This podcast was required Wednesday night, which is relevant to some of the discussions regarding All-Big 12 teams, some college basketball scores and probably a few other things.

Episode 41: Bring on the Podcast with Matt Wilson of Bears Illustrated

Even though he abandoned the good folks at Our Daily Bears, we still invited Matt Wilson (formerly MattisBear, now of Bears Illustrated on the Scout network) back on the podcast to join KSUEMAW! and I to preview this Saturday's Top 10 showdown between Kansas State and Baylor. Anyone who has ever heard our shows with Matt before won't be surprised we took some time to talk about McLane Stadium and Twitter (sorry, Mrs. Wilson) before finally getting to important things such as Bryce Petty's status and what the Bears' offense might look like without their star quarterback.

Matt confirms we should expect a high-scoring game unless Kansas State's safeties can step up in a big way or Baylor improves enough to stop Jake Waters running the football and throwing the ball to Tyler Lockett. Finally, we circle back to Baylor Twitter to air our grievances about the Baylor-TCU College Football Playoff ranking debate, one that should change drastically this weekend, no matter the result in this game or others across the country.

Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter at @mattisbear and check out his stuff on Bears Illustrated if you're looking for info on the latest high school kids headed to Waco. We're still hoping to one day put together a pickup basketball game between Bring on the Cats and Our Daily Bears, so please feel free to choose among the staffers and leave your lineup ideas in the comments. One rule: Matt and I must be starting point guards, which is obviously a battle I would dominate with my 5-inch height advantage.