Cougar Tailgate

BYU's and Boise State's football teams are going in different directions. And after playing for 11-straight seasons, this newish rivalry is also going in a different direction as the Cougars head to the Big 12. BJ Rains of Bronco Nation News joins the podcast to talk about why this has been a successful series between the two teams and which Power 5 conference would be the best fit for Boise State...

It's been 50 years since BYU hired LaVell Edwards as the head football coach. And what a legacy he has left on and off the football field. This podcast reflects on Edwards' hiring, great games, and the lives he touched. Guests: Gary Sheide - Former BYU Quarterback. Glen Kozlowski - Former BYU/Chicago Bears wide receiver.

Having matched up with Liberty only once, the Cougars are looking to move to 2-0 against the Flames this weekend. At Liberty University, there is more to it than just playing football. Lauren and Cleon sat down with Dr. Ed Gomes, Director of Spiritual Development for Liberty Football, and learned what it was like to be more than an athlete. Ed dives into the process of how he got to where he is no...

One of the greatest walk-on college football players was Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth. He eventually earned a scholarship and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Burlsworth died in a car crash before he played a down in the NFL. Brandon's brother, Marty, explains how they still honor Brandon today through the Burlsworth Foundation and Burlsworth Trophy. Lauren and Cleon mention...

Did you know that legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne taught at BYU? Jim Lefebvre, Executive Director of the Knute Rockne Memorial Society, explains why that came about. But first, Lauren and Cleon talk about the football history between BYU and Notre Dame, if this matchup is considered a rivalry game, and BYU's home away from home Las Vegas.

Utah State is BYU's second longest rival in football. But with BYU entering the Big 12, who knows how often they will play in the future? Lauren and Cleon discuss what they like about the game for the Old Wagon Wheel trophy and how often the two teams should play. Plus, BYU Sports Network analyst Riley Nelson shares what the rivalry means to both fan bases. Curtis Brown, Bret Engemann, and Nelson...

Do Cougar fans remember that BYU and Wyoming were big rivals? The two teams have played 88 times? Lauren and Cleon reminisce on Wyoming and some of our other favorite rivalries. Which rivalry would you like to see BYU continue in the future? Also, Wyoming football color commentator, Kevin McKinney, joins us as we look forward to this Saturday's matchup.

Lauren and Cleon briefly discuss what they loved about BYU's 26-20 over Baylor before talking about Oregon's uniform revolution. Nike helped the Ducks pioneer the sweet threads we see on the Cougars and other college teams today. Some of the players share their favorite uniform combinations. Rob Moseley, editor-in-chief of Oregon athletics, stops by the show to talk about what Cougar fans can expe...

Are you ready for BYU's home season opener vs. Baylor? Lauren and Cleon are here to help. Join us as we discuss our first memories of attending a game at Lavell Edwards Stadium and some of our favorite Cougar home openers. Former Cougar tight end Chad Lewis says BYU's best home opener was one he watched but didn't play in. Also, Baylor's director of sports journalism, Jerry Hill, joins our tailgat...

BYU's last season of independence kicks off at the University of South Florida. So, Lauren McClain and new co-host Cleon Wall prep fans by revisiting our most memorable road openers in Cougar history. Joey Johnston, senior writer and radio talent for USF Athletics, then joins the crew to give the short history of Bulls football. Hint: the hosts are older than the football program.

BYU football's fall camp is just about ready to start, so former Cougar QB Robbie Bosco stops by to talk about what he experienced during his time in Provo and what he learned from guys like Jim McMahon and Steve Young. But first, Spencer Linton details what he thinks will be the top storylines from this version of Camp Kalani. Let's say quarterbacks Jaren Hall and Jacob Conover will be big topics...

Jennifer Rockwood is a pioneer when it comes to BYU women's athletics. She has been the Cougars' only women's soccer coach in the team's history. And it all started with her playing club soccer for the university back in the 80s. As Rockwood starts her 27th season, she reflects on the program's humble beginnings and tells fans what type of team fans can expect in 2022. (Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU)

Lauren talks with Ben Bagley about summer sports they enjoy and other unusual sports they wish they could be a part of. Later they are joined by BYU's Trent Pratt, who shares about his learning curves of becoming the new head BYU baseball coach mid-season, his hero's journey of being where he is today, and his passion for the career he loves.

Lauren McClain talks to wide receiver Gunner Romney about coming back for one more season and playing without his brother. And then, Cougar defensive coach Preston Hadley talks about playing in the first year of independence and then coaching in the last year of independence.

Lauren McClain interviews BYU passing game coordinator, Fesi Sitake, and his insights on unexpectedly becoming a coach and how it's affected his life. Later senior defensive lineman, Lorenzo Fauatea, comes on the show to share about how he has overcome injuries and what his hopes for football are as he goes into his senior year and more.

Lauren McClain and co-host Dave Phillips Jr. discuss the best father-child duos in all of sports. Brian Santiago joins the show to talk about the future of BYU Football and other sports in the upcoming academic year.

Lauren McClain and co-host Ben Bagley discuss which athletes they would defend no matter what. The best athletes from the same family with BYU ties and the professional level are also the big topic. Madie Matthews joins the show to talk about life after soccer and what it's like being a mom.

Lauren McClain and co-host Jason Shepard rave about the new movie, "Top Gun Maverick," and talk about who in the sporting world they'd have as their wingman. Isaiah Kafusi joins the show and shares about being a dad, a little about his brother Jackson, and BYU football in 2022.

Lauren McClain and Co-host David Phillips Junior go in depth about all the changes in sports and which rule change they'd like to see happen. BYU hype girl; Director of the Tony finau foundation; and KSL food reporter, Chelsea Fairbourn, talks about Tony, her favorite game she has called, and how she juggles her day-to-day demands.

Laruen McClain and Co-host Spencer Linton talk about BYU fan-fest and which team makes the biggest leap in 2022-2023 season. BYU Women's volleyball head coach Heather Olmstead joins the show to talk about coaching her USA volleyball's U21 team, her favorite vacation spot, and her key to consistency.

Lauren and co-host David Phillips Jr. talk about which NBA players could be drafted into the NFL. Former BYU Football Defensive Back, Brian Logan, joins the show to talk about the NFL draft and how he faired in the BYU Alumni game.

Lauren and co-host Spencer Linton talk about their three wishes for BYU sports. BYU softball player, Violet Zavodnik, joins the show to share about her wonderful softball career so far and if she misses playing baseball. Listen to it here on Cougar Tailgate.

This episode has information regarding the incredible career of the basketball coach, Jeff Judkins, and the type of person he was. Ashley Hatch later joins the show and talks about scoring goals against some of the best players in the world and what her expectations are as she moves forward in her record breaking career.

Lauren and co-host Ben Bagley talk about nostalgic memories they've experienced from various sporting events, and the positive impact those and historical athletes have made in our lives today. Austin Deming comes on the show to share about his experiences as a BYU baseball player, and how he got into the sport to begin with. You can listen to all of this here, on Cougar Tailgate.

Laruen and Co-host Dave Phillips Jr. talk about favorite sports fan moments, what it's like to be around so many well known athletes in their career, details on the upcoming alumni game at Lavell Edwards Stadium, and a look into the life of former BYU athlete, Johnathan Tavernari.