College football is BACK—and the Higher Call is ready for Week 1!

Dan is joined by new co-host Jake for a packed episode covering the biggest stories from Week Zero and the games we’re watching in Week One.

We continue our ongoing battle with Notre Dame fans over their… let’s just say interesting cupcake schedule. 😏 We also welcome the North Dakota State Bison to the FBS—and after their dominant Week Zero performance, they may have officially become our new favorite team.

Plus, Jake brings the Florida Gator perspective as we look ahead to Florida’s season, Dan talks Houston Cougar football, and the guys dive into one of the most important questions in sports and faith: What’s your “why”?

Can sports teach us something about perseverance, purpose, and how we respond when things don't go our way?

And of course, it's time for the 5 and 5—10 college football games and 10 picks against the spread.

Whether you're a Gator, Cougar, Bison, Irish fan, or just a Christian who loves college football, there's plenty to talk about.

The Higher Call — Where faith and fandom meet.

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Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Higher Call

01:29 – The $5 Birthday Card Problem

04:02 – Florida Gators Season Preview

08:08 – Jake on Sports, Faith & Perseverance

10:15 – What’s Your “Why”?

11:17 – Thank You to Our Sponsors

12:10 – Week Zero: UNC vs. TCU

14:20 – Virginia Makes a Statement

15:20 – Why We Don’t Want Our Teams Playing Week Zero

16:15 – Meet Our New Favorite Team: North Dakota State

18:19 – The 5 and 5 Begins

19:00 – Colorado vs. Georgia Tech

19:35 – The Apple Cup

20:31 – Louisville vs. Ole Miss

22:36 – Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin

23:54 – We Continue to Insult Notre Dame’s Schedule

26:19 – Boise State vs. Oregon

27:14 – Texas State vs. Texas

27:33 – East Carolina vs. Alabama

27:46 – Oregon State vs. Houston

29:25 – Florida vs. Florida Atlantic

30:03 – SMU vs. Florida State

34:27 – Bonus Pick: North Dakota State

37:40 – College Football Is BACK

38:25 – Houston Heat & Florida Heat

39:10 – Closing Thought: Made in the Image of God

39:31 – Thank You for Listening

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The Higher Call — Where faith and fandom meet.