New series! It’s the Split Zone Duo TEAM OF THE WEEK, a weekly episode in which guest host Rodger Sherman joins Alex and/or Richard to talk in detail about one college football team doing something interesting. That team can be good or bad or anything in between, as long it has a compelling story. This week, we spin off North Dakota State’s first game in FBS, a blowout win over Jacksonville State, and talk about the long arc of the Bison.

Producer: Anthony Vito

Richard is joined by Justis Mosqueda, an Acme Packing Co. writer and Oregon fan, for a quick preview of the national championship-contending Ducks and a deep dive into how college football’s rule changes will affect the special teams plays you might typically tune out. Maybe Kirk Ferentz had a point? Maybe don’t grab that beverage or use the bathroom on fourth down this season. Also, because Richard can’t shut up about it, what does it really mean that the Rams’ use of 13 personnel might be infiltrating the rest of the NFL?

In this episode:

- 0:56: Oregon’s new coordinators, offensive line, and brutal defense

- 7:04: NFL cutdown day and the return-to-college eligibility mess. (Note: This episode was recorded last week, and this is a developing story.)

- 11:17: How college football’s new fair-catch kick will work

- 14:18: Why a new punting rule has Kirk Ferentz pissed

- 30:24: How four-strong formations break match coverages

- 36:22: What the Rams’ 13 personnel package does to a defense

Producer: Anthony Vito