Against the Grain

Brewers in 7? Are the Mavs done? Do the Rams have a Big Three?

In the seventh episode of Against the Grain, we began with the Fall Classic, aka the World Series. The crew discussed whether this would be a "small market" WS or draw a crowd, considering they were both the No. 1 seeds in their respective leagues. Seth, Andrew, MJ, and Jackson each went over what each team needed for their keys to victory. In another edition of "More or Less," we stayed on the topic of baseball, with the team trying to estimate regular-season stats for players on the World Series teams. Despite my best efforts to thwart their momentum, the team slipped past and pulled off a sneaky win, even though I had promised to make the game difficult. The NBA did not disappoint with a crazy first slate of games, just as our segment did not disappoint in covering all of these headlines. As Jackson declares the Mavericks' season is already over, the Rockets looked alive with the return of VanVleet. Seth was intending to go on a full ramble (poor Nikola) on each of these teams, but alas, time was not on his side. Andrew did not like the disrespect LeBron offered to Jackson and emphasized that the king is still here. Neil and Cole led the way in the weekly NFL recap, targeting the LA teams and hitting the panic button. Josh Allen was called a "gimmick master" (I'm sure Joshua would have had some words) as the team favors Purdy as the current MVP. To end the episode, Cole emphasizes his disgust regarding Jaden McDaniels' inflated contract as Neil proclaims Connor McDavid as the greatest athlete of all time (quite the take). In a super jammed-packed episode, there is surely something for everyone!

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Jordyn's Journey & The Return of the NBA

After spending our first five weeks covering the NFL and MLB, the NBA slowly crept into the scene and made a huge splash. NBA connoisseur David makes his long-awaited return, leading the team's NBA season coverage with major news that sent shockwaves across the league: the NBA banning certain types of sports betting (Jackson was devastated). The team also covered which NBA teams have the most pressure to win a championship this year, and dished out "hot" takes that turned out to be mild (GLowe and Fox would have had a feast). In the brand-new game "More or Less," the team had to determine the values of NBA players for the upcoming season. Although I had thought the questions were on the harder end, it turns out that our team has too much knowledge in such a niche area that they succeeded in getting past my antics. In another weekly NFL recap, the team discussed the falloff of the LA teams (which seemed like a very targeted conversation) and their concern about Sam Darnold returning to "pumpkin" form. Seth shares some wisdom about the Vikings still being a legit playoff team despite their horrendous offense, and Andrew laments the bleak outlook for his Eagles team as they look to start 4th-string RB Dameon Pierce. To conclude the episode, we brought on Rice Women's Soccer player and special guest Jordyn Mariam! As the Lady Owls aim to push for a strong end to the season, Jordyn offers not only insight into these last few games but also a reflection on her 4 years at Rice. Listen in to hear her amazing story!

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Hot Streak, Ice Week, Wavelength Geek

We started off the show in an unusual manner. The NHL has returned, and with that, our experts Seth, Neil, and Cole (new addition!) all came out to showcase their takes on what to expect from the new season. There were a lot of takes in this segment, so don't miss out on what we have to say! We played the popular internet game "Wavelength". The team did a great job of providing elite hints to Seth to help them succeed as a team. In our weekly NFL segment, we covered the remaining 3-0 teams and wondered how both the Vikings and the Raiders have found success so far this season. Some of the takes here were very hot and certainly questionable. MJ had a field day with the soundboard and showed no mercy, attacking fellow Giants fan Cole with his takes. The MLB Wild Card Series has ended, and we offered reactions on how it shook out, without disappointment in the Astros and Red Sox for not putting up a fight. We brought back our beloved "Quick Hit" segment with Seth reigniting his passion for the "Nine saga" and Cole debriefing the Jalen Duren situation. Not a second was missed in these show-stopping performances, so tune in to hear their opinions!

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Texans & Astros: Playoff Larp Maxxers?

We kicked off our show with our now-weekly NFL Recap. Inside the coverage, we were debating which of these 2-0 teams we believe are legit and which are certified frauds (there was some good debate over some of these verdicts). We then went over some possible concerns regarding the 0-2 teams, such as the Texans (big yikes), Bucs, and Chargers. Our "Wheel of Categories" game involved a very interesting turn of events (no spoilers, sorry) that ended up shaking the show as we know it. There were some deep pulls and miracles pulled off, so take a listen to see our ball knowledge at full display. We concluded the episode with one of the longest MLB segments in our show's history, going over every single Wild Card matchup and some bonus coverage for the Rangers & Astros playoff race to secure the worst division winner in MLB history. We covered a lot of content in this juggernaut episode, and to think we did it with only three people in the studio. You have to hear it to believe it!

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59 Points, 10 Words, One Rice Legend

After witnessing the highest scoring NFL Week 1 ever, the crew came back and analyzed what really went on in these matchups. How on Earth did the Bears score 59 points? How did the Texans' defense let up 36 points? Will Neil ever have a correct take again? All the questions will be answered in our Week 1 NFL Recap! Following the NFL theme, we split the crew into Neil & Andrew vs. Seth & Joshua for the game "Ten Words or Less," where they attempted to describe 5 players from across the league. In our first-ever edition of "Keep or Sell," the crew went through seven key NFL Fantasy players that underperformed this past week. There were definitely a few interesting takes and some areas of concern for players drafted in the first rounds of your draft. We concluded our episode with special guest and Rice Legend Gus Gannon! Holding several school records in indoor and outdoor long-distance events, he went behind the scenes on what it means to be a D1 athlete at Rice. He shares several of his best memories from his time at Rice and offers an outlook on the upcoming season! Tune in to listen to his story!

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NFL, CFB, MLB: Serving Subs the Maye's Way

With the return of MJ & Jackson, we began the episode with a bit of card collectors' jargon. As we agreed, if they make a profit in the end, we can't judge. Today, we began the episode with an NFL Week 1 review of both the Patriots v. Seahawks and the 49ers v. Rams. The crew had a lot to say about each of the losing teams, so tune in to hear their critiques! Joshua, Andrew, and Neil all shared their Super Bowl teams and award favorites. We then transitioned into a full recap of Week 1 of College Football. With the BIG 10 looking shaky in their first week, we turned to the SEC to highlight their best teams and who may emerge as a contender. Neil and Seth tested our new "Initials Game" (for your sake, skip round 1) in the battle of the ball knowledge giants. We then transitioned to an MLB end-of-season analysis, with a bit of an awards and Playoff preview. Jackson concluded our episode with the Women's FIBA World Cup as we recapped the US's successful run with what he calls "The Dream Team". As per custom, we went through our predictions with a concerning amount of UT hate as we ended the episode with a strong series of jokes.

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Fantasy & Football: The Return of the Team

As we brush off the dust from the summer, we begin a NEW SEASON of KTRU Against the Grain! In this new season, we welcome many familiar faces (Neil, Seth, Jacob) and some newcomers (Andrew & Joshua). Although we will miss our graduated members, we strive to continue their legacy as we grow the podcast! Today, we previewed the NFL season (which is less than a week away) with our insight on Division Leaders, Sleeper teams, and Frauds (as always, Neil puts these poor teams on blast)! We immediately tested the ball knowledge of Joshua, one of the newest members of the podcast, as he faced up against hotshot Neil in a duel of wits. Rice has also just started its inaugural year for the Residential College Fantasy Football League. We dive into and give some harsh scores to our fellow colleagues as the pressure is on for these GMs! As always, we finish the episode with a dramatic 49ers and Rams quick hits and the return of underdog predictions! This was a football-stacked episode as we showed our excitement for the greatest season of the year!

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World Cup Mega Preview

We are less than 50 days away from the BIGGEST sporting event in the WORLD. The World Cup is coming to the US, Mexico, and Canada starting on June 11th and going until July 19th. Our crew today (Julian, Andrew, Max, and Jacob) gives an in-depth breakdown of the top teams at the tournament, a group stage preview, and a solemn brief on the state of the US Men's National Team. There are many questions answered in this behemoth of an episode, with several goodies for you to enjoy. No matter where you are, tune in for this episode and turn out for a game close to you, as this will be an unforgettable experience.

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If You Don't Stop And Look Around Once in a While, You Could Miss It

In our final episode of the semester, we look back on a great year of Against The Grain. From great takes and total misses to unforgettable quotes and memorable moments, we recap the highlights from all of last year! Tune in to hear our end-of-the-year awards segment ("The Grainies")!! After looking inward, we turn our attention to what was an unbelievable 1st round draft night. Who were the biggest steals of the evening? Which teams reached too far? Why are Jacob's Rams getting absolutely flamed? Listen in to hear the rant of the year from Neil and much more. In our final game of the year, team captains Seth and Neil square off in another wheel of categories duel. What happened to Garret and David's brains? I couldn't tell you. It was a great episode. It was a great year. We'll miss the hours of preparation that went into the show each week. We'll miss getting way off topic in production meetings. We'll miss yelling at each other over egregious takes. But, most of all, we'll miss the people who helped make this a show. Sincerely, Garret Lowe and Ian Kleppinger

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Playoff Palooza

As our motivation for school fades away, our excitement for sports goes on an absolute heater with the beginning of the NBA & NHL playoffs. Nothing beats this part of the year, and the crew has you covered with the best analysis and predictions set for every first-round matchup in the NBA & NHL. Who will come out of the West? Are the Lakers really nothing without Luka & Reaves? Will MJ's Knicks really make it to the NBA finals? How bad is the Pacific Division really? Will we see Seth's Wild make a cheeky run deep into the playoffs? Do the Sabres have the potential to edge out the Bruins? So many questions that will be answered in this jammed-packed episode! Rice Baseball has been on a hot streak recently. Can they carry this momentum to take them to the top of the conference? MJ and Jacob break down an analysis for the outlook for the rest of the Owl's Season. Oh, and we can't forget about WrestleMania (ft. iShowSpeed)! Jackson, Garret, and MJ give us a powerful preview of what people can expect to see this weekend in Houston. Stay tuned in for a performance that would make the Hornets-Heat play-in game jealous...

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Beer Bike & Brain Rot

On this week's episode of Against the Grain, we take a deep dive into our beloved Rice University's greatest tradition: Beer Bike! In a bold attempt to explain this borderline inconceivable event to a broader audience, we were joined by friend of the show, Sandra Alb, a captain of the Duncan College women's bike and chug teams, as well as a college beer bike coordinator. She gave us insight into race day strategy, the surprisingly intense training that goes into this slightly bizarre event, and the rarely discussed world of the week-long beer bike events and sponsorships powering each residential college through Rice's biggest tradition. After the interview (approximately 35 minutes in), we fulfilled a long-time wish of ours to do nothing but play sports trivia games on air for an entire hour. We appointed captains a la 5th-grade recess, ran a snake draft with the entire staff, and had the two teams battle it out for a four-game series. It's not the most intellectually compelling content we've ever put out, but boy, does it have its entertaining moments. We hope you enjoy the beer bike feature and more than enough bonus shenanigans to go around, and we'll see you at 9 AM next Saturday on 96.1 FM!

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Basketball Extravaganza

Get ready for an all-basketball week! Your Against the Grain hosts give a full breakdown of each of your Final Four teams. Can Keaton Wagler keep the Illinois offense chugging amidst their defensive resurgence? Is Arizona v Michigan set to be the best Final Four game of all time? Is Dan Hurley going to chest bump a ref again? We have all these answers and more. The gang follows up our college basketball analysis with a deep dive into the NBA. Why is Luka getting robbed of MVP this year? Can anyone overcome the Thunder of Oklahoma City? Could Wemby ascend to the best player in the world? Finally, we finish up with our official predictions of both the men's and women's brackets! Tune in for a great show.

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Our Corn was Husked & Baseball's Day Was Opened

This episode rocks!! Rachel gives a wild statement about March Madness brackets that must be put in the record books. Our resident baseball knowers, Jacob and Seth, give a full breakdown of the upcoming MLB season (and why the Dodgers are a shoo-in). We run back the youngins (Seth & Neil) and the oldheads (Garret & Fox) in a game to be remembered (for dubious reasons). Garret and Ian lament a brutal Nebraska loss but show love to the best fanbase in the country. Wrapping us up, Neil explains why Waddle could push the Broncos over the top, and the gang picks the NCAA tournament!

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Throwing a Hayesmaker

We sit down with Rice WBB senior Shelby Hayes to start off this week's episode of Against the Grain, where she gives us an inside look into the Owl squad that has now won a program record 22 straight games, a streak that dates all the way back to Thanksgiving. The crew also discusses if anyone can stop Arsenal in the Champions League, and if anyone can stop the big 3 powerhouses in college basketball: Michigan, Duke, and Arizona. Spoiler: the hometown Houston Cougars have as good a shot as anyone. Due to Rice University spring break we'll be gone for the next two weeks but will do our best to bring you a bonus March Madness preview sometime after Selection Sunday, so stay tuned for that.

The World is Owl Oyster

Last year we never would've thought that we'd end up talking so much about hockey, but lo and behold! We also preview the upcoming World Baseball Classic and give our Owls their flowers as Swim and Dive wins their second consecutive American Conference championship and the Rice women's basketball team wins their 20th game in a row headed into the final stretch of the season. Tune in next Saturday at 9 AM to KTRU 96.1 FM for another episode of Against the Grain!

Who Doesn't Love a Good Scandal

We sure do! Whether it's ski jumping, curling, the NBA tankathon, or MJ and the alleged dollar hot dog night at Rice baseball, there's plenty to talk about this week on Against the Grain. As the final weekend of the Olympics approaches, we broke down the biggest storylines and results from sports you may not have even known existed. Rice Women's Basketball goes on the road looking for their 19th straight win, and resident hoops experts David, Garret, and Fox generate their best plan to save the NBA. Stay tuned every Saturday at 9 AM on KTRU 96.1 FM for more sports news from Rice, Houston, and the world!

The Downfall of Shams Charania & The Rise of Sam

Do your local Whataburger employees know your name? Here at Against the Grain, they absolutely do! Today, we break down an NBA trade deadline chock-full of moves. Are people sleeping on Jared McCain to the thunder? Should you be sound-asleep on the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade? Is Grand Theft Alvarado 6 going to drop this year? We answer all these questions and take guesses at who the absolute worst front office in the league is. If you weren't aware, there is a football game happening this Sunday. We deep dive the Gatorade color that will be dumped on the winning coach and whether we'll see heads or tails in the coin toss. We also mention Drake "Drake Maye" Maye and the ginger to end all gingers, Sam Darnold. Tune in for another episode of Absolute Cinema! Going forward, we'll still be airing live on KTRU 96.1 FM, but our time has moved to 9 AM. I repeat, we're broadcasting live every Saturday at 9 AM. There will be no episode next week due to midterm recess, but we will be back on February 21st! Follow us @KTRU.sports on Instagram to stay in the loop!

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(Literally) Drinking the Tari Eason Kool-Aid

Chaos broke out in what we thought was going to be a slower sports week, though this week's episode was anything but slow. The Dodgers are ruining baseball, Arizona MBB cannot be stopped, Rice WBB cannot be stopped, and we talked about...wrestling? On an episode full of curveballs and a slower week inside the hedges we talk baseball, basketball, wrestling and Olympic hockey before rapid firing predictions because we ran out of time playing "Whose Take is it Anyway," a game we'll definitely have to bring back in the future. You don't wanna miss this week's episode at 7 AM Saturday on KTRU 96.1 FM!

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Bluegrass Jesus and the Muscle Hamsters

After Bo Nix' ankle mysteriously snapped in half, resident Broncos fan Neil was left no choice but to defend Jarrett Stidham and the mile high crew as they battle Drake "Drake Maye" Maye (or in the words of Neil "Drake-Drake Maye-Maye") and the Patriots of New England. Jacob's hometown squad (the LA Rams) head to Lumen Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title led by arguable MVP Matthew Stafford and the muscle hamsters in the backfield (we're as confused as you are, I promise). KD is doing his best to put the Rockets on his back but who will step up to help him? Amen Thompson? Bluegrass Jesus? Against the Grain legend Tari Eason? We break it down - and we also attempt to make sense of the Eastern Conference, easier said than done. We play a new game that didn't really work, Jackson calls Mike McCarthy fat, Ian prays for a Nebrasketball tournament win come March, and Garret glazes Chipotle legend Curt Cignetti (rightfully so). You don't wanna miss this week's episode of Against the Grain on KTRU 96.1 FM!

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New Year, New Against The Grain

2026 is here, and your Against The Grain hosts are prepared to tell you exactly what will happen in sports this year (just don't bet on it)! Rice Women's Basketball is flying through its conference schedule, and we break down the secret to its 9-game win streak. Outside the hedges, we're preparing for a classic CFP final (or another Indiana route). We discuss the biggest storylines from this year's electric CFP and reveal who we see raising the trophy! Lastly, we talk about the hottest thing in Houston right now. No, it's not Ian Kleppinger. Instead, we break down what your hometown Houston Texans must do to advance past the feared Drake "Drake Maye" Maye! Tune in for our best episode this year.