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Show Notes 0:00 – Opening and Western Kentucky predictions recapCory and Ben revisit their picks for the WKU game before turning to what went wrong in Sam Houston’s 16-3 loss. 3:42 – What happened to Sam Houston’s offense?Phil Longo’s postgame comments and the offense’s continued slide.Why offensive-line injuries do not explain the entire collapse.Sam Houston ran efficiently against Western Kentucky but repeatedly went away from the run.The offense has become increasingly predictable.Pace has slowed, especially after first downs.First-down production has fallen sharply since halftime at Texas Tech, with the biggest drop coming in the passing game.Quarterback accuracy, drops, pressure recognition and third-down decisions.Whether Longo’s play-calling and game management are preventing the offense from finding answers.Why Cory and Ben believe winning has to matter more than scheme, statistics or ego. 51:28 – Sam Houston’s athletic director searchReaction to Sam Houston hiring a search and consulting firm.Why Cory believes the university should identify the athletic director it wants and actively pursue that person.The importance of alignment between university leadership and athletics. 53:57 – Around the FarmSoccer beats New Mexico State behind Leah Millward’s game-winner.Men’s golf finishes fourth at Moraine.Bowling takes third at the Colonial Lanes Classic.Volleyball is swept at Missouri State and prepares for Delaware.Isabel Hurion continues her strong fall for women’s golf.Women’s tennis, cross country and upcoming baseball and softball exhibitions. 1:00:25 – CUSA basketball preseason polls and honorsSam Houston’s men are picked fourth in Conference USA.Why Cory and Ben see a clear group of contenders at the top of the league.Justin Begg and Jacoby Coleman receive preseason recognition.Sam Houston’s women are picked fifth.Debra Ogayemi earns preseason all-conference recognition and the discussion turns to where the Bearkats need more scoring. 1:04:49 – Is Sam Houston practicing with enough pressure?Cory asks Ben how much true competition he saw during fall camp.Why competitive practices and consequences matter when preparing players to perform under game pressure.The connection between practice standards, accountability and what Sam Houston has shown on Saturdays. 1:08:21 – How long should the AD search take?When Sam Houston should have its next athletic director in place.Why Cory wants the hire made well before Bobby Williams’ contract expires.How Williams could help provide continuity during the transition. 1:11:35 – Football Q&AWhether the offense needs to simplify.Pre-snap motion, defensive looks and why the Kats appear slow to adjust.Questions about Longo’s contract and the cost of making a change.Poor execution coming out of timeouts and continued game-management concerns. 1:18:00 – Sam Houston’s biggest player surprisesBen names the players who have exceeded his preseason expectations.Cory goes through his highest-graded offensive and defensive players.The depth and production Sam Houston is getting from its linebackers and defensive front. 1:20:27 – Will Phil Longo give up play-calling?Cory and Ben answer whether Longo is willing to delegate the offense.Why the parts of the program he has delegated have performed better.Whether his commitment to calling plays could ultimately limit his success as Sam Houston’s head coach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Chris Walker / KatFund: CBS Sports analyst and former college basketball coach Chris Walker joins the show to discuss XtraPoint and KatFund. Walker explains why college athletic departments need to expand beyond major donors and how a large group of smaller recurring contributors can create meaningful financial support. Walker describes the difficult cycle facing athletic departments: programs need money to win, but winning also makes it easier to raise money. Sam Houston Basketball: Walker discusses the changing mid-major basketball landscape, Conference USA and the challenge of retaining productive players in the transfer portal era. He also offers a strong endorsement of Chris Mudge, calling him an up-and-coming coach and saying Sam Houston should do everything possible to keep him. Texas Tech Look Back: Sam Houston lost 49-14 at Texas Tech, but the final score does not completely describe the first half. Consecutive pick-sixes turned a 7-0 game into 21-0 before the Bearkats responded with two touchdowns and entered halftime down 21-14. Sam Houston’s defense also created four turnovers before Texas Tech eventually took control after halftime. Around the Farm: We discuss Sam Houston’s latest athletics funding momentum before going Around the Farm. Volleyball opened Conference USA play with two road wins at Kennesaw State, both cross country teams won the Clifton Gillard Invite, men’s golf finished second at the Bayou City Collegiate, tennis added another tournament title and soccer opened CUSA play with a 2-1 loss despite creating significantly more shots than Kennesaw State. Sam Houston’s Second-Half Problem: The Bearkats have scored 42 first-half points against Troy, Tulsa and Texas Tech but only 10 after halftime. The clearest statistical decline appears on first down. Sam Houston averages 9.09 yards per first-down play before halftime against FBS opponents and only 3.02 afterward. Longo says conditioning is not the issue. He points toward execution and says the offense needs greater efficiency and more explosive plays from the running game. We compare those comments with the numbers and discuss whether the disappearance of explosive passing plays after halftime deserves additional attention. Conference USA / Rivalries: Conference USA enters league play without an obvious dominant team, creating an opportunity for Sam Houston if the Bearkats can turn competitive performances into wins. The conversation eventually turns to something Sam Houston has lacked since leaving the Southland: a real rivalry. We discuss bringing an NRG Stadium game back and possible opponents that could create something worth building around. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Sam Houston delivered exactly the kind of performance it needed against Nicholls, rolling to a 59-0 win with 619 yards of offense, no turnovers and no sacks allowed. We look deeper than the final score, including Landyn Locke’s continued development, a more productive rushing attack and what Phil Longo’s four-yard standard tells us about where the Kats have been most efficient running the football. We also look at the defense and an important trend to watch against Texas Tech’s rushing attack. Around the Farm includes a win at the Red Raider Invitational for women’s golf, volleyball’s four-match winning streak entering Conference USA play, soccer’s 7-0 victory over Texas A&M-San Antonio, fall tennis and the newly released 2027 baseball and softball conference schedules. Then we get into the DJ Bailey saga. Bailey was publicly listed as QB2 before freshman Brett Holloway received the meaningful backup snaps against Nicholls. Bailey did not enter the game and was later removed from the online roster. We discuss Phil Longo’s explanation, the apparent communication problem, support Bailey has received from teammates and why the situation needs clarity before it becomes a larger distraction. Finally, we preview Saturday’s trip to No. 11 Texas Tech. We discuss where the matchup could become difficult for Sam Houston, why the Kats may need to lean heavily into their passing game and whether a 37.5-point spread gives Sam Houston too little credit. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Sam Houston is 0-2, but the first two games have looked considerably different from most of last season. We break down what happened against Tulsa, including the final goal-line sequence, continued problems in the run game, Landyn Locke’s start to the season, the offensive line and a costly fake punt. Then we turn to Nicholls. The Colonels already own a win over UTRGV, have forced 10 turnovers through three games and present another test for an offense still searching for its identity. We discuss whether Phil Longo should lean harder into the Air Raid if the running game continues to struggle and what would constitute a convincing win Saturday. We also have major basketball news. Fanta Kone and Deborah Ogayemi are back with the women, Anthony Fobb is leaving Chris Mudge’s staff for Ole Miss, James McCall-Spears has committed for 2027 and more of the men’s nonconference schedule is taking shape. Around the Farm includes soccer, volleyball, cross country, golf and a discussion about the future of the volleyball program. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Bobby Williams is entering his 45th and final year at Sam Houston, and we spend time looking beyond the wins, championships and facility projects to discuss what his tenure has meant to the university and the people around it. Williams reflected this week on why the time was right to retire, the importance of finally seeing the Bowers Stadium press box project completed and his desire to enjoy his final year instead of immediately looking toward the next problem to solve. We also hear Phil Longo describe what Williams has meant to him personally and discuss the challenge awaiting whoever eventually follows the longest-tenured Division I athletic director in the country. Then we turn back to football and break down what we learned from Sam Houston’s 24-21 loss at Troy. The Bearkats were noticeably different from last season, but improvement doesn’t erase the issues that cost them a chance to win. We dig into Landon Locke’s interception to begin the second half, the offensive lull that followed, the fourth-and-1 check that moved away from Longo’s original downhill run call, the problems creating consistent movement in the run game and the encouraging performance of true freshman left tackle Miles Joseph. We also discuss Sam Houston’s improved defensive front and Longo’s explanation for why he continues signaling plays from the sideline even with helmet communication available. Around the Farm includes a difficult week for volleyball, an improving attack from women’s soccer and a strong opening meet for Sam Houston cross country. Finally, football returns to Bowers Stadium after 647 days. Tulsa arrives after a 24-10 win over Oklahoma State in which the Golden Hurricane forced four turnovers, and its size and physicality present another major test for Sam Houston’s young offensive line. We discuss Tulsa quarterback Baylor Hayes, former Bearkat running back DJ McKinney, the importance of the new Bowers Stadium game-day experience and whether the expected crowd can become an advantage. Then we make our picks. Ben has Tulsa winning 28-20. Cory has Tulsa winning 31-20. We both have Sam Houston covering the 13.5-point spread and the game staying under 51.5. Timestamps: 0:00:30–0:07:40 — Opening and early Conference USA discussion 0:07:40–0:23:33 — Bobby Williams reflects on 45 years at Sam Houston 0:23:33–1:00:23 — What we learned from Sam Houston’s 24-21 loss at Troy 1:00:23–1:00:57 — Midroll 1:00:57–1:05:24 — Around the Farm: volleyball, women’s soccer and cross country 1:05:24–1:30:09 — Tulsa preview, Bowers Stadium return and predictions 1:30:09–1:30:44 — Closing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

0:00 – Opening and Bobby Williams retirement• Sam Houston announces longtime athletic director Bobby Williams will retire at the end of the year• Why the timing was not a major surprise• What comes next for the athletic department• March2ThePod sponsorship update 5:44 – Around the Farm• Men’s basketball adds point guard Aiden Gross• Sam Houston baseball’s growing 2027 recruiting class• Why continuing to recruit high school players matters in the portal era• Women’s soccer shows offensive improvement against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi• Volleyball opens 3-0 at the Bearkat Invitational• Chloe Monson, Bella Wood, Chelsea Butler and the improved play at the net• What this weekend in Arlington could tell us about volleyball’s ceiling 22:43 – Phil Longo press conference reaction• What Sam Houston expects from Troy’s new offense• Landon Locke’s command of the offense• A more settled quarterback situation• Reaction to Sam Houston’s first depth chart• Longo says seven or eight offensive linemen could be ready• Why offensive-line depth remains a concern• Questions about pass protection and the size of the line 40:45 – Gerad Parker press conference reaction• Troy’s need to improve its running game• Parker’s honest evaluation of last season• Troy’s emphasis on stopping Sam Houston’s running backs• What Troy sees from the Bearkat defense• Why Sam Houston should return primarily to a four-man defensive front• Tim Burns Jr. emerging at wide receiver and returner 47:31 – Sam Houston at Troy preview• Saturday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+• Troy leads the all-time series 7-0-1• The Trojans won the last meeting 31-21 in 2000• Troy replaces most of its receiving production and four offensive-line starters• New offensive coordinator Adam Austin brings an explosive system from Tarleton• Donnie Smith leads an experienced Troy pass rush• Special teams could be a major factor• Why this is an early measuring-stick game for Sam Houston 56:09 – Week 1 picks• Troy favored by 17.5• Total: 50.5• Ben: Troy 30, Sam Houston 21• Cory: Troy 34, Sam Houston 20• Both take Sam Houston +17.5• Both take the over This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

SHOW NOTES 0:00 — Welcome to March2ThePod Season 4, Episode 5 Presented by Eternal Roofing Football prediction time has arrived 0:02 — Men’s basketball recruiting Quentel Young and James McCall-Spears visit Huntsville Ben’s player comparisons for both prospects Why size and physicality matter in the current game First look at Sam Houston’s new black and white uniforms Our thoughts on the designs Upcoming basketball events and dates A difficult nonconference schedule continues to take shape 0:23 — Around the Farm: Soccer Texas A&M defeats Sam Houston 5-0 The Aggies finish with a 32-2 shot advantage Hannah Stipp continues to see heavy work in goal Opponents have outshot SHSU 72-15 through three matches Why the midfield remains the biggest concern What we need to see in the response against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 0:26 — Around the Farm: Volleyball Looking back at an 11-18 season Chloe Monson, Chelsea Butler and Shaelin White return Lauren Pyle and Annika Brooks headline the newcomers Encouraging exhibitions against Texas A&M, Houston and HCU Ben raises the floor and ceiling for his expectations Why this could be an important season for the long-term direction of the program 0:33 — Linebacker preview Dean Ford and Brian Bates lead the group Tokyo Gordon provides experienced depth Stacey Bay and Mike King Jr. add versatility Why the front seven could be Sam Houston’s biggest strength 0:37 — Defensive back preview Added length at cornerback Cesar McGee, Ish Atkins and Javon Wilson Justin Cottrell and Octavius Henderson add more options Tyler Bailey anchors the safety group Jace Arnold appears headed for the nickel role The second safety spot remains unsettled 0:42 — Special teams preview Cal Joseph appears set at punter Kicker remains one of the biggest questions entering the season Tate Ryan, Sam Carpenter and Nico Ottominelli We discuss how much practice emphasis should be placed on special teams 0:47 — 2026 football predictions Vegas sets Sam Houston’s win total at 3.5 Troy Tulsa Nicholls Texas Tech Liberty Western Kentucky New Mexico State Missouri State Jacksonville State Kennesaw State Middle Tennessee FIU Our final predictions Cory: 4-8 Ben: 5-7 Both: Over 3.5 wins Ben sees a ceiling of seven wins Tulsa, Kennesaw State and FIU could determine whether SHSU beats our projections This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod — Season 4, Episode 4 | Episode 139 overallPresented by Eternal Roofing Topics: SnapBack Sports CEO Jack Settleman joins the show Why SnapBack chose Sam Houston for its jersey patch sponsorship How CUSA’s midweek schedule helped make the partnership attractive SnapBack’s plans for content, exposure and time in Huntsville Jack learns more about Sam Houston history and culture Guessing Bearkat Icons & Notables trivia Phil Longo’s post-fall camp press conference The improved mood and momentum surrounding the football program Landon Locke firmly established as QB1 Wide receiver competition Questions surrounding the offensive line Why the defensive line could be Sam Houston’s best position group Soccer’s 0-0 draw at Lamar Is the midfield becoming a concern? Sam Houston at Texas A&M on Saturday A preview of next week’s season predictions and remaining position groups Subscribe for year-round Sam Houston coverage at March2ThePod.Substack.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod — Season 4, Episode 3 (Episode 138)Presented by Eternal Roofing Cory Hogue and Ben Sorrells discuss: Sam Houston’s 10-year, $6 million sponsorship agreement with First Community Credit Union What the FCCU deal could mean for future athletics sponsorships Ben’s day inside Sam Houston football camp Why the 2026 roster looks bigger, faster and deeper The biggest remaining concern with the offensive line Why the defensive line could become a strength Josh Alexander-Felton, Brody Henderson and Elijah Groves Landon Locke establishing himself as QB1 The competition behind Locke at quarterback Chris Reed and the search for additional receiving threats Ben’s updated thoughts on Sam Houston’s 2026 ceiling and floor Women’s soccer earning a 1-1 draw at Oklahoma State Gabrielle Gipson’s set-piece goal Hannah Stipp’s seven-save performance What we want to see Sunday against Lamar Running back preview: Coco Brown, Alton McCaskill, Caden Winkfield and Jerrion Parker Freshman tight end Jack Merriman Audience questions and additional camp observations Subscribe: March2ThePod.Substack.comFollow: @March2ThePodPresented by: Eternal RoofingPart of the CUSA Podcast Roundtable This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Remembering Ronnie Choate and his lasting influence on Sam Houston Why Choate’s impact extended beyond championships Steven Gilbert and Zavior Alvarez join the women’s basketball staff Why additional staffing is a necessary investment First look inside the new Bowers Stadium press box Strong suite sales and new revenue potential The problem with a six-seat working media area A possible solution involving the visiting athletic director’s room Stadium naming rights and sponsorship opportunities Why Sam Houston needs more marketing and sales staff Selling sponsorships throughout every athletics venue Landon Locke enters camp as the starting quarterback The areas Locke must improve this season DJ Bailey’s progress and role as the likely backup Mason Holtzclaw and Brett Holloway represent the future Quarterback stability in the transfer portal era Why Sam Houston must embrace player development as part of its identity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod returns for its Season 4 premiere The story behind the March 2 The Pod name Conference USA Media Days recap What Phil Longo’s media tour revealed Why Sam Houston is further ahead entering 2026 Longo balancing head coaching and play-calling duties How Sam Houston is beginning to use AI Landyn Locke’s physical and leadership development Concern over Sam Houston men’s basketball injuries Breaking down the size and potential of the basketball roster Sam Houston’s licensing and sponsorship revenue Untapped naming-rights and jersey-patch opportunities Why Sammy Bearkat merchandise needs wider distribution Presented by Eternal Roofing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Episode Notes Remembering Sam Houston football player William Davis Season 3 finale and plans for the future of March 2 The Pod Expanded Substack coverage coming for Season 4 Final baseball grades: pitching, hitting, fielding, coaching and overall program Ryan Peterson’s place among recent Sam Houston pitching greats Why baseball could become the “front porch” sport for Sam Houston athletics Final softball grades: pitching, hitting, fielding, coaching and overall program Tiffany Sanchez, Bella Perez and Veronica Harrison headline a promising returning core Track and field success at the CUSA Championships School records, NCAA prelim qualifiers and strong relay performances Sam Houston’s payout to Nicholls compared with other CUSA guarantee games Generated revenue, athletic department finances and where SHSU stands in CUSA What to expect when Season 4 begins around CUSA media days This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Cory explains how he was ejected from a 10U recreation baseball playoff game. The Space Cowboys’ season ends, but Cory highlights the team’s improvement. Sam Houston baseball sweeps Delaware and clinches a Conference USA tournament berth. Ryan Peterson’s pitch count and Tyler Ryden’s soreness create pitching concerns entering the final regular-season series. Cory and Ben discuss whether Jay Sirianni’s job is safe after the Bearkats doubled last year’s win total. Assistant coach David Wood earns praise for recruiting momentum and bringing energy to the program. Vegas posts Sam Houston football win totals, with three wins appearing to be the market expectation. Ben likes the over 3.5 wins, while Cory remains cautious because of offensive line questions. ESPN SP+ projections spark debate over whether Sam Houston is being undervalued. The hosts break down Conference USA championship odds and possible league tiers. Around the Farm includes basketball recruiting, Kashi Nzeh’s NBA workouts, Under Armour contract details, track facility updates, FCS payouts, and women’s golf honors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

March 2 The Pod has reached 133 total episodes. Men’s golf tied for eighth at the CUSA Championship. Caleb Lumpkin led the men’s golf team, finishing tied for 11th at 4-under. Women’s golf tied for third with New Mexico State. Amelia Guo was the top women’s finisher for Sam Houston at 5-over. Ben shares spring football observations from Sam Houston’s open practice. Landon Locke remains the expected starting quarterback. DJ Bailey impressed while working with the second-team offense. Offensive line remains the biggest concern entering the summer. Sam Houston’s defensive front seven could be the strongest unit on the roster. The hosts break down the 2026 football schedule and bowl chances. Track and field had strong results at Texas A&M, including another win from the men’s 4x100 relay. Softball’s season ended with a CUSA tournament loss to New Mexico State. Baseball enters a critical Delaware series after a difficult stretch. The men’s basketball roster is taking shape with five returners and several new additions. The women’s basketball roster still has significant work remaining. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com

Track and field continues to build momentum with multiple standout performances at the 44 Farms Team Invitational.Women’s tennis guts out a 4-3 CUSA Tournament win over WKU to advance.Men’s golf fades after a promising start at Mossy Oak.CJ Beaumont heads to Kennesaw State, while Kashi Nat lands at Oklahoma State.Football discussion covers the Bowers press box update and Louisiana Tech’s CUSA exit drama.Baseball’s late-inning collapses remain the biggest concern as the Kats search for a turnaround.Softball responds with a series win over Missouri State behind Tiffany Sanchez and a key stretch ahead. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit march2thepod.substack.com