Have USC and Alabama changed for better or worse? with Matt Barkley

There’s a particular kind of anticipation that builds all week long, that collective hum before the stadiums fill and the bands strike up. Until Saturday exists in that space, a conversation for those who live and breathe college football from Monday through Friday, waiting for the weekend’s drama to unfold. Brought to you by The Athletic, this podcast gathers voices like David Ubben, Chris Vannini, and former Alabama standout Damien Harris, alongside other staff and guests, to break down the stories that matter. You’ll hear analysis that goes beyond the highlight reel, exploring the strategy, the personalities, and the unexpected twists that define the sport. It’s less a formal show and more like pulling up a chair with a group of deeply knowledgeable friends who can’t wait to talk about the games, the rankings, and the culture surrounding it all. Each episode feels like a midweek reunion, a way to make the days pass a little faster until the next kickoff. Tune in for thoughtful, engaging talk that fuels your fandom all week long.