coach is joined by reporter Charles Davis to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, specifically focusing on the Big Ten's "24-team compromise" playoff proposal and the legal complexities of student-athlete eligibility. The proposal outlines a shift toward a 24-team field by 2029, which would eliminate conference championship games—labeled as "artificial"—and introduce an additional weekend of on-campus playoff games to reward the top 16 seeds. They also examine the significant revenue implications, noting that while the expansion could create 23 total playoff games and a "March Madness" atmosphere for football, it requires a solution for the financial loss conferences would face by removing their title games.

The conversation then shifts to the recent legal battle involving Charles Bediako, a former Alabama basketball player whose attempt to return to college from the professional G League was recently blocked by a court ruling. Charles highlights the "havoc" created by the NCAA's inconsistent eligibility practices, noting that while over 100 players with professional experience have been granted eligibility, Bediako was denied a preliminary injunction because he had already forfeited his status to go pro. This case serves as a broader example of the ongoing discord within the NCAA, as leaders like President Charlie Baker call for congressional intervention to establish clear, stable frameworks for athlete eligibility in the era of NIL and the transfer portal.

<p data-path-to-node="0">coach is joined by reporter Charles Davis to discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, specifically focusing on the Big Ten's "24-team compromise" playoff proposal and the legal complexities of student-athlete eligibility. The proposal outlines a shift toward a 24-team field by 2029, which would eliminate conference championship games&mdash;labeled as "artificial"&mdash;and introduce an additional weekend of on-campus playoff games to reward the top 16 seeds. They also examine the significant revenue implications, noting that while the expansion could create 23 total playoff games and a "March Madness" atmosphere for football, it requires a solution for the financial loss conferences would face by removing their title games.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="1">The conversation then shifts to the recent legal battle involving Charles Bediako, a former Alabama basketball player whose attempt to return to college from the professional G League was recently blocked by a court ruling. Charles highlights the "havoc" created by the NCAA's inconsistent eligibility practices, noting that while over 100 players with professional experience have been granted eligibility, Bediako was denied a preliminary injunction because he had already forfeited his status to go pro. This case serves as a broader example of the ongoing discord within the NCAA, as leaders like President Charlie Baker call for congressional intervention to establish clear, stable frameworks for athlete eligibility in the era of NIL and the transfer portal.</p>

Not many analysts in the midsouth have as much football expertise as Doug Mathews brings to the microphone every Saturday morning. It’s Forklift System’s Football Saturday on 104-5 The Zone.

Mathews, best known for his 10 seasons as Running Backs Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, tells it like it is and lets you take show where you want to go every weekend.

Forklift Systems Football Saturday covers all the big games across the nation, including all the action within the Southeastern Conference. It’s the perfect preview before you catch your favorite team play Saturday afternoon. Featuring long-time college football writer Tony Barnhart and NFL analyst Charles Davis.