Strange Brew

U-S-A! U-S-A! An electric gold medal match in men's hockey at the Olympics on Sunday morning. Team USA takes down the Canadians in OT 2-1. We've got locker room audio, the game winning call, and a little Real American! Bucks lose to the Raptors after beating the Pelicans on Friday, still waiting for Giannis to return. Badger hoops gets a BIG bounceback at home against Iowa on Sunday, and the Brewers get Cactus League started with an 0-3 start. 

Women's hockey takes home gold! And some more curling content. Pat Murphy gets a 3 year extension with the Brewers, first Spring Training game is tomorrow! Packers ST coach, Rich Bisaccia, 'steps down' from the team, and the Bucks start the second half of their schedule tonight. 

More curling controversy! Badger basketball rolls over #10 Michigan State, should be in the Top 25 today. Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb had an ALL TIME coach meltdown postgame of his team's loss to UWM on Sunday. NBA All Star format is actually...pretty good! Bucks have off until Friday. And the Brewers make a move for infield depth, signing Luis Rengifo to a 1 year deal.

Quick mixed doubles curling Olympic recap! Brewers report to Spring Training, they avoid an arbitration case with William Contreras, signing him to a two year deal. Are the Bucks back?? Ousmane Dieng and Cam Thomas are leading the way, all of a sudden we might not be tanking anymore? Badger basketball gets a MASSIVE road win at Illinois, now another huge matchup with Michigan State tonight. And a Packer hypothetical, did the franchise make a mistake in going with Gutey when John Schneider and Eliot Wolf were both in the building. 

Brewers trade Caleb Durbin to Boston! Monasterio too, three players come back. It's been a weird offseason with Peralta, Collins, and now Durbin all getting dealt. Super Bowl 60 recap, boring game dominated by Seattle's defense. USA Today released their Ad-Meter winner for best commercial, halftime shows had people divided on social media. Bucks have won 3-in-a-row for the first time this season, sign Cam Thomas for the remainder of the year. 

Giannis is still a Buck! Shams was wrong! Shams was wrong! Bucks hang on to Giannis, then Giannis hits up his Twitter and Instagram accounts with a few fun posts. Bucks do swing one smaller deal, back on the floor tonight going for 3 in a row. It's Super Bowl weekend, and that means one thing: PROP BETS! Pats/Seahawks on Sunday. Gutey finally talked to the media on Wednesday and said a whole lot of nothing for 40 minutes. 

Bucks lose again, by the time we record Friday's podcast, the Giannis Era could be over. We hit on that and have our first ever MAIL BAG episode! 3 Bucks/Giannis questions, one Packer history question, and a listener with a retreating hairline seeks advice. 

Shams is at it again with Giannis trade rumors, we break it all down less than a week from the trade deadline! Mike McCarthy has an emotional introductory press conference in Pittsburgh. Packers hire a few new assistant coaches for Jonathan Gannon's staff, Badger basketball notches a huge come from behind win, and the Badger football schedule is released. 

The Packers have their new Defensive Coordinator: Jonathan Gannon. After 3 years as the head coach in Arizona, he's headed to Green Bay. Thought there was some Jimmy Leonhard momentum building but that ended on Sunday morning. We recap Championship weekend in the NFL as well as Mike McCarthy back as a head coach in Pittsburgh (Aaron Rodgers coming back??). Giannis is hurt again with a calf injury, feels like it's time to embrace the tank this season and get a good draft pick. Badgers drop a game they should have won on Sunday, it ends a 5-game winning streak. 

Brewers trade Freddy Peralta after his best year in the majors. Sad, but expected. Peralta and Myers headed to New York, Brewers get back two high level (top 5) prospects from the Mets' system. The Packers had Al Harris in for an interview for the DC job this week, could Jimmy Leonhard be next?? Badger basketball is good, Bucks basketball is not, and it's feeling like this is going to be a lost season. What does that mean for Giannis. 

Packers extend Matt LaFleur, no word on length or money but the deal is done, Gutey is likely next. The Chicago Bears have their hearts ripped out by the Rams in the Divisional round, something you absolutely HATE to see! Wild game between the Broncos and Bills ends with a Denver overtime win, but losing Bo Nix for the season. Bucks continue to flounder and need to fire Doc Rivers. Badger basketball may be trending up! 

Still no contract extension for Matt LaFleur, but it feels like that's still the direction the Packers will go. Flying under the radar as the coach that needs to be fired in the state: Doc Rivers. It's time. Pathetic effort at Fiserv against a shorthanded T-Wolves team last night. Badgers get a walkoff winner against Minnesota and we've got the Matt Lepay call!

Yet another playoff collapse in Green Bay. Nothing new, I think I've become, in the words of Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb. Packers blow a 21-3 halftime lead in Chicago. Per reports this morning, it sounds like LaFleur is still going to get a contract extension. We break it all down and the NFL weekend in general. Bucks notch one of their wins of year on Friday in LA, then stub their toe in Denver against a Nuggets team down 4 starters. Badgers upset #2 Michigan on the road on Saturday. 

PACKERS/BEARS Wild Card Weekend is here! We'll break it all down, plus read some Packer-related emails. Giannis makes his most definitive statement on his future with the Bucks in an interview with The Athletic. Brewers don't come to terms on an arb deal with William Contreras, Badger football is spending a TON of money, and we make picks for Wild Card weekend. 

August football in January is no fun. No. Fun. Sir. Packers roll over in Minnesota in Week 18, but at least make it out of the game relatively injury free. Now it's on to Chicago for a rubber match with da Bears Wild Card Weekend. They get the 7pm kickoff on Saturday night. Badgers get their QB1 for next season in the portal over the weekend, Bucks post a few wins on Friday and Sunday night. 

Packers and Vikings basically have a preseason game for Week 18. BUT, a busy week with roster moves. Packers take a flier on former All-Pro corner, Trevon Diggs. Cut by Dallas earlier in the week and claimed by Green Bay two days later. Packers also sign quarterback Desmond Ridder to their practice squad, Jordan Love is out of the concussion protocol but Clayton Tune starts on Sunday. College Football Playoff final four is set, and the Bucks drop another disheartening game at home to the Wizards on New Year's Eve. 

Malik Willis was fantastic but the Packer run defense couldn't stop a nose bleed on Saturday night. Shades of Joe Barry at Lambeau in a 41-24 loss to the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens. Now the Packers are locked into the #7 seed, and the Bears are division champs. Packers in Minnesota for the regular season finale with nothing on the line. Giannis returns from his calf injury and starts a little dust up at the end of a win against the Bulls on Saturday night, and College Football Playoffs resume on Wed/Thursday. 

Playoffs?! We're talkin' about playoffs?? Packers are in with the Lions continued collapse in Minnesota on Christmas Day. Now? Can they still win the division (they can). Sounds like Jordan Love is trending towards playing on Saturday night, doesn't sound like the Ravens will have Lamar Jackson. Bucks win in Indy, in Memphis tonight as they try to keep their heads above water with Giannis out a few more weeks. 

In a game script reminiscent of the 2014 NFC Title Game, the Packers choke away a game in Chicago. Jordan Love left the game with a concussion, and now the Packers need a BUNCH of help if they want to win the division, and still need to find a way to clinch a playoff spot. Maddening night in Chicago.  

Just like two weeks ago at Lambeau, a MASSIVE showdown between the Packers and Bears, this time at Soldier Field. Packers need a win to get back into first place in the NFC North. Injuries are a big storyline, Micah Parson put on season ending IR this week. JJ Watt had some interesting comments this week about wanting to be a Packers in 2021 but never receiving an offer. College Football Playoffs start tonight, and Giannis finally speaks to the media. 

DEVASTATING DAY in Denver. Packers had a 23-14 lead and the ball in the 3rd quarter, then a turnover, then a Christian Watson injury, then a Micah Parson (probably) ACL injury, and a loss. About as bad as it could get. We'll break it down, and now a short week where the division is likely on the line in Chicago this weekend. Bucks get SMOKED by a bad Brooklyn team, not going to help the "Stay Giannis!" campaign. Brewers swing a trade sending Isaac Collins and Nick Mears to Kansas City. 

Packers/Broncos weekend! One of the marquee matchups in the NFL for Week 15. Packers are the #2 seed in the NFC, Broncos the #1 seed in the AFC and have won 10 games in a row. Badger basketball gets THUMPED at Nebraska, and the Bucks are able to win a game as Giannis rumors keep swirling. 

Review of our trip to Christmas in New York City! We took our moms on a once in a lifetime voyage and we did ALL OF THE THINGS. Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Times Square, Broadway musical, and some of the best food I've had in my entire life. 

Back from vacation in New York for a Victory Tuesday! Travel pod coming tomorrow, but today we chat about the Packers beating the Bears in dramatic fashion on Sunday. Now back atop the NFC North and a half game behind the Rams for the #1 seed in the NFC. Giannis trade rumors went WILD after we left on Wednesday, those have calmed down a bit, but Giannis is hurt again. 2-4 weeks with a calf strain as the Bucks struggle to remain relevant with him down. 

PACKERS/BEARS week is here! We'll go over some of the best games in the rivalry's history, and examine a game this weekend that has MAJOR playoff/division/#1 seed implications. Bucks posted one of their worst regular season losses in recent memory in Washington on Monday, and it feels like we're at a real crossroads with this team and Giannis if they can't get it turned around. Badger hoops opens conference play tonight, Badgers/Marquette this weekend in Madison!

Some finishing touches on the Packer win in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, and our NFL roundup. Bears winning in Philly on Black Friday makes this weekend's Packer/Bear game MASSIVE at Lambeau. Badgers season ends with a thud after some momentum at the end of the season, Bucks get Giannis and Kevin Porter back and need to stack up some December wins. 

Victory Friday! Packers sweep the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Matt LaFleur's playcalling and aggressiveness were A+++. Toyotathon Jordan Love rolls, Micah dominates, Packers get to 8-3-1. Badgers try to hit the offseason with a TON of momentum, Paul Bunyan's axe on the line tomorrow. Bucks continue to struggle without Giannis, Badger basketball gets a nice win against Providence, and the Brewers apparently have payroll 'concerns' next season?? UGH. 

VICTORY MONDAY! Packers get a little conservative at the end, but the defense dominates JJ McCarthy as the Packers roll to a 23-6 win at Lambeau. Now, a MASSIVE game in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Badgers roll to a 27-10 win over #21 Illinois on Saturday night, feels like some very real momentum is finally building for Luke Fickell. One game left to get the axe on Saturday in Minnesota. Bucks 0-2 without Giannis, need to get one tonight against Portland. 

Packer/Viking weekend! In my lifetime, I think this has been a more bitterly contested rivalry than Packers/Bears. Packers need a win before a short week and road trip to Detroit. Badgers have a LOT to prove in the final two weeks of the season, starting with Senior Night at Camp Randall on Saturday night against Bielema and Illinois. Bucks lose two games and Giannis this week, Woody is back with the Brewers. 

Was it pretty? For sure not. But the Packers got a win they absolutely needed to get, and Jordan Love played one of the best games of his career, even if the box score doesn't show that. Now on to one of the 5 division games remaining on the schedule, the Vikings at Lambeau this weekend. Badgers cover against #2 Indiana, the next two weeks determine my optimism level for Fickell next season. Bucks split the weekend, in Cleveland tonight. 

Packer offense stalls out again on MNF, now a must win in New York against a team with an interim coach and a backup QB starting on Sunday. Plus, an interesting email from a listener about Matt LaFleur, Craig Counsell, and Pat Murphy. Badgers try to build on a top 25 win at #2 Indiana this weekend, Bucks back in NBA Cup action tonight, and Pat Murphy wins his second NL Manager of the Year award.

The Badgers WON A GAME! Against a top 25 team! First one since 2021. I don't think this means Fickell is the guy, but it was nice to enjoy a Badger football Saturday for the first time in a while. Packers tonight against the defending champion Eagles, and the Bucks split the weekend against the Bulls and Rockets, feeling pretty decent overall at 6-4 through 10 games. 

Chris McInstosh officially announces that Luke Fickell will be back as Badger head coach in 2026. I realize the two are tied together, but holy moly. Badgers get set for #23 Washington at Camp Randall on Saturday. Packers get set for the Eagles on Monday night, Tucker Kraft officially ruled out for the season, a quiet trade deadline on Tuesday for the Packers. Giannis knocks down a game winner on Monday, Bucks get blown out on Tuesday, have a big matchup da Bulls tonight at Fiserv. And the Brewers make roster moves on Freddy, Woody, Rhys, and Quintana. 

Packer lay a turd at home against Carolina, losing as a nearly two touchdown favorite. I'm not saying Matt LaFleur needs to be fired, but it's clear in year 7 we've got some 'themes' that aren't ideal in games like yesterday. Also: Tucker Kraft out for the year, might be a bigger deal than the game itself. The World Series ends in a Game 7 classic, one of the best World Series matchups of my lifetime. Bucks also drop an ugly game on Saturday, in Indiana tonight. 

Halloween Edition! Packers take on the Panthers, trying to avoid the classic "trap" game between the Steelers and Eagles matchups. Bucks return to the NBA on NBC on Tuesday with a win against the Knicks, then beat the Warriors WITHOUT Giannis! Ryan Rollins, what a week. World Series gave us an instant classic in Game 3, then the Blue Jays bounce back in Games 4 and 5, one win away from taking down the Dodgers. 

Love and the Packers get the better of Rodgers and the Steelers in primetime! Victory Monday! Love's second half is one of the best of his career, and Tucker Kraft continues a breakout season on National Tight End Day. Waton makes his return as well. Badgers showed some fight at #6 Oregon, and hell, they scored a touchdown! Now on to their 2nd bye of the season. Bucks off to a 2-1 start and their loss at Cleveland last night (while shorthanded) might be the most impressive of the three games. 

Rodgers/Packers Weekend! Aaron has plenty of nice things to say about his time in Green Bay, claims this is not a revenge game (wink), Packers get set to head to Pittsburgh in primetime. Badger football players shed more light on the meeting Chris McIntosh had with the team before the Ohio State game, now head to Oregon to take on the #6 Ducks. Bucks win their opener as the franchise welcomes back Khris Middleton on Wednesday, and the World Series starts tonight. 

Packers salvage the weekend! Micah has his first signature performance in a Packer jersey, 3 sacks and TEN QB pressures. Matt LaFleur goes for it on a big 4th down and the Packers get their first road win of the season. Brewer seasons ends at the hands of Shohei Ohtani on Friday night. Swept away in the NLCS, as Ohtani tosses 6 shutout and homers three times. Unbelievable. Badgers get whooped at home on Saturday, Bucks season starts on Wedesday. 

Brewers are on the brink, down 3-0 to the Dodgers in the NLCS and their offense is no where to be found. Fighting for their lives tonight in Game 4 against Ohtani. Packers head to Arizona, Micah Parsons had some interesting comments on penalties and non-calls against him through 6 weeks. Packers -6.5 in Arizona. Badgers....well they'll play a game on Saturday against #1 Ohio State. Likely to not be pretty. And the Bucks extend AJ Green in advance of the start of the season on Wednesday!

Double Victory Monday! What a night for the Crew! Sent Craig Counsell back to Whitefish Bay with a 3-1 win, punch their ticket to the NLCS. Now, a rematch of 2018 with the Dodgers. Game 1 tonight, right back into the boiler room! Packers get a win against the Bengals, maybe not as convincing as we wanted it to be. Lucas Havrisik fills in for McManus in a BIG way on Sunday, made all 5 of his kicks. Now to to Arizona. Badger football is a tire fire, it's time to swallow the buyout and move on. The Fickell Era is over. 

Brewers get blown out in Game 4, DO OR DIE GAME 5 SATURDAY NIGHT!! Positive vibes only! Packers get set for the Bengals at Lambeau Field on Sunday, they'll face Flacco for a second time in three weeks with two different teams. Badger Homecoming on Saturday night, MAYBE a chance to win? A one last take on Giannis from none other than Charles Barkley. 

Brewers can't finish off the Cubs in 3. Quinn Priester has a nightmare night, but the bullpen kept them in the game, and the Brewers had chances to take it before falling 4-3. Now Game 4 tonight, and I would think, Freddy on the mound at Wrigley. Shams is once again tweeting about Giannis wanting out of Milwaukee, this time at least a specific team, the Knicks, are mentioned. Giannis and Doc both address it after practice on Wednesday. 

Brewers take Game 1 on Saturday, 9-3! Great start from Freddy, only downer was Jackson Chouio reaggravating his hamstring injury. His status is VERY much in doubt for tonight's Game 2. Aaron Ashby will be an opener for Pat Murphy. Packers have their bye week in the review mirror, we've got a few emails on Matt LaFleur to go over. Badgers lose at Michigan on Saturday, they look better but are now 0-8 against ranked teams in the Fickell Era. 

Tough night in Dallas. Defense got carved up for the first time this season, Special Teams did their thing (stinking on ice), and Matt LaFleur basically plays for a tie on the final drive of overtime. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Bye week coming up to try and reset. Brewers notch their 97th win and set a franchise record on Sunday, they're the overall #1 seed and all roads to a World Series go through Am Fam Field. 

Brewers are 1 win (or 1 Phillies loss) from the #1 seed! Also one win away from a franchise record in wins. Final series of the regular season starts tonight. Packers head to Dallas for the Micah Parsons revenge game. Badgers thankfully have the weekend off, but Barry Alvarez called out the fans for their booing and 'Fire Fickell' chants last Saturday. 

ROUGH football weekend in our fair state. The Packers puke one up in Cleveland. Bad day for the offense and special teams. Maybe a wake up call after dominating in Week 1 and Week 2. Now we get set for the Micah Parson return to Dallas this coming Sunday. Badgers not only lose at home on Saturday, they get dominated by Maryland. MARYLAND. Fire Fickell chants in the crowd, vibes are BAD bad in Madison. The good news? The Brewers clinch the NL Central! 3 games up on Philly for the best record in baseball with 6 games to go. Rough news for Woody though on Sunday as he hits the IL just before the playoffs. 

Brewers sweep the Angels! Magic number down to 4 for the division, 6 for the #1 seed. They head to St. Louis tonight. We did get a Ken Rosenthal apology and a clarification on the "Uecker Letter" from the Brewers as well this week. Packers head to Cleveland, got an injury scare with Tucker Kraft but it sounds like he's okay. Badgers try to start the Big Ten schedule off on the right foot at Camp Randall on Saturday. 

Brewers clinch a playoff spot over the weekend, an emotional letter from Bob Uecker read to the team Saturday night by Pat Murphy, magic number to clinch the division is down to 8! Also Ken Rosenthal with a BAD look in the postgame interview on Saturday night on big Fox. Badgers are who we thought they were in Alabama, never in it in a 38-14 loss. We'll recap the NFL, and we're feeling even BETTER about the Packer defense coming out of the weekend. 

Victory FRIDAY! Double Victory week! Packers had chances to blow it open, but basically control the Commanders from beginning to end last night. Parsons was great again, the defense is FLYING. 2-0 start and now a mini-bye before Cleveland in Week 3. Badgers had to Alabama looking for their first signature win in the Fickell Era. Brewers pick a bad time to get swept. Still have the best record in baseball but NEED to bounceback tonight. 

VICTORY MONDAY! Packers win as Parsons has an immediate impact in limited snaps. Now a short week with the Commanders on Thursday night. Brewers sweep the Pirates, Jake Bauers had one of the hits of the year on Friday night, we saw the debut of Pocket Quesadillas that night as well. Cubs lose Saturday and Sunday AND the Phillies lose on Sunday. Badgers turn it around in the second half on Saturday and get to 2-0, now a real test at Alabama.