September 24, 2025 • 51 mins
Wayne and Matt cover a tough weekend for football fans in the state of Wisconsin, with losses from both the Badgers and Packers. On a brighter note, they break down the Brewers' NL Central title and what it means for the upcoming playoff run.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
That's what Saturday against Maryland reminded me of. And it
was twenty seven to ten, but it was like they
Wisconsin couldn't get out of its own way. But one
thing that Barry was able to do. It was a
down year that season for the Badgers. The next week
they went to the Horseshoe, They're playing Ohio State and
you're thinking, you know, this is just going to be
another bludgeoning. Wisconsin won. I just remember Kevin Cosgrove left.
(00:24):
You know, he was defensive coordinator, and as miserable as
the previous game was against Indiana, he was emotional leaving
the field after the game against Ohio State. You know,
Buckeye fans are booing their team. So Barry had an
ability to And that's one of multiple examples with Alvarez,
even in stretches of years where they weren't all that,
(00:44):
when it looked like the walls were closing in, they
were able to come off the canvas and win the
next week.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
This is the Leravian lape Podcast, a production of Iheartradiots,
with host Swayne Laravie, the voice of the Green Bay Packers,
and Matt Lapey, the voice of Wisconsin Badgers football and
men's basketball. The Laravie La Pey Podcast is presented by
Potawatamy Casino Hotel.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Your win is waiting.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Hi, everybody, I'm Wayne Larabee and I'm Matt Lapey.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Welcome to the Laravie La pay Podcast, presented by Pottawatab
Casino Hotel. Coming up on this episode, we're going guestless today.
That doesn't mean Matt and ives didn't do our duties
to prepare for this, but we thought we just kind
of talk about what's going on. I mean, you've got
the baseball season winding up. The Brewers have clinched their division,
They've got at least the number two seed of the NL,
(01:40):
and they're leading the Phillies in the race for the
top seed of the National League by two and a
half games. The Badgers began Big Ten play with the
loss at home to Maryland and Camp Randall, and the
Packers followed up with a stunning loss to Cleveland in Cleveland.
So we'll discuss all of these issues in more. Coming
up on the Lerovie La Pey Podcast.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
How do want to be?
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Casino Hotel? Your win is waiting? All right, Matt, we'll
pay the Brewer is hosting first off the Major League
Baseball season. To say it goes too long would be
an understatement. But it's always been one hundred and sixty
two games getting through. You get through August. If you're
a good team, you're leading your division, you're in great
shape for the playoffs. And then you look at the
(02:21):
schedule and say, wow, we got another month ago, and
you know, I'm seeing teams that that horizing and falling
like crazy. I mean, you look at where the Tigers
were a month and a half ago and now they're
scratching their way trying to get into the playoffs one
way or another. You know, the Brewers had their tremendously
hot streak through July and August, and now I've kind
(02:42):
of cooled off a little bit, got beat in extra
innings last night as we tape this program in San Diego.
It's so hard to sustain that long period of time
you've you've been in Major League baseball, you know what
it's like. The dog days aren't just August. The dog days,
in my opinion, our September, where okay, we've done enough
(03:03):
to make the playoffs. Now what do we do?
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Now?
Speaker 3 (03:05):
You know we've still got a month to go with
the regular season.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah, and I think first off, congrats to the Brewers
winning the Central three years in a row and four
out of five. That's talking about sustained success. The Brewers
have found a way to do that in a sport
where budgets are they differentiate wildly, and we know the
Brewers sit much closer to the bottom than to the
(03:28):
top in terms of payroll. But you're right wing with
the length of the season, I mean to me, and
we might differ in opinions here, but it isn't so
much like are you winning five in a row to
go into the postseason or are you losing five in
a row? It's about health and that's the thing over
the course of a long season. Doesn't matter the sport,
but specifically with the Brewers. You got Brandon Woodroff now down,
(03:52):
jose Kintana hopefully he'll be back, Jacob Mizerowski, who was
a sensation. It's not about health. It's just about he's
nigh been as effective here in recent outings. How healthy
can you be heading into the postseason? And that I
think is one of the big storylines with the Brewers
(04:12):
here is they close in on securing the best record
in baseball and certainly in a position to be the
top seed in the National League playoffs. But how healthy
will they be going into the postseason? Because I think
you've got great storylines here. If everything holds as it
stands now, the Brewers would be playing either the Padres
(04:34):
or the Cubs in the Divisional Divisional round of the playoffs.
There's the Manny Machado angle. We know how Brewer fans
feel about him, and we don't even need to go down. Well,
it's fun to do it. We know how they feel
about the Chicago Cubs and their manager, and to me,
I think it'd be great theater if that's how it
(04:54):
turned out, the Brewers Cubs. But how healthy will the
Brewers be? And I guess you could say that about
every team that's going to get in, but for me,
with Milwaukee, that's gonna be a big, big story going
into October.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Yeah, you know, Mat, it's interesting. I mean, you and
I do football where the postseason is one and done,
and baseball, basketball, hockey. You've got best of five, best
of seven. Baseball get best of three in the wild card,
then best of five, then best of seven in the
Championship Series and the World Series. I do agree with you.
I think you need to get your be able to
(05:27):
get your ducks in a row, so to speak. Injuries
are a big part of it. The woodrooff injury that
takes a starter or a major starter away and might make
it difficult once we get to October. But by the
same token, I'm with you. I don't know if in
basketball or you know, Major League baseball, you need to
(05:48):
be on a hot streak going to the playoffs. It
would help if you were playing your best ball. But
I find that it's in football you better be playing
your best or more you're probably not playing for long
and so there's a difference there. I think that the
Brewers certainly have cooled off here in September, there's no
doubt about that. But that's saying something because they were
(06:08):
so hot in July and August. But I just wonder
going into these playoffs now they are who they are.
They can score runs, but not necessarily have the big
power numbers that people look for. Do they have enough pitching?
They certainly do in the bullpen, it appears, and now
you need what Matt three starters, three solid starters in
(06:30):
the playoffs. Really that's what you need. Yeah, yeah, in
these short.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Series and then you make it work with your bullpen.
If you get into the into the league championship series
four out of seven, then you can still have what
amounts to bullpen games if you need that too. So
it's yeah, you're gonna see a lot of mixing and matching.
And with the Brewers, you've seen that anyway, in large
part out of necessity because you think about what they
battle through to get to a team that's on a
(06:57):
path to have the best record. They've dealt with a
lot of injuries already with their with their pitching staff,
and you know, we'll see where's where's McGill when you
get into when you when it gets to closing time,
is is he going to be back? Is he healthy? That?
Those are all those are all big questions. The other
thing too, and we've seen this many times just in
recent years. You know, there's that battle for the last
(07:20):
playoff spot in the National League between the Reds, the Mets,
and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and you look at the records
of those teams and you're like, okay, probably an afterthought
for many they're going to play the Dodgers. But you know,
Arizona a couple of years ago won eighty four games
in the regular season, got all the way to the
World Series. The Atlanta Braves four years ago won eighty
eight games and.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
One and all.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
So once you get into the postseason, you know, I
don't know if I would trust the Reds really or
the Diamondbacks. But at the same time, you can't dismiss them,
because man, once you once you get in, you catch fire,
and you've got you get the Dodgers on their heels.
If you're able to get through that first round. I
don't know, I still think, you know, I guess I'm
(08:05):
thinking chalk here. The Phillies. The Dodgers probably posed the
biggest threat. But it's fun for the Brewers and their
fans to be in the in the very much in
the thick of that conversation once again. Now we'll see
if they can advance once he get into October. Well,
you know, talk a little bit about did you get
to meet Pat Murphy a whole lot when you were
doing the games. He was on the staff, wasn't he.
(08:26):
Yeah he was. I can't say I know him well,
but he was always very cordial, and there was the
connection when I introduced myself to him when he first joined,
when when Craig Craig Council brought him over. Murph was
the baseball coach had notre Dame when Barry Avarez was
an assistant on Lou Holtz's staff, so they got to
know each other. So that was a connection. And when
(08:47):
I when I was over there, true confessions, I haven't
been over there this season, but I was there last year.
He came over and said hi, and was asking how
you know the Alvarez family was doing and all of that.
But he's he was a guy who could be really funny,
as you know, as Craig's right hand man at the time.
And what we've all seen is that he is still
that funny guy, but he's that hard nosed kind of
(09:10):
guy too, that's not going to accept running into and out,
is not going to accept poor relay execution and so
on and so forth. So a little bit of an
old school as we when we visit with Lane Grindle,
he talked about that, and yet it's still major League baseball.
Just the way he has he has worked himself or
(09:31):
worked his team into this position. You always wonder how
many games does a manager really influence. But I think
with a guy like Pat Murphy and the better managers,
it's about clubhouse culture and all of that. And the
players have talked about it. I think they truly enjoy
playing for one another and they appreciate and understand where
(09:51):
Pat Murphy's coming from.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
You know, it's really interesting the time I spent in
Major League baseball as well, that term manager really speaks
to what the job is. You know, we talk about, well,
he makes this decision, they didn't bunt here, or they
should have done this, they should put the hit and
run on what you know. Yeah, every game has some
(10:13):
of that in it, and the managers make decisions and
that type of thing. I get that. But for the
most part, especially these long seasons I saw in the
NBA and saw in Major League Baseball, you really have
to manage the personalities the talents on your team, and yeah,
you've got to make some tough decisions. You have a
(10:34):
decision making that goes on, Okay, do we pitch this
guy in this situation or not? Who do we bring
in from the bullpen? What are we looking at? Were
looking at analytics and we look am I going with
my gut feel that kind of thing. It's it's all
part of it, don't get me wrong. But I think
the biggest aspect of it is to set the tone
of what your club is going to be in spring
(10:54):
training and carry that through the rest of the year.
That's really what a manager's all about. He's managed the
psyche and egos that he has playing under him.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Yeah, it's this old line. Dick Bennet used to use
it all the time, and he was a basketball coach.
Know who you are, And this is a team that
what I like about it and what gives me optimism
that they can advance in the postseason is they can
win in different ways. You know, we've seen some pop
you know. That was a big concern that I had.
I thought, you know, said, man, they probably need to
make a deal at the deadline, you know, get another
(11:25):
power bat in there. They didn't do it, but they
had some guys who became power bats. You know, maybe
those acquisitions were made. There were non deadline you know,
final hour deals, but they were guys who ended up
giving them a boost. If it was Vaughn Andrew Vaughan
or if you see you know, some of these other
guys Terrang with a power search. Christian Yelich is having
(11:45):
a year that he hasn't had offensively released since twenty nineteen.
So they've managed to, you know, show an ability to
hit the home runs, but they can also first the
third you all day. You know, they'll steal bases. They
do all the fundamental things really well, and I think
in a lot of ways that's been lost in baseball.
It's been so much of the three true outcomes, where well,
(12:07):
it's okay to strike out, you can go, but give
me the thirty five home runs and maybe eighty five
ninety RBIs, but you're going to strike out one hundred
and seventy times, we'll live with that. Well I don't.
This team doesn't live that way, and I think that's
what makes them so much fun to watch. And Murph is,
you know they bunt, and that's been that's been frowned
upon for years. You know, it's like, well why give
(12:29):
up and out, Well, if you're going to strike out,
maybe we can advance the runner by laying one down.
And their ability to do that and that's Murph, I think,
and all the all the baseball ops people just kind
of understanding this is the makeup because take a look
at this lineup point, how many guys would you consider
physically imposing? Like we all know there's Aaron Judge, and
then there's Mike Trout and and you know Kyle schwarberd.
(12:52):
There's a physically imposing thing with all of these guys. Well,
you got Caleb Durban, Joey Ortiz, Bryce South Freely. Nobody
in there is gonna like, oh my god, look at
the you know, this guy's like six three and two forty. No,
but they're guys who know how to play the game
and can be imposing when they need to be. They
(13:13):
could make the plays when they you know, be able
to drive the ball into the gaps out of the
ballpark and do all the other little things that helps
his team win. You know, ninety five plus games.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
Wayne Levie mett Lapaye talking about the Brewers and as
we get toward the playoffs, you know people around here
kind of well, the Brewers always make the playoffs. Yeah,
they made a play of what six of the last
seven years something like that or more, but they fizzle
in October. Well, you know, number one, to get to
October is an accomplishment all right, that's first and foremost.
(13:46):
But number two is the consistency this organization has had,
including the major change at manager, the way this club
is run. This is probably one of the time cure
baseball operations in the game today. This is not big
money stuff. I mean, take a look at the Mets.
(14:07):
The Mets are scuffling just to get into the playoffs
with a four hundred and fifty million dollars payroll. I mean,
you know, money doesn't necessarily buy you. It might buy
you a few wins, but it's not necessarily going to
buy you the championship every time. And that's I think
what we see at this time of year that gets
reaffirmed almost every time. Now, last year, the Dodgers and Yankees,
two big spending teams, made it to the World Series,
(14:29):
and the Dodgers won, but a lot of times, as
you pointed out earlier here, today, you know, you get
these Diamondbacks jumping in. You know, Kansas City won a
World Series not long ago with a small payroll, and
Tampa Bay has been and so you know, yeah, it's
it's really interesting to see how these things work out.
But if I'm a Brewers fan, hey at least we
(14:51):
get a shot. Every October we're there, and you know what,
one of these years might be their year? And who's
to say this isn't it?
Speaker 1 (14:59):
Yeah? And that's it. When I watch the Brewers in
their success, it reminds me. I know, it's I'm comparing
major League baseball to college basketball, but you know, the
Wisconsin basketball teams in the NCAA Tournament almost every year.
You know, there's a little blip here there, but those
that's what they are, blips. It's rare. And well the
sweast sixteen is twenty seventeen and before Bo Ryan got
(15:21):
them back to back Final four as well. You get in,
but you don't. The bar gets raised, and it's only
natural when you're in every year, you know, as a
fan you're gonna expect a little bit more. And that's
what the Brewers are. Now. They've been in six out
of seven years. We know the deal. They've advanced twice
in forty two seasons. In the postseason, they've advanced two
(15:43):
times in twenty eleven and twenty eighteen. But as you said,
just to get in that mix, to take a shot
at it, that's what you want to do. That's what
you're playing one hundred and sixty two games for for
the chance to move on in October. And for years,
in years, there was a pipe dream, you know, for
the Brewers, they weren't even close. And now in the
(16:06):
last several years they have been in that mix. And
it's a great credit to first David Stearns and now
obviously Matt Arnold and everybody on the baseball operations side
to give themselves a chance every season. And I hope
that Brewer fans by and large will will enjoy the ride.
And as I tell people to embrace the agony, man,
because that's what the postseason is. You're hanging on every
(16:28):
pitch and you don't want to embrace the agony, Go
be a Pirates fan, you know, this is this is
what this is what October is. It hurts and then
until it doesn't, and then you find a way to
break through. That's why. Wait, I've talked to I've talked
to more people who have been, you know, taking their
shots and council and the Cubs during the regular season.
I said, well, wouldn't you want to knock them out
(16:48):
in October? Like, oh no, I don't want to play
in October. Because you're a fear. They're fear and the
worst that the Cubs are going to get the last
laugh and say forget that, embrace it. You can get
in there. It's gonna be hard the postseason. You're good,
your team is gonna play somebody that you hate. I mean,
look at this, the Dodgers that you think you know
people hate the Dodgers around here right or anywhere outside
(17:09):
of Dodger Nation. You'd love to take a shot at
the Philadelphia Phillies. If it's the Mets again, the team
that broke your heart last October. You just got so
many scenarios where you can deliver the not your team
can deliver the knockout punch. But it's been kind of
funny to me how many people are like they want
nothing to do with the Cubs in the divisional series
that I'm saying, bring it on. It's a great story.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
No, I agree. I agree. Well, we're going to try
to get our buddy Todd Rosiak when he's back in
the real world. They're out, and well what's post They're
three hours, as Howard Cosell would say, the Brewers and
their crew are three hours behind civilization in San Diego,
you know, but no, we're going to get We'll get
(17:52):
todd On maybe in the next week or two. With
this playoff run going on, it should be a lot
of fun and we're looking forward to it here in Milwaukee,
and people are really excited about it. And why not.
The Brewers have had a great regular season. I think
they're going to lock down the number one seed, which
would be just super and then we'll see from there.
I don't know how much home field advantage in baseball
really matters. I guess if you know a ballpark like
(18:15):
you know Fenway Park, where you got these right handed
power hitters popping the ball over the Green Monster, maybe
that's an advantage. But it's just gonna be interesting to
see how the whole thing plays out.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
The Laravian Lapey Podcast presented by Pottawatami Casino Hotel. Your
win is waiting, Maddie.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
We put off you and I are coming off from
a football standpoint, not the best of weekends.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
That's fair to say.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
So we put it off long enough. Let's start with
Let's go in the order in which these things happened.
The Badgers began Big Ten play with Maryland first off,
is how good is Maryland? I mean, you know what
with they three and oh coming in something like that.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
I think they're better waying, but they've had good starts
before and then when you get into October. In November
they tumble. They're three non conference wins, none was against
the power for Northern Illinois actually is the one team
that's given Maryland a good game. Thomas Hammock's team down
there ended up twenty to nine, but it was thirteen
to nine in the fourth quarter, so Maryland really had
(19:22):
to work for it. Wisconsin, quite frankly, made it pretty
easy for Maryland to pull away and control the game.
I think the Terrapians do have good young talent. Their
quarterback Malik Washington, he's gifted true freshman six' five about
two thirty badger salt that he could really throw the
d ball, well he's, mobile and they talk about how
(19:44):
poised he is for a true, freshman and he played that.
Way his statistics should have been. Better there were five
or six dropped. Passes that's been one thing That maryland's
going to have to clean. Up it's been an issue
with The terps when they started playing better. Teams they
can't have that expect to, win but they're better than
they were last, year And wisconsin is showing signs that
(20:05):
it's worse than it was last. Year they just you,
know you early in the. GAME i, know block kicks
were a thing in THE nfl On. Sunday you, know
The badgers got themselves in a buying with special, teams,
breakdowns a block field goal early in the game When
wisconsin is trying to get the first, points a blocked,
punt a really bad. Interception maryland's first two scoring drives
(20:29):
And i'll put the word drives in air quotes were
four yards and twenty eight. Yards, wow that's you, Know
wisconsin was favored to win the. Game what's the anatomy
of the favorite team losing that very? Thing making mistakes
and Giving maryland a short field and It's wisconsin's really
in a tough spot right. Now there's a perfect storm going, On,
(20:50):
wayne and it's going to be fascinating to see how
they try to navigate the ship and get out of,
it because there they are in a, really really tough
spot right.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Now, yeah you, know off this week and get some
people back in, HEALTHY i would, hope and then go
on from. There but you're exactly. Right. Now there's this
picture that's gone viral Of mike McCarthy in a booth
With chris, McIntosh and first and, FOREMOST i think you
brought up a good point. Back you, said if it
(21:23):
was something to, this do you think they'd be out
in the open city to get.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
It like that with the?
Speaker 3 (21:27):
Team?
Speaker 1 (21:28):
No, no, No Mark tash AND i were chuckling about
it off air because we knew that McCarthy was going
to be there when he was between his coaching gigs
In Green bay and then before he took The cowboys,
job he came down for one at least one and
maybe more than One wisconsin basketball game because he And
Greg guard have struck up a friendship over the, years
(21:52):
AND i think McCarthy still has property up up somewhere
in The Fox valley or somewhere In. Wisconsin so he was,
Around so, yeah we're Bug mark AND i were. LAUGHING i, said,
yeah he's going to be at the. Game someone's going
to take a photo and off we. Go so we
like we knew this was. Coming what thing, though it's
(22:14):
separate from, that BECAUSE i think that is a nothing
other Than mike McCarthy was at a volleyball match On.
Sunday but you, know for years and years we've heard
that the college, coach you go to THE nfl and
you get swallowed, up and certainly that has happened The
Urban meyer. Disaster Nick saban didn't exactly tear it up
in THE. Nfl but it's not always. True Pete carroll's
(22:36):
done really well at both. Levels championship, Well Jim harball
has done really well at both. Levels and we're finding
out that some guys when they go from THE nfl to,
college it ain't. Great Herm edwards At Arizona, State Charlie
weiss obviously very respected, assistant that didn't go great for.
Him Bill belichick maybe the goat right two and, two
(23:00):
but there are two. Losses they've been, throttled including To Central.
Florida shout Out Scott frost winning big against the Tar.
Heels SO i and coaching college is they're handsomely. Compensated
i'm not asking to play the violin for these, coaches
but being a college football coach right now is extremely. Difficult. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
Yeah Jeff, hafleet who Left Boston college and came back
to THE nfl as an assistant he's the defensive coordinator
of The. Packers for those who don't, realize he was
telling me last. Year he came on board last year
and he said he just he had lost. It he
had been a head coach on the college, level had
coached on the college level many. Years he had experience
(23:46):
in THE nfl as an assistant over the years as.
Well but, nonetheless he, SAID i just love being in
a position Where i'm just. Coaching i'm not recruiting, People
i'm not promising nil, Money i'm not talking to a
booster spending most of my time with boosters and raising
money and that kind of. Thing i'm just coaching. Football
(24:06):
and that's what he likes about. It that's what he
loves about THE. NFL i don't know If half will
ever go back to the college. GAME i don't, know
BUT i think he's going to probably if The packers
defense has a good year this, year he'll probably be
a head coach somewhere in THE. Nfl but to your,
point that's exactly kind of what he described. It just
for some, people that's. Okay they'll they like doing that,
(24:27):
stuff and you, know but most of these guys are
coaches and that's all they want to, do and there's
so much to. Do as a head coach on the college.
LEVEL i don't so much to do that isn't, coaching
you know WHAT i mean, THAT i think that some
of them lose the love of the game in that,
regard AND.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
I think we're seeing how vulnerable more and more programs
Are clemson one and Three Dablos sweeney's but one of
the great coaches of his. Time remember When Dion sanders
was a. Thing what do we hear About? Colorado now
they're two and, Two they're an. Underdog this week they're
hosting B. Nebraska we keep Everybody nebraska's kind of like
The Chicago bears of college, football because every year they're
(25:07):
going to, go, oh this is the year they're gonna break.
Through they're going to break, through and they may very
well this, year BUT i know, this they're oh for
their last twenty nine against top twenty five. Opponents they
lost To michigan over the. Weekend they haven't beaten the
top twenty five teams since twenty, sixteen and they can't
win one score. Games Matt ruhle in his third, year
(25:28):
The huskers are two and eleven in one's four. Games
they were three and six in The Big ten last.
Year we keep. Waiting they've got the, talent you, Know
Dylan ryola very, gifted but you got to see it
to believe, it and it's. Hard but, clearly you, know
if you're A badger, fan you're, saying, GREAT i don't.
CARE i care about my team And. Wayne there's not
(25:50):
a short answer to, this but some bullet. POINTS i
think that has led to this program being where it.
Is you cannot discount the quarterback. Injuries they can't keep
their starting quarterback. Healthy they've had rotten luck in that.
Regard that's. Real they've had injuries on the offensive. Line
three red shirt freshmen are. Starting that's not a great.
Ingredient so then the question, Is, okay why why are
(26:15):
you in a spot where three red shirt freshmen have
to play because you've lost a couple of other, guys
one of whom was a redshirt, freshman by the, way
another a senior, Center Nolan rucci is starting At Penn.
State you know he was in the. Depth he was
a reserve offensive lineman At. Wisconsin he's starting For Penn.
State Billan barrett was a reserve At wisconsin the offensive.
(26:35):
Line he's starting at center For Iowa. State so the
transfer portal has Hurt wisconsin in some. Cases and others
who were brought in are not. Playing transfer From, vanderbilt
transfer From Central, michigan they're not in the lineup right.
Now AND i think too in year three in a
(26:56):
lot of, ways it's year. One, Offensively Luke fickle they tried,
higher they try to go to an air raid style
of offense With Phil, longo and they couldn't recruit to.
It you need, it as As fickles talked about that
that style of, offense you need exceptional quarterback, play and
they didn't get, it you, know in part because of,
injury but the depth wasn't. There and quite, HONESTLY i
(27:19):
really wonder whether they were well positioned at all in
the world of nil thinking they, weren't so that margin
for error is, decreased and there was other. Things you,
know former players that talked about, it they're they're not
happy with what they're. Seeing they wonder about. CULTURE i
can't speak to. That i'm not in the locker. Room
i'm not in the weight. Room but the fear wane
(27:44):
with With wisconsin right now is. That you, know the
fan base is, angry but what follows anger apathy and
that's the you, know that's a that's a concern right
now and now one or two good outings can change.
Everything but kind of like with the specific To, wisconsin
the fans have to see, it and more, IMPORTANTLY i Think,
(28:05):
wayne the, players do you, know the guys who've been
in the program four, years five years are not. Transfers
they've been here four, years five. Years they haven't had
that real electrifying game. Yet and until or unless that,
happens it's boy that you would think that just the the,
emotional the mental weight becomes that much heavier every.
Speaker 3 (28:27):
Week, yeah you, know and, man it's just hard to
think of program as robust As wisconsin has been on
the football field over the last thirty years that it
could sink this.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Way but it.
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Does and you pointed out a number of programs that
have gone through. It nebraska is still going through. It you,
Know michigan was down for a while Until harbaugh got
there and resurrected that. PROGRAM i, mean it took him
a long time to get it. Resurrected you, Know alabama
went through a patch Before saban took over and elevated that.
Program you're Seeing, Clemson Florida state Has, Florida they've had their.
(29:02):
Issues these are big time, programs folks that win every,
year and yet we're finding that in this day and,
age it's a different. Animal AND i don't think we
understand all of it, yet but we're getting. There and
the fact is is that you, know you could turn
a program around quickly if you're lucky in the, portal
but if you're, not it's hard To if you don't
(29:24):
get those, guys it's hard to get a. Turnaround the
big thing that jumped out to me this, weekend And
i'm sure you saw, It indiana's bludgeoning Of. Illinois oh my.
GOODNESS i Thought indiana was just a blip last. Year
they got a bunch of transfers, in they knew the
coach and the, system and he brought them with him
and they had a great. Year is there more To
(29:44):
indiana THAN i? Thought?
Speaker 1 (29:46):
Yeah this guy's really, good he, said he talked big
in His introductionory news. Conference Kirk, SIGNETTI i win google. Me,
well we all have to google you. Now it's like and,
look and that's what makes IT i think really tougher
to swallow For wisconsin fanc here because you've seen What indiana's.
Done but, folks that is such a rare exception to
(30:06):
be able to flip it the Way indiana. Has and
AND i Think illinois is a good. Team you, KNOW
i had their very well coach With brett and his,
staff and they got worked in that, game just absolutely.
Worked so they've got a, quarterback a transfer from Cal Fernando,
mendoza who is probably going to start getting Some heisman,
chatter which that's what media, does you start Promoting Heisman trophy.
(30:30):
Candidate it's like going into week, ONE i guarantee you
if this guy was a quarterback at a at a
quote blue, blood they'd have him listed as a front
runner for that because he's been that. Good but they
have no it seems like no drop off at. All,
Wayne and you, know we'll see as the schedule moves.
Forward but what they're, DOING i think with each week
(30:52):
the doubters are going. Away there are fewer and fewer
doubters because we, ALL i, MEAN i, wondered you, know
the their schedule was an inviting one last. Year but
they're proven that good is good And signetti his, staff
they've gotten some of the transfers have been beneficial for.
Them wisconsin goes down there In, november so it's just
(31:16):
a part of this rather daunting schedule Facing wisconsin these
final eight.
Speaker 3 (31:21):
Weeks, well the other thing that struck me AS i
watched to parts of that game was the stands and
the energy At. Indiana AND i remember back in the,
day as you, Know, matt When Randy, wright, Myself Jim barber,
worked if the OLD Espn regional OR Espn plus used
to roll into, town well we'd roll Into indiana a
(31:41):
lot because they weren't very. Good we always got usually
the worst game of the week in the noon window
in The Big. Ten we always got. That so we
Had indiana a. Lot AND i remember When antoine Randall
ell was rolling AND i mean rolling at quarterback and
the indian of people kept telling, you we can't get
(32:02):
people to come down here to watch our game From
indianapolis unless it's a basketball. Kick so the lament for
years and years in that. Program but you, know now
they've seen the got it rolling and people are starting
to believe. It it's become a big thing down there At.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
Indiana but, yeah it's, YEAH i, Know Alfred Barry alvarez
hated playing down there for that very. Reason there was
no atmosphere. There And northwestern And indiana Beat wisconsin a few.
Times northwestern Gave wisconsin more than it wanted multiple. Occasions In.
Evanston it's funny you Mentioned Randall. L though there was
a game In. Madison barry was the. Coach wisconsin was
(32:39):
not all that good in two thousand and. One matter of,
fact didn't play in a bowl. Game But indiana Beat.
Wisconsin it was like sixty two to thirty. One it
was twenty six to nothing halfway through the first. Quarter
RANDALL l was. Unstoppable indiana had a running back Named
Levron williams who rushed for almost three hundred. Yards it
(32:59):
was THE i, mean that's What saturday Against maryland reminded me.
Of and it was twenty seven to, ten but it
was like They wisconsin couldn't get out of its own.
Way but one thing That barry was able to. Do
it was a down year that season for The. Badgers
the next week they went to The, Horseshoe they're Playing
Ohio state and you're, thinking you, know this is just
going to be another Bludgeoning wisconsin. WON i just Remember
(33:23):
Kevin cosgrove, left you, know he was defensive, coordinator and
as miserable as the previous game was Against, indiana he
was emotional leaving the field after the game Against Ohio.
State you, Know buckeye fans are booing their, team So
barry had an ability To and that's one of multiple
examples With, alvarez even in stretches of years where they
(33:43):
weren't all that when it looked like the walls were closing,
in they were able to come off the canvas and
win the next. Week and that's what we're really curious
to see with With Luke, fickle his, staff and most
importantly his. Players you've been slapped up here these last
couple of. Games you're going To. Michigan people are going
(34:04):
to assume that it's going to be more of the.
Same what can you do about?
Speaker 3 (34:08):
It, yeah, yeah well that'll certainly be interesting to. See
we talked about The saturday situation In. Madison The packers
found themselves at a situation In cleveland the very next
day and had a ten point. Lead they were leading
ten nothing matt about four minutes ago in the fourth.
Quarter you, know all you needed was the offense to
(34:28):
put together one of those four minute drives coaches talk
about them all the time at the end of a
game and salt away a. Win it was. Ugly we
knew it would Be cleveland as a very good, defense
that is. Legit The packers had a couple of injuries
going into the, game and the offensive line some question.
Marks the questions decided to. Play they got out there
and couldn't finish the, game Especially zach Tom after one
(34:50):
play he leaves and then the shuffle began on the offensive.
Line meanwhile they're playing maybe and people don't realize, this
But Cleveland browns might have one, of if not the
best defensive front seven of the. GAME i mean right,
now they're, dominating and they dominated The. Packers And i've
never seen since he became starting, Quarterback i've not Seen
Jordan love get knocked around the way he did in that,
(35:12):
game not just the five, sacks but the seven quarterback
hits and everything. Else and you know, what this is
Interesting and people, say, well these guys are, pros that
shouldn't bother. Them, well let me tell you. Something you
hit a, quarterback any, quarterback great. Quarterback John elway go
Through Tom. Brady you hit them early and, often and
it has a residual impact on their. Accuracy later in the.
(35:35):
Game you speed them. Up The packers couldn't run the,
football so what With Josh. Jacobs what they try to
do is get him the ball in the flat in,
space let him make a. Play that worked once for
thirty one. YARDS i Think jordan missed him like two
or three. Times sailing, PASSES i mean what we call
layups in, football those little swing passes to the running
(35:55):
back in space with two blockers in. Front, boom big.
Play mailed him a couple of times late in that,
ballgame AND i think it was the residual of how
how Well cleveland was dominating in the trenches their defensive
line against The packers offensive, line and it kind of
sped Up jordan and his accuracy wasn't quite as good
when you really needed it to be good late in that.
(36:16):
Ballgame but the special, team and you were talking about
special teams a minute, ago you get a. Block you,
know The packers' first points in the game were on
a field. Goal okay McManus set up and it was
a thirty nine yard field goal And i'm describing the
play placement made kick on its, way and now hear this.
(36:37):
Drunk oh Is larry just because he saw a breakdown
in the. Protection now they got the kickoff and it was.
Good but then three quarters, later two quarters, later fourth,
quarter they're setting up for what should be the game
winning field goal and it gets blocked and the you,
KNOW i don't know if it was the same protection
(36:58):
that broke, down but let's just this. Way protection broke
down twice in that. Game they got away with it
the first, time not the second. Time special teams have
a way of absolutely biting you in the ass and
at the worst possible. Time when you have a breakdown
on special, teams be it a, return be at a, block,
punt block field, goal whatever it might, be missed field,
(37:20):
goal you know it doesn't. Matter special teams have a. Way,
boy when it goes wrong on special, teams it usually
goes wrong at a crucial juncture in the.
Speaker 1 (37:28):
Ballgame, yeah AND i thought they were Gonna we saw
this last, year a couple of ugly wins with last
second field. GOALS i, okay this is kind of unfolding
to be to be the same. Thing can this be
the best thing that happens to this, team Not Jordan
love getting hit the way he did time after, time
And Zach tom not lasting you know. Much he just
(37:49):
really couldn't go much at all On. Sunday but you,
know so many of, us we get ahead of. Ourselves
the first two games they, won they looked really good doing.
It you've got A packers player about going. Undefeated maybe
to get knocked down In week three isn't the worst thing,
ever and that they're a really good. TEAM i, think you,
(38:09):
know obviously defensively they look to be, elite you know
if they could. Well the concern THAT i would have
wayne just as a fan, watch and is the offensive
line the health of. IT i know you've talked on
air About Josh jacobs because his rushing stats are are,
small but he's getting hit right, away which reminds me
of what The wisconsin running backs are dealing. With, yeah long,
(38:31):
term that's maybe the storyline. There how healthy can they
get moving forward on their offensive?
Speaker 3 (38:36):
Line, Well dallas On Sunday night this week and then
they've got a bye, week AND i think this is really.
Crucial i've said this when the schedule comes, OUT i
always Say, okay they got an early bye week and
play four games and then a bye. WEEK i, said
if they could just be two and two over those four,
games that's, fine and then get healthy and then make their.
(38:56):
Run that Was philadelphia's formula a year. Ago they were
kind of a sloppy two and. Two they had some
bumps and, Bruises they had a fourth by after the fourth,
game and then they took off from there and didn't lose.
Again i'm not saying that's how The packers are gonna
go at, all But i'm just thinking, that you, know
that's the. Formula you want to play well enough to
(39:16):
get into the. Playoffs you want to play your best
football In december and Especially. January but with The packers
in this, situation they go To. Dallas this is A
dallas team THAT i think they're going to be favored to.
Beat but. Nothing you can't take anything for. Granted it'll
be interesting to see how they come back from the
game In, cleveland AND i think they're probably going to
(39:38):
have to restructure that offensive line at least for this week's.
GAME i don't think they'll Put zach tom out. There
maybe they, will BUT i don't. Know you, Know Aaron,
banks the left, guard he's probably gonna miss this. Week
it's gonna be an interesting situation to see how it
shapes up on the offensive. Line BUT i had not
seen their offensive line get beaten like. THAT i can't remember. When,
(40:02):
Really they've always the offensive line has been good all these.
Years it been solid at least at very worst solid
and most of the year most times very. Good but
this line struggled with That cleveland. Front And Jim, schwartz
the defensive coordinator of The, browns he was a Former
lions head. Coach you, know he does a heck of
(40:22):
a job with, defense and he schemed up a good
defense In. Cleveland they have a great player At Miles, garrett,
who by the, way The packers kind of held in.
CHECK i, mean he had a half, Sack he had
two tackles for loss or one tackle for, loss and
two quarterback. Hits not, bad but everybody else was doing.
Damage you, know there was times WHEN i saw a
video of they had three guys on attention On Miles.
(40:45):
Garrett you, know that opens up things for other. People
but The packers' defense Looks LEGiT's That tamila is for
sure the offense still finding his, Way, matt and until
they are able to run the football. Effectively you know In,
cleveland one yards thirty one rushing. Attempts so you, know
people can't say To Matt, lafleur run the football while
(41:07):
he is running the. Football it's just not getting done so.
Far and the point you made About, jacobs every time
he gets the ball gets hit right. Away that's you,
know Sa Quon. Barkley they led the league last year
in number of yards before contact in their running, game
And barkley would get like two yards before he was.
HIT i, mean that tells you the offensive line is
dominating and that running back is getting the handoff and
(41:30):
he's not getting hit till he's through the. Line not
the case With josh and The. Packers right, now they
were trying to Get jacobs, on you, know on these screen,
passes get him into, space let him make a. Play
and AS i mentioned, earlier one of those actually worked
for thirty one. Yards but you know they targeted him
nine times and they're just trying to get him in.
(41:51):
Space and it tells me that, well they don't feel,
like they don't feel confident right now and running the
football at least not on this particular day In, cleveland
but they wont wanted to make sure they Get jacob's
a chance in space where he can make a, play
and it just didn't go well for. Them and then
some of the other snaffoos that occurred you just can't have.
Happened and you, know, Hey week, Three i've always said,
(42:14):
this it's the toughest week because the oh and two
teams are desperate not to go oh and. Three the
two and one teams want to get to three and
one to start thinking Super. Bowl and you, know it's
just a there's a lot of. Intensity it's an early
season fork in the. Road it's not the final fork
in the road you're gonna, face but it's early season
(42:35):
fok in the. Road where are you after three? Weeks
and you, know so that's WHERE i. Think and we've
seen a ton of injuries this year in THE, nfl you,
know just off the top of my, head AND i
just jotted him. Down James connor starting running Back arizona.
Gone Joe burrow starting Quarterback cincinnati out for eight, Weeks
Najie harris running Back La chargers. GONE tj McCarthy A jj,
(42:59):
McCarthy but sort. Of viking's quarterback out for a number
of weeks with a high. Ankle spring Brock, Perty San francisco's,
quarterback hopes to play this, week has missed the last two.
Weeks Nick, bosa the pass rusher At San, francisco down
for the. Season Acl ceedee lamb won't play against The.
Packers high ankle sprain On sunday. Night he won't play
against The. Packers all those you, know we're talking about
(43:19):
major injuries, here And, matt you AND i have discussed.
This the way THE nfl has had to prepare its
teams for the regular season leaves them unprepared physically for
the rigors of the regular, season and it takes three
to four weeks before you have a football team that's
now really ready to, play and by then injuries could
(43:42):
have scarred your team beyond. Recognition, YEAH i think college as.
Speaker 1 (43:47):
Well in some, cases you, know just the practices look
a lot different than what they used to look. LIKE
i think With, barry it's not to say that they're,
picnics but They're But i've talked to enough people who
have seen both in and college practices will still tell
you that college practices are much more. Involved there's much more,
Contact SO i guess the on the plus, side it
(44:09):
could extend careers of players in THE nfl to wear and.
Tear but it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be
able to play seventeen regular season games because you just
you don't protect. Yourself and you've always Said wayne that
the first four games you can start to see who you,
are and that could be more true than ever because
what you thought you were In week, one you're not
(44:29):
because key players are. Out AND i always say in THE,
nfl if you can't handle you, know if the, depth
if the drop off is that severe from your one
to year two in THE, nfl imagine what it is
in the majority of college. Programs it's. Severe and if
you have bad luck with, injuries a year in a
world to.
Speaker 3 (44:48):
Hurt and you, know, folks what we're talking, about for
those of you who don't follow this that, closely is
in training camp today in THE. NFL i know in
training camps in college are a little more, physical but
in this day AND a And matt AND i have
talked about this a. Lot you really can't afford to
prepare a football team like you did thirty years. Ago
(45:08):
the athletes are, bigger, faster stronger than they ever. Been
the collisions are much more severe than they've ever. Been
so if you if you start training the Way lombardi
trained The, packers the way you, know Even, holmgren the
way he conducted practices things like, that you really put
yourself at risk because these big guys running fast, arena
(45:30):
they're gonna collide and you're gonna have injuries before you've
ever played a. Game so what's the. Alternative, well you
have a lot of thud, hitting you don't take people
down to the ground in, practice that kind of. Thing
but then you get To september and you haven't played
your starters but maybe a few snaps in the regular,
season and you get To september and now it's four,
(45:52):
quarters all out, guys and you got to hit, it
take people to the, ground maybe for the first time
since last. Year so that's what we're up against in THE.
Nfl BUT i think it has to do with not
just the rules that the you, know union has put
into place along with the, league but the fact is these,
guys if they're given an opportunity in, practice they'll blow
(46:14):
each other. UP i, mean if that's what that will
blow each other, up and you can't afford that in
this day and age in THE. Nfl so and that's
what we're. Seeing september becomes that great exercise and figure, OUT,
o who are? We how are we gonna go about
winning and having success this? Year and then oh, man
(46:35):
are we? Healthy can we get through the first month
of the season without losing people for the rest of the.
Season so that's where We're that's where we're at in
THE nfl right. Now detroit won big last. Night as
we take this On, Tuesday maddy THEY i said after
they Left Green. BAY i still think they're the best.
Roster they. Are they're really. Good and they just win
(46:55):
it and and toyed With baltimore for a first half
and into the third quarter and then just you, know
you guys aren't that good And, lamar you can throw
all the running and touchdown passes and all that stuff you,
want but you're not going to beat. Us and they
just put the hammer down In baltimore and knocked off
a team that many people think it's the best team
in THE.
Speaker 1 (47:14):
Afc and, yep And Dan campbells still going to go
for it on fourth and short, midfield with the game
till in the, balance and as a football fan without
a dog in a, fight it's fun to. Watch if
you're A lions, fan it might drive you. Nuts it's
great when it. Works everybody else is great when it.
Doesn't but it worked last night for.
Speaker 3 (47:32):
Him all, Right, Matt, hey, Listen we've got The packers
going To Dallas sunday night, game big, Game Micah parsons.
Returning Jerry. JONES i don't know if you've got a
chance to, read to not, read but to watch THE
i don't know why you, would but The netflix Series
Jerry jones. Did it's Called America's, Team Jerry jones and
(47:54):
His Gambling, cowboys whatever it. Is, anyway it's a pretty good.
Series it's All Jerry. Jones he loves the ups and,
downs the back and. Forth it's it's the whole. Thing
he loves the soap, opera and So Micah parsons and
The packers are going into the primetime soap Opera sunday
night In. Dallas that'll be. INTERESTING i did.
Speaker 1 (48:13):
See it's actually it's very, entertaining and you can see
how much he is about the. Marketing he is about
being out. There if you're A cowboy, fan they probably
wish he'd be more about. Winning but whatever they're they're,
Compelling wayne AND i got sucked. IN i watched, it
SO i recommend it if you just want. TO i
know a lot of Like cowboy haters, here but it's
(48:36):
a pretty well done. SERIES i thought it. WAS i
was very, entertained very much.
Speaker 3 (48:40):
So and you know the thing About, jerry it really
he is a. Genius he's a marketing. Genius i'll tell
you this. Story years, ago maybe thirty years, ago right
after he bought The cowboys whatever that, was and you
know this is before they even got, good he, decided,
Okay pepsi's going to become the official drink of The
Aallice cowboys in the stadium and all. That and THE
(49:02):
nfl went ballistic because all of their deals team deals
had to go through the league umbrella and everything, else
And jerry, said, no, no this is our, team this
is our, market and that type of, thing and obviously
the league eventually, bent and now everybody has an official
beer or soft drink or, whatever and not necessarily the
(49:23):
beer of THE nfl or the soft drink of THE.
Nfl Jerry jones a tremendous, marketer and that's what he's
done with that. Franchise and today they're WORTH i don't,
know maybe twelve, billion maybe twelve, billion and he bought
them for like three hundred and fifty million or whatever it.
Was my, gosh it's incredible when you think about.
Speaker 1 (49:43):
It should be a fun atmosphere as they welcome like
A parsons.
Speaker 3 (49:46):
Back oh, yeah that'll be.
Speaker 1 (49:48):
Good it'll be.
Speaker 3 (49:49):
Good it's always entertaining when we go down there To,
dallas and The packers have had a lot of success
in that, building not just against The, cowboys but they
also won A Super bowl. There so it'll be interesting
to see check in With Brad sham and, everybody The
cowboys longtime, voice and it's always a hoot to go
To dallas for The cowboys And. Packers, matt that'll do
it for. Us you're off this, week enjoy some time,
(50:11):
away and we need you to come back refresh. Now
you and TAOSHER i can to carry the meal the
meal money On saturdays for.
Speaker 1 (50:20):
Us thank goodness for The Northwoods.
Speaker 3 (50:23):
Bureau good LITTLE r AND r up. Here So i'm
a little, HEY i the if the leaves started to
change up. There they have not a, lot but it's,
yeah it's starting to. Change, beautiful beautiful weather up.
Speaker 1 (50:34):
Here the deer are starting to take over our grounds
because most of us are, away so they're they're starting
to re establish their.
Speaker 3 (50:40):
Territory, so, yes this is a good place to be In.
September you got, it no question about. It well that'll
do it for The lervie of The pay. Podcast our,
Engineer dave, McCann the executive producer of The Laravie La
pay podcast On iHeart Is Monica. Whitcom now For, matt
this Is. Wayne we'll see you next time on The
leravian The pay.
Speaker 2 (50:59):
Podcast The Lrevian La pey podcast is a production Of
iHeartRadio podcasts with Hosts Way larvy And Matt, lapey with
production engineering By dave. McCann The Lrevian La peye podcast
is presented By Potawatamy Casino. Hotel your win is. Waiting
listen to other episodes available on The iHeartRadio, App Apple,
(51:20):
podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite. Podcasts
That's what Saturday against Maryland reminded me of. And it
was twenty seven to ten, but it was like they
Wisconsin couldn't get out of its own way. But one
thing that Barry was able to do. It was a
down year that season for the Badgers. The next week
they went to the Horseshoe, They're playing Ohio State and
you're thinking, you know, this is just going to be
another bludgeoning. Wisconsin won. I just remember Kevin Cosgrove left.
(00:24):
You know, he was defensive coordinator, and as miserable as
the previous game was against Indiana, he was emotional leaving
the field after the game against Ohio State. You know,
Buckeye fans are booing their team. So Barry had an
ability to And that's one of multiple examples with Alvarez,
even in stretches of years where they weren't all that,
(00:44):
when it looked like the walls were closing in, they
were able to come off the canvas and win the
next week.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
This is the Leravian lape Podcast, a production of Iheartradiots,
with host Swayne Laravie, the voice of the Green Bay Packers,
and Matt Lapey, the voice of Wisconsin Badgers football and
men's basketball. The Laravie La Pey Podcast is presented by
Potawatamy Casino Hotel.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Your win is waiting.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Hi, everybody, I'm Wayne Larabee and I'm Matt Lapey.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Welcome to the Laravie La pay Podcast, presented by Pottawatab
Casino Hotel. Coming up on this episode, we're going guestless today.
That doesn't mean Matt and ives didn't do our duties
to prepare for this, but we thought we just kind
of talk about what's going on. I mean, you've got
the baseball season winding up. The Brewers have clinched their division,
They've got at least the number two seed of the NL,
(01:40):
and they're leading the Phillies in the race for the
top seed of the National League by two and a
half games. The Badgers began Big Ten play with the
loss at home to Maryland and Camp Randall, and the
Packers followed up with a stunning loss to Cleveland in Cleveland.
So we'll discuss all of these issues in more. Coming
up on the Lerovie La Pey Podcast.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
How do want to be?
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Casino Hotel? Your win is waiting? All right, Matt, we'll
pay the Brewer is hosting first off the Major League
Baseball season. To say it goes too long would be
an understatement. But it's always been one hundred and sixty
two games getting through. You get through August. If you're
a good team, you're leading your division, you're in great
shape for the playoffs. And then you look at the
(02:21):
schedule and say, wow, we got another month ago, and
you know, I'm seeing teams that that horizing and falling
like crazy. I mean, you look at where the Tigers
were a month and a half ago and now they're
scratching their way trying to get into the playoffs one
way or another. You know, the Brewers had their tremendously
hot streak through July and August, and now I've kind
(02:42):
of cooled off a little bit, got beat in extra
innings last night as we tape this program in San Diego.
It's so hard to sustain that long period of time
you've you've been in Major League baseball, you know what
it's like. The dog days aren't just August. The dog days,
in my opinion, our September, where okay, we've done enough
(03:03):
to make the playoffs. Now what do we do?
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Now?
Speaker 3 (03:05):
You know we've still got a month to go with
the regular season.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah, and I think first off, congrats to the Brewers
winning the Central three years in a row and four
out of five. That's talking about sustained success. The Brewers
have found a way to do that in a sport
where budgets are they differentiate wildly, and we know the
Brewers sit much closer to the bottom than to the
(03:28):
top in terms of payroll. But you're right wing with
the length of the season, I mean to me, and
we might differ in opinions here, but it isn't so
much like are you winning five in a row to
go into the postseason or are you losing five in
a row? It's about health and that's the thing over
the course of a long season. Doesn't matter the sport,
but specifically with the Brewers. You got Brandon Woodroff now down,
(03:52):
jose Kintana hopefully he'll be back, Jacob Mizerowski, who was
a sensation. It's not about health. It's just about he's
nigh been as effective here in recent outings. How healthy
can you be heading into the postseason? And that I
think is one of the big storylines with the Brewers
(04:12):
here is they close in on securing the best record
in baseball and certainly in a position to be the
top seed in the National League playoffs. But how healthy
will they be going into the postseason? Because I think
you've got great storylines here. If everything holds as it
stands now, the Brewers would be playing either the Padres
(04:34):
or the Cubs in the Divisional Divisional round of the playoffs.
There's the Manny Machado angle. We know how Brewer fans
feel about him, and we don't even need to go down. Well,
it's fun to do it. We know how they feel
about the Chicago Cubs and their manager, and to me,
I think it'd be great theater if that's how it
(04:54):
turned out, the Brewers Cubs. But how healthy will the
Brewers be? And I guess you could say that about
every team that's going to get in, but for me,
with Milwaukee, that's gonna be a big, big story going
into October.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Yeah, you know, Mat, it's interesting. I mean, you and
I do football where the postseason is one and done,
and baseball, basketball, hockey. You've got best of five, best
of seven. Baseball get best of three in the wild card,
then best of five, then best of seven in the
Championship Series and the World Series. I do agree with you.
I think you need to get your be able to
(05:27):
get your ducks in a row, so to speak. Injuries
are a big part of it. The woodrooff injury that
takes a starter or a major starter away and might make
it difficult once we get to October. But by the
same token, I'm with you. I don't know if in
basketball or you know, Major League baseball, you need to
(05:48):
be on a hot streak going to the playoffs. It
would help if you were playing your best ball. But
I find that it's in football you better be playing
your best or more you're probably not playing for long
and so there's a difference there. I think that the
Brewers certainly have cooled off here in September, there's no
doubt about that. But that's saying something because they were
(06:08):
so hot in July and August. But I just wonder
going into these playoffs now they are who they are.
They can score runs, but not necessarily have the big
power numbers that people look for. Do they have enough pitching?
They certainly do in the bullpen, it appears, and now
you need what Matt three starters, three solid starters in
(06:30):
the playoffs. Really that's what you need. Yeah, yeah, in
these short.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Series and then you make it work with your bullpen.
If you get into the into the league championship series
four out of seven, then you can still have what
amounts to bullpen games if you need that too. So
it's yeah, you're gonna see a lot of mixing and matching.
And with the Brewers, you've seen that anyway, in large
part out of necessity because you think about what they
battle through to get to a team that's on a
(06:57):
path to have the best record. They've dealt with a
lot of injuries already with their with their pitching staff,
and you know, we'll see where's where's McGill when you
get into when you when it gets to closing time,
is is he going to be back? Is he healthy? That?
Those are all those are all big questions. The other
thing too, and we've seen this many times just in
recent years. You know, there's that battle for the last
(07:20):
playoff spot in the National League between the Reds, the Mets,
and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and you look at the records
of those teams and you're like, okay, probably an afterthought
for many they're going to play the Dodgers. But you know,
Arizona a couple of years ago won eighty four games
in the regular season, got all the way to the
World Series. The Atlanta Braves four years ago won eighty
eight games and.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
One and all.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
So once you get into the postseason, you know, I
don't know if I would trust the Reds really or
the Diamondbacks. But at the same time, you can't dismiss them,
because man, once you once you get in, you catch fire,
and you've got you get the Dodgers on their heels.
If you're able to get through that first round. I
don't know, I still think, you know, I guess I'm
(08:05):
thinking chalk here. The Phillies. The Dodgers probably posed the
biggest threat. But it's fun for the Brewers and their
fans to be in the in the very much in
the thick of that conversation once again. Now we'll see
if they can advance once he get into October. Well,
you know, talk a little bit about did you get
to meet Pat Murphy a whole lot when you were
doing the games. He was on the staff, wasn't he.
(08:26):
Yeah he was. I can't say I know him well,
but he was always very cordial, and there was the
connection when I introduced myself to him when he first joined,
when when Craig Craig Council brought him over. Murph was
the baseball coach had notre Dame when Barry Avarez was
an assistant on Lou Holtz's staff, so they got to
know each other. So that was a connection. And when
(08:47):
I when I was over there, true confessions, I haven't
been over there this season, but I was there last year.
He came over and said hi, and was asking how
you know the Alvarez family was doing and all of that.
But he's he was a guy who could be really funny,
as you know, as Craig's right hand man at the time.
And what we've all seen is that he is still
that funny guy, but he's that hard nosed kind of
(09:10):
guy too, that's not going to accept running into and out,
is not going to accept poor relay execution and so
on and so forth. So a little bit of an
old school as we when we visit with Lane Grindle,
he talked about that, and yet it's still major League baseball.
Just the way he has he has worked himself or
(09:31):
worked his team into this position. You always wonder how
many games does a manager really influence. But I think
with a guy like Pat Murphy and the better managers,
it's about clubhouse culture and all of that. And the
players have talked about it. I think they truly enjoy
playing for one another and they appreciate and understand where
(09:51):
Pat Murphy's coming from.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
You know, it's really interesting the time I spent in
Major League baseball as well, that term manager really speaks
to what the job is. You know, we talk about, well,
he makes this decision, they didn't bunt here, or they
should have done this, they should put the hit and
run on what you know. Yeah, every game has some
(10:13):
of that in it, and the managers make decisions and
that type of thing. I get that. But for the
most part, especially these long seasons I saw in the
NBA and saw in Major League Baseball, you really have
to manage the personalities the talents on your team, and yeah,
you've got to make some tough decisions. You have a
(10:34):
decision making that goes on, Okay, do we pitch this
guy in this situation or not? Who do we bring
in from the bullpen? What are we looking at? Were
looking at analytics and we look am I going with
my gut feel that kind of thing. It's it's all
part of it, don't get me wrong. But I think
the biggest aspect of it is to set the tone
of what your club is going to be in spring
(10:54):
training and carry that through the rest of the year.
That's really what a manager's all about. He's managed the
psyche and egos that he has playing under him.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Yeah, it's this old line. Dick Bennet used to use
it all the time, and he was a basketball coach.
Know who you are, And this is a team that
what I like about it and what gives me optimism
that they can advance in the postseason is they can
win in different ways. You know, we've seen some pop
you know. That was a big concern that I had.
I thought, you know, said, man, they probably need to
make a deal at the deadline, you know, get another
(11:25):
power bat in there. They didn't do it, but they
had some guys who became power bats. You know, maybe
those acquisitions were made. There were non deadline you know,
final hour deals, but they were guys who ended up
giving them a boost. If it was Vaughn Andrew Vaughan
or if you see you know, some of these other
guys Terrang with a power search. Christian Yelich is having
(11:45):
a year that he hasn't had offensively released since twenty nineteen.
So they've managed to, you know, show an ability to
hit the home runs, but they can also first the
third you all day. You know, they'll steal bases. They
do all the fundamental things really well, and I think
in a lot of ways that's been lost in baseball.
It's been so much of the three true outcomes, where well,
(12:07):
it's okay to strike out, you can go, but give
me the thirty five home runs and maybe eighty five
ninety RBIs, but you're going to strike out one hundred
and seventy times, we'll live with that. Well I don't.
This team doesn't live that way, and I think that's
what makes them so much fun to watch. And Murph is,
you know they bunt, and that's been that's been frowned
upon for years. You know, it's like, well why give
(12:29):
up and out, Well, if you're going to strike out,
maybe we can advance the runner by laying one down.
And their ability to do that and that's Murph, I think,
and all the all the baseball ops people just kind
of understanding this is the makeup because take a look
at this lineup point, how many guys would you consider
physically imposing? Like we all know there's Aaron Judge, and
then there's Mike Trout and and you know Kyle schwarberd.
(12:52):
There's a physically imposing thing with all of these guys. Well,
you got Caleb Durban, Joey Ortiz, Bryce South Freely. Nobody
in there is gonna like, oh my god, look at
the you know, this guy's like six three and two forty. No,
but they're guys who know how to play the game
and can be imposing when they need to be. They
(13:13):
could make the plays when they you know, be able
to drive the ball into the gaps out of the
ballpark and do all the other little things that helps
his team win. You know, ninety five plus games.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
Wayne Levie mett Lapaye talking about the Brewers and as
we get toward the playoffs, you know people around here
kind of well, the Brewers always make the playoffs. Yeah,
they made a play of what six of the last
seven years something like that or more, but they fizzle
in October. Well, you know, number one, to get to
October is an accomplishment all right, that's first and foremost.
(13:46):
But number two is the consistency this organization has had,
including the major change at manager, the way this club
is run. This is probably one of the time cure
baseball operations in the game today. This is not big
money stuff. I mean, take a look at the Mets.
(14:07):
The Mets are scuffling just to get into the playoffs
with a four hundred and fifty million dollars payroll. I mean,
you know, money doesn't necessarily buy you. It might buy
you a few wins, but it's not necessarily going to
buy you the championship every time. And that's I think
what we see at this time of year that gets
reaffirmed almost every time. Now, last year, the Dodgers and Yankees,
two big spending teams, made it to the World Series,
(14:29):
and the Dodgers won, but a lot of times, as
you pointed out earlier here, today, you know, you get
these Diamondbacks jumping in. You know, Kansas City won a
World Series not long ago with a small payroll, and
Tampa Bay has been and so you know, yeah, it's
it's really interesting to see how these things work out.
But if I'm a Brewers fan, hey at least we
(14:51):
get a shot. Every October we're there, and you know what,
one of these years might be their year? And who's
to say this isn't it?
Speaker 1 (14:59):
Yeah? And that's it. When I watch the Brewers in
their success, it reminds me. I know, it's I'm comparing
major League baseball to college basketball, but you know, the
Wisconsin basketball teams in the NCAA Tournament almost every year.
You know, there's a little blip here there, but those
that's what they are, blips. It's rare. And well the
sweast sixteen is twenty seventeen and before Bo Ryan got
(15:21):
them back to back Final four as well. You get in,
but you don't. The bar gets raised, and it's only
natural when you're in every year, you know, as a
fan you're gonna expect a little bit more. And that's
what the Brewers are. Now. They've been in six out
of seven years. We know the deal. They've advanced twice
in forty two seasons. In the postseason, they've advanced two
(15:43):
times in twenty eleven and twenty eighteen. But as you said,
just to get in that mix, to take a shot
at it, that's what you want to do. That's what
you're playing one hundred and sixty two games for for
the chance to move on in October. And for years,
in years, there was a pipe dream, you know, for
the Brewers, they weren't even close. And now in the
(16:06):
last several years they have been in that mix. And
it's a great credit to first David Stearns and now
obviously Matt Arnold and everybody on the baseball operations side
to give themselves a chance every season. And I hope
that Brewer fans by and large will will enjoy the ride.
And as I tell people to embrace the agony, man,
because that's what the postseason is. You're hanging on every
(16:28):
pitch and you don't want to embrace the agony, Go
be a Pirates fan, you know, this is this is
what this is what October is. It hurts and then
until it doesn't, and then you find a way to
break through. That's why. Wait, I've talked to I've talked
to more people who have been, you know, taking their
shots and council and the Cubs during the regular season.
I said, well, wouldn't you want to knock them out
(16:48):
in October? Like, oh no, I don't want to play
in October. Because you're a fear. They're fear and the
worst that the Cubs are going to get the last
laugh and say forget that, embrace it. You can get
in there. It's gonna be hard the postseason. You're good,
your team is gonna play somebody that you hate. I mean,
look at this, the Dodgers that you think you know
people hate the Dodgers around here right or anywhere outside
(17:09):
of Dodger Nation. You'd love to take a shot at
the Philadelphia Phillies. If it's the Mets again, the team
that broke your heart last October. You just got so
many scenarios where you can deliver the not your team
can deliver the knockout punch. But it's been kind of
funny to me how many people are like they want
nothing to do with the Cubs in the divisional series
that I'm saying, bring it on. It's a great story.
Speaker 3 (17:31):
No, I agree. I agree. Well, we're going to try
to get our buddy Todd Rosiak when he's back in
the real world. They're out, and well what's post They're
three hours, as Howard Cosell would say, the Brewers and
their crew are three hours behind civilization in San Diego,
you know, but no, we're going to get We'll get
(17:52):
todd On maybe in the next week or two. With
this playoff run going on, it should be a lot
of fun and we're looking forward to it here in Milwaukee,
and people are really excited about it. And why not.
The Brewers have had a great regular season. I think
they're going to lock down the number one seed, which
would be just super and then we'll see from there.
I don't know how much home field advantage in baseball
really matters. I guess if you know a ballpark like
(18:15):
you know Fenway Park, where you got these right handed
power hitters popping the ball over the Green Monster, maybe
that's an advantage. But it's just gonna be interesting to
see how the whole thing plays out.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
The Laravian Lapey Podcast presented by Pottawatami Casino Hotel. Your
win is waiting, Maddie.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
We put off you and I are coming off from
a football standpoint, not the best of weekends.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
That's fair to say.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
So we put it off long enough. Let's start with
Let's go in the order in which these things happened.
The Badgers began Big Ten play with Maryland first off,
is how good is Maryland? I mean, you know what
with they three and oh coming in something like that.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
I think they're better waying, but they've had good starts
before and then when you get into October. In November
they tumble. They're three non conference wins, none was against
the power for Northern Illinois actually is the one team
that's given Maryland a good game. Thomas Hammock's team down
there ended up twenty to nine, but it was thirteen
to nine in the fourth quarter, so Maryland really had
(19:22):
to work for it. Wisconsin, quite frankly, made it pretty
easy for Maryland to pull away and control the game.
I think the Terrapians do have good young talent. Their
quarterback Malik Washington, he's gifted true freshman six' five about
two thirty badger salt that he could really throw the
d ball, well he's, mobile and they talk about how
(19:44):
poised he is for a true, freshman and he played that.
Way his statistics should have been. Better there were five
or six dropped. Passes that's been one thing That maryland's
going to have to clean. Up it's been an issue
with The terps when they started playing better. Teams they
can't have that expect to, win but they're better than
they were last, year And wisconsin is showing signs that
(20:05):
it's worse than it was last. Year they just you,
know you early in the. GAME i, know block kicks
were a thing in THE nfl On. Sunday you, know
The badgers got themselves in a buying with special, teams,
breakdowns a block field goal early in the game When
wisconsin is trying to get the first, points a blocked,
punt a really bad. Interception maryland's first two scoring drives
(20:29):
And i'll put the word drives in air quotes were
four yards and twenty eight. Yards, wow that's you, Know
wisconsin was favored to win the. Game what's the anatomy
of the favorite team losing that very? Thing making mistakes
and Giving maryland a short field and It's wisconsin's really
in a tough spot right. Now there's a perfect storm going, On,
(20:50):
wayne and it's going to be fascinating to see how
they try to navigate the ship and get out of,
it because there they are in a, really really tough
spot right.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Now, yeah you, know off this week and get some
people back in, HEALTHY i would, hope and then go
on from. There but you're exactly. Right. Now there's this
picture that's gone viral Of mike McCarthy in a booth
With chris, McIntosh and first and, FOREMOST i think you
brought up a good point. Back you, said if it
(21:23):
was something to, this do you think they'd be out
in the open city to get.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
It like that with the?
Speaker 3 (21:27):
Team?
Speaker 1 (21:28):
No, no, No Mark tash AND i were chuckling about
it off air because we knew that McCarthy was going
to be there when he was between his coaching gigs
In Green bay and then before he took The cowboys,
job he came down for one at least one and
maybe more than One wisconsin basketball game because he And
Greg guard have struck up a friendship over the, years
(21:52):
AND i think McCarthy still has property up up somewhere
in The Fox valley or somewhere In. Wisconsin so he was,
Around so, yeah we're Bug mark AND i were. LAUGHING i, said,
yeah he's going to be at the. Game someone's going
to take a photo and off we. Go so we
like we knew this was. Coming what thing, though it's
(22:14):
separate from, that BECAUSE i think that is a nothing
other Than mike McCarthy was at a volleyball match On.
Sunday but you, know for years and years we've heard
that the college, coach you go to THE nfl and
you get swallowed, up and certainly that has happened The
Urban meyer. Disaster Nick saban didn't exactly tear it up
in THE. Nfl but it's not always. True Pete carroll's
(22:36):
done really well at both. Levels championship, Well Jim harball
has done really well at both. Levels and we're finding
out that some guys when they go from THE nfl to,
college it ain't. Great Herm edwards At Arizona, State Charlie
weiss obviously very respected, assistant that didn't go great for.
Him Bill belichick maybe the goat right two and, two
(23:00):
but there are two. Losses they've been, throttled including To Central.
Florida shout Out Scott frost winning big against the Tar.
Heels SO i and coaching college is they're handsomely. Compensated
i'm not asking to play the violin for these, coaches
but being a college football coach right now is extremely. Difficult. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:24):
Yeah Jeff, hafleet who Left Boston college and came back
to THE nfl as an assistant he's the defensive coordinator
of The. Packers for those who don't, realize he was
telling me last. Year he came on board last year
and he said he just he had lost. It he
had been a head coach on the college, level had
coached on the college level many. Years he had experience
(23:46):
in THE nfl as an assistant over the years as.
Well but, nonetheless he, SAID i just love being in
a position Where i'm just. Coaching i'm not recruiting, People
i'm not promising nil, Money i'm not talking to a
booster spending most of my time with boosters and raising
money and that kind of. Thing i'm just coaching. Football
(24:06):
and that's what he likes about. It that's what he
loves about THE. NFL i don't know If half will
ever go back to the college. GAME i don't, know
BUT i think he's going to probably if The packers
defense has a good year this, year he'll probably be
a head coach somewhere in THE. Nfl but to your,
point that's exactly kind of what he described. It just
for some, people that's. Okay they'll they like doing that,
(24:27):
stuff and you, know but most of these guys are
coaches and that's all they want to, do and there's
so much to. Do as a head coach on the college.
LEVEL i don't so much to do that isn't, coaching
you know WHAT i mean, THAT i think that some
of them lose the love of the game in that,
regard AND.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
I think we're seeing how vulnerable more and more programs
Are clemson one and Three Dablos sweeney's but one of
the great coaches of his. Time remember When Dion sanders
was a. Thing what do we hear About? Colorado now
they're two and, Two they're an. Underdog this week they're
hosting B. Nebraska we keep Everybody nebraska's kind of like
The Chicago bears of college, football because every year they're
(25:07):
going to, go, oh this is the year they're gonna break.
Through they're going to break, through and they may very
well this, year BUT i know, this they're oh for
their last twenty nine against top twenty five. Opponents they
lost To michigan over the. Weekend they haven't beaten the
top twenty five teams since twenty, sixteen and they can't
win one score. Games Matt ruhle in his third, year
(25:28):
The huskers are two and eleven in one's four. Games
they were three and six in The Big ten last.
Year we keep. Waiting they've got the, talent you, Know
Dylan ryola very, gifted but you got to see it
to believe, it and it's. Hard but, clearly you, know
if you're A badger, fan you're, saying, GREAT i don't.
CARE i care about my team And. Wayne there's not
(25:50):
a short answer to, this but some bullet. POINTS i
think that has led to this program being where it.
Is you cannot discount the quarterback. Injuries they can't keep
their starting quarterback. Healthy they've had rotten luck in that.
Regard that's. Real they've had injuries on the offensive. Line
three red shirt freshmen are. Starting that's not a great.
Ingredient so then the question, Is, okay why why are
(26:15):
you in a spot where three red shirt freshmen have
to play because you've lost a couple of other, guys
one of whom was a redshirt, freshman by the, way
another a senior, Center Nolan rucci is starting At Penn.
State you know he was in the. Depth he was
a reserve offensive lineman At. Wisconsin he's starting For Penn.
State Billan barrett was a reserve At wisconsin the offensive.
(26:35):
Line he's starting at center For Iowa. State so the
transfer portal has Hurt wisconsin in some. Cases and others
who were brought in are not. Playing transfer From, vanderbilt
transfer From Central, michigan they're not in the lineup right.
Now AND i think too in year three in a
(26:56):
lot of, ways it's year. One, Offensively Luke fickle they tried,
higher they try to go to an air raid style
of offense With Phil, longo and they couldn't recruit to.
It you need, it as As fickles talked about that
that style of, offense you need exceptional quarterback, play and
they didn't get, it you, know in part because of,
injury but the depth wasn't. There and quite, HONESTLY i
(27:19):
really wonder whether they were well positioned at all in
the world of nil thinking they, weren't so that margin
for error is, decreased and there was other. Things you,
know former players that talked about, it they're they're not
happy with what they're. Seeing they wonder about. CULTURE i
can't speak to. That i'm not in the locker. Room
i'm not in the weight. Room but the fear wane
(27:44):
with With wisconsin right now is. That you, know the
fan base is, angry but what follows anger apathy and
that's the you, know that's a that's a concern right
now and now one or two good outings can change.
Everything but kind of like with the specific To, wisconsin
the fans have to see, it and more, IMPORTANTLY i Think,
(28:05):
wayne the, players do you, know the guys who've been
in the program four, years five years are not. Transfers
they've been here four, years five. Years they haven't had
that real electrifying game. Yet and until or unless that,
happens it's boy that you would think that just the the,
emotional the mental weight becomes that much heavier every.
Speaker 3 (28:27):
Week, yeah you, know and, man it's just hard to
think of program as robust As wisconsin has been on
the football field over the last thirty years that it
could sink this.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Way but it.
Speaker 3 (28:40):
Does and you pointed out a number of programs that
have gone through. It nebraska is still going through. It you,
Know michigan was down for a while Until harbaugh got
there and resurrected that. PROGRAM i, mean it took him
a long time to get it. Resurrected you, Know alabama
went through a patch Before saban took over and elevated that.
Program you're Seeing, Clemson Florida state Has, Florida they've had their.
(29:02):
Issues these are big time, programs folks that win every,
year and yet we're finding that in this day and,
age it's a different. Animal AND i don't think we
understand all of it, yet but we're getting. There and
the fact is is that you, know you could turn
a program around quickly if you're lucky in the, portal
but if you're, not it's hard To if you don't
(29:24):
get those, guys it's hard to get a. Turnaround the
big thing that jumped out to me this, weekend And
i'm sure you saw, It indiana's bludgeoning Of. Illinois oh my.
GOODNESS i Thought indiana was just a blip last. Year
they got a bunch of transfers, in they knew the
coach and the, system and he brought them with him
and they had a great. Year is there more To
(29:44):
indiana THAN i? Thought?
Speaker 1 (29:46):
Yeah this guy's really, good he, said he talked big
in His introductionory news. Conference Kirk, SIGNETTI i win google. Me,
well we all have to google you. Now it's like and,
look and that's what makes IT i think really tougher
to swallow For wisconsin fanc here because you've seen What indiana's.
Done but, folks that is such a rare exception to
(30:06):
be able to flip it the Way indiana. Has and
AND i Think illinois is a good. Team you, KNOW
i had their very well coach With brett and his,
staff and they got worked in that, game just absolutely.
Worked so they've got a, quarterback a transfer from Cal Fernando,
mendoza who is probably going to start getting Some heisman,
chatter which that's what media, does you start Promoting Heisman trophy.
(30:30):
Candidate it's like going into week, ONE i guarantee you
if this guy was a quarterback at a at a
quote blue, blood they'd have him listed as a front
runner for that because he's been that. Good but they
have no it seems like no drop off at. All,
Wayne and you, know we'll see as the schedule moves.
Forward but what they're, DOING i think with each week
(30:52):
the doubters are going. Away there are fewer and fewer
doubters because we, ALL i, MEAN i, wondered you, know
the their schedule was an inviting one last. Year but
they're proven that good is good And signetti his, staff
they've gotten some of the transfers have been beneficial for.
Them wisconsin goes down there In, november so it's just
(31:16):
a part of this rather daunting schedule Facing wisconsin these
final eight.
Speaker 3 (31:21):
Weeks, well the other thing that struck me AS i
watched to parts of that game was the stands and
the energy At. Indiana AND i remember back in the,
day as you, Know, matt When Randy, wright, Myself Jim barber,
worked if the OLD Espn regional OR Espn plus used
to roll into, town well we'd roll Into indiana a
(31:41):
lot because they weren't very. Good we always got usually
the worst game of the week in the noon window
in The Big. Ten we always got. That so we
Had indiana a. Lot AND i remember When antoine Randall
ell was rolling AND i mean rolling at quarterback and
the indian of people kept telling, you we can't get
(32:02):
people to come down here to watch our game From
indianapolis unless it's a basketball. Kick so the lament for
years and years in that. Program but you, know now
they've seen the got it rolling and people are starting
to believe. It it's become a big thing down there At.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
Indiana but, yeah it's, YEAH i, Know Alfred Barry alvarez
hated playing down there for that very. Reason there was
no atmosphere. There And northwestern And indiana Beat wisconsin a few.
Times northwestern Gave wisconsin more than it wanted multiple. Occasions In.
Evanston it's funny you Mentioned Randall. L though there was
a game In. Madison barry was the. Coach wisconsin was
(32:39):
not all that good in two thousand and. One matter of,
fact didn't play in a bowl. Game But indiana Beat.
Wisconsin it was like sixty two to thirty. One it
was twenty six to nothing halfway through the first. Quarter
RANDALL l was. Unstoppable indiana had a running back Named
Levron williams who rushed for almost three hundred. Yards it
(32:59):
was THE i, mean that's What saturday Against maryland reminded me.
Of and it was twenty seven to, ten but it
was like They wisconsin couldn't get out of its own.
Way but one thing That barry was able to. Do
it was a down year that season for The. Badgers
the next week they went to The, Horseshoe they're Playing
Ohio state and you're, thinking you, know this is just
going to be another Bludgeoning wisconsin. WON i just Remember
(33:23):
Kevin cosgrove, left you, know he was defensive, coordinator and
as miserable as the previous game was Against, indiana he
was emotional leaving the field after the game Against Ohio.
State you, Know buckeye fans are booing their, team So
barry had an ability To and that's one of multiple
examples With, alvarez even in stretches of years where they
(33:43):
weren't all that when it looked like the walls were closing,
in they were able to come off the canvas and
win the next. Week and that's what we're really curious
to see with With Luke, fickle his, staff and most
importantly his. Players you've been slapped up here these last
couple of. Games you're going To. Michigan people are going
(34:04):
to assume that it's going to be more of the.
Same what can you do about?
Speaker 3 (34:08):
It, yeah, yeah well that'll certainly be interesting to. See
we talked about The saturday situation In. Madison The packers
found themselves at a situation In cleveland the very next
day and had a ten point. Lead they were leading
ten nothing matt about four minutes ago in the fourth.
Quarter you, know all you needed was the offense to
(34:28):
put together one of those four minute drives coaches talk
about them all the time at the end of a
game and salt away a. Win it was. Ugly we
knew it would Be cleveland as a very good, defense
that is. Legit The packers had a couple of injuries
going into the, game and the offensive line some question.
Marks the questions decided to. Play they got out there
and couldn't finish the, game Especially zach Tom after one
(34:50):
play he leaves and then the shuffle began on the offensive.
Line meanwhile they're playing maybe and people don't realize, this
But Cleveland browns might have one, of if not the
best defensive front seven of the. GAME i mean right,
now they're, dominating and they dominated The. Packers And i've
never seen since he became starting, Quarterback i've not Seen
Jordan love get knocked around the way he did in that,
(35:12):
game not just the five, sacks but the seven quarterback
hits and everything. Else and you know, what this is
Interesting and people, say, well these guys are, pros that
shouldn't bother. Them, well let me tell you. Something you
hit a, quarterback any, quarterback great. Quarterback John elway go
Through Tom. Brady you hit them early and, often and
it has a residual impact on their. Accuracy later in the.
(35:35):
Game you speed them. Up The packers couldn't run the,
football so what With Josh. Jacobs what they try to
do is get him the ball in the flat in,
space let him make a. Play that worked once for
thirty one. YARDS i Think jordan missed him like two
or three. Times sailing, PASSES i mean what we call
layups in, football those little swing passes to the running
(35:55):
back in space with two blockers in. Front, boom big.
Play mailed him a couple of times late in that,
ballgame AND i think it was the residual of how
how Well cleveland was dominating in the trenches their defensive
line against The packers offensive, line and it kind of
sped Up jordan and his accuracy wasn't quite as good
when you really needed it to be good late in that.
(36:16):
Ballgame but the special, team and you were talking about
special teams a minute, ago you get a. Block you,
know The packers' first points in the game were on
a field. Goal okay McManus set up and it was
a thirty nine yard field goal And i'm describing the
play placement made kick on its, way and now hear this.
(36:37):
Drunk oh Is larry just because he saw a breakdown
in the. Protection now they got the kickoff and it was.
Good but then three quarters, later two quarters, later fourth,
quarter they're setting up for what should be the game
winning field goal and it gets blocked and the you,
KNOW i don't know if it was the same protection
(36:58):
that broke, down but let's just this. Way protection broke
down twice in that. Game they got away with it
the first, time not the second. Time special teams have
a way of absolutely biting you in the ass and
at the worst possible. Time when you have a breakdown
on special, teams be it a, return be at a, block,
punt block field, goal whatever it might, be missed field,
(37:20):
goal you know it doesn't. Matter special teams have a. Way,
boy when it goes wrong on special, teams it usually
goes wrong at a crucial juncture in the.
Speaker 1 (37:28):
Ballgame, yeah AND i thought they were Gonna we saw
this last, year a couple of ugly wins with last
second field. GOALS i, okay this is kind of unfolding
to be to be the same. Thing can this be
the best thing that happens to this, team Not Jordan
love getting hit the way he did time after, time
And Zach tom not lasting you know. Much he just
(37:49):
really couldn't go much at all On. Sunday but you,
know so many of, us we get ahead of. Ourselves
the first two games they, won they looked really good doing.
It you've got A packers player about going. Undefeated maybe
to get knocked down In week three isn't the worst thing,
ever and that they're a really good. TEAM i, think you,
(38:09):
know obviously defensively they look to be, elite you know
if they could. Well the concern THAT i would have
wayne just as a fan, watch and is the offensive
line the health of. IT i know you've talked on
air About Josh jacobs because his rushing stats are are,
small but he's getting hit right, away which reminds me
of what The wisconsin running backs are dealing. With, yeah long,
(38:31):
term that's maybe the storyline. There how healthy can they
get moving forward on their offensive?
Speaker 3 (38:36):
Line, Well dallas On Sunday night this week and then
they've got a bye, week AND i think this is really.
Crucial i've said this when the schedule comes, OUT i
always Say, okay they got an early bye week and
play four games and then a bye. WEEK i, said
if they could just be two and two over those four,
games that's, fine and then get healthy and then make their.
(38:56):
Run that Was philadelphia's formula a year. Ago they were
kind of a sloppy two and. Two they had some
bumps and, Bruises they had a fourth by after the fourth,
game and then they took off from there and didn't lose.
Again i'm not saying that's how The packers are gonna
go at, all But i'm just thinking, that you, know
that's the. Formula you want to play well enough to
(39:16):
get into the. Playoffs you want to play your best
football In december and Especially. January but with The packers
in this, situation they go To. Dallas this is A
dallas team THAT i think they're going to be favored to.
Beat but. Nothing you can't take anything for. Granted it'll
be interesting to see how they come back from the
game In, cleveland AND i think they're probably going to
(39:38):
have to restructure that offensive line at least for this week's.
GAME i don't think they'll Put zach tom out. There
maybe they, will BUT i don't. Know you, Know Aaron,
banks the left, guard he's probably gonna miss this. Week
it's gonna be an interesting situation to see how it
shapes up on the offensive. Line BUT i had not
seen their offensive line get beaten like. THAT i can't remember. When,
(40:02):
Really they've always the offensive line has been good all these.
Years it been solid at least at very worst solid
and most of the year most times very. Good but
this line struggled with That cleveland. Front And Jim, schwartz
the defensive coordinator of The, browns he was a Former
lions head. Coach you, know he does a heck of
(40:22):
a job with, defense and he schemed up a good
defense In. Cleveland they have a great player At Miles, garrett,
who by the, way The packers kind of held in.
CHECK i, mean he had a half, Sack he had
two tackles for loss or one tackle for, loss and
two quarterback. Hits not, bad but everybody else was doing.
Damage you, know there was times WHEN i saw a
video of they had three guys on attention On Miles.
(40:45):
Garrett you, know that opens up things for other. People
but The packers' defense Looks LEGiT's That tamila is for
sure the offense still finding his, Way, matt and until
they are able to run the football. Effectively you know In,
cleveland one yards thirty one rushing. Attempts so you, know
people can't say To Matt, lafleur run the football while
(41:07):
he is running the. Football it's just not getting done so.
Far and the point you made About, jacobs every time
he gets the ball gets hit right. Away that's you,
know Sa Quon. Barkley they led the league last year
in number of yards before contact in their running, game
And barkley would get like two yards before he was.
HIT i, mean that tells you the offensive line is
dominating and that running back is getting the handoff and
(41:30):
he's not getting hit till he's through the. Line not
the case With josh and The. Packers right, now they
were trying to Get jacobs, on you, know on these screen,
passes get him into, space let him make a. Play
and AS i mentioned, earlier one of those actually worked
for thirty one. Yards but you know they targeted him
nine times and they're just trying to get him in.
(41:51):
Space and it tells me that, well they don't feel,
like they don't feel confident right now and running the
football at least not on this particular day In, cleveland
but they wont wanted to make sure they Get jacob's
a chance in space where he can make a, play
and it just didn't go well for. Them and then
some of the other snaffoos that occurred you just can't have.
Happened and you, know, Hey week, Three i've always said,
(42:14):
this it's the toughest week because the oh and two
teams are desperate not to go oh and. Three the
two and one teams want to get to three and
one to start thinking Super. Bowl and you, know it's
just a there's a lot of. Intensity it's an early
season fork in the. Road it's not the final fork
in the road you're gonna, face but it's early season
(42:35):
fok in the. Road where are you after three? Weeks
and you, know so that's WHERE i. Think and we've
seen a ton of injuries this year in THE, nfl you,
know just off the top of my, head AND i
just jotted him. Down James connor starting running Back arizona.
Gone Joe burrow starting Quarterback cincinnati out for eight, Weeks
Najie harris running Back La chargers. GONE tj McCarthy A jj,
(42:59):
McCarthy but sort. Of viking's quarterback out for a number
of weeks with a high. Ankle spring Brock, Perty San francisco's,
quarterback hopes to play this, week has missed the last two.
Weeks Nick, bosa the pass rusher At San, francisco down
for the. Season Acl ceedee lamb won't play against The.
Packers high ankle sprain On sunday. Night he won't play
against The. Packers all those you, know we're talking about
(43:19):
major injuries, here And, matt you AND i have discussed.
This the way THE nfl has had to prepare its
teams for the regular season leaves them unprepared physically for
the rigors of the regular, season and it takes three
to four weeks before you have a football team that's
now really ready to, play and by then injuries could
(43:42):
have scarred your team beyond. Recognition, YEAH i think college as.
Speaker 1 (43:47):
Well in some, cases you, know just the practices look
a lot different than what they used to look. LIKE
i think With, barry it's not to say that they're,
picnics but They're But i've talked to enough people who
have seen both in and college practices will still tell
you that college practices are much more. Involved there's much more,
Contact SO i guess the on the plus, side it
(44:09):
could extend careers of players in THE nfl to wear and.
Tear but it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be
able to play seventeen regular season games because you just
you don't protect. Yourself and you've always Said wayne that
the first four games you can start to see who you,
are and that could be more true than ever because
what you thought you were In week, one you're not
(44:29):
because key players are. Out AND i always say in THE,
nfl if you can't handle you, know if the, depth
if the drop off is that severe from your one
to year two in THE, nfl imagine what it is
in the majority of college. Programs it's. Severe and if
you have bad luck with, injuries a year in a
world to.
Speaker 3 (44:48):
Hurt and you, know, folks what we're talking, about for
those of you who don't follow this that, closely is
in training camp today in THE. NFL i know in
training camps in college are a little more, physical but
in this day AND a And matt AND i have
talked about this a. Lot you really can't afford to
prepare a football team like you did thirty years. Ago
(45:08):
the athletes are, bigger, faster stronger than they ever. Been
the collisions are much more severe than they've ever. Been
so if you if you start training the Way lombardi
trained The, packers the way you, know Even, holmgren the
way he conducted practices things like, that you really put
yourself at risk because these big guys running fast, arena
(45:30):
they're gonna collide and you're gonna have injuries before you've
ever played a. Game so what's the. Alternative, well you
have a lot of thud, hitting you don't take people
down to the ground in, practice that kind of. Thing
but then you get To september and you haven't played
your starters but maybe a few snaps in the regular,
season and you get To september and now it's four,
(45:52):
quarters all out, guys and you got to hit, it
take people to the, ground maybe for the first time
since last. Year so that's what we're up against in THE.
Nfl BUT i think it has to do with not
just the rules that the you, know union has put
into place along with the, league but the fact is these,
guys if they're given an opportunity in, practice they'll blow
(46:14):
each other. UP i, mean if that's what that will
blow each other, up and you can't afford that in
this day and age in THE. Nfl so and that's
what we're. Seeing september becomes that great exercise and figure, OUT,
o who are? We how are we gonna go about
winning and having success this? Year and then oh, man
(46:35):
are we? Healthy can we get through the first month
of the season without losing people for the rest of the.
Season so that's where We're that's where we're at in
THE nfl right. Now detroit won big last. Night as
we take this On, Tuesday maddy THEY i said after
they Left Green. BAY i still think they're the best.
Roster they. Are they're really. Good and they just win
(46:55):
it and and toyed With baltimore for a first half
and into the third quarter and then just you, know
you guys aren't that good And, lamar you can throw
all the running and touchdown passes and all that stuff you,
want but you're not going to beat. Us and they
just put the hammer down In baltimore and knocked off
a team that many people think it's the best team
in THE.
Speaker 1 (47:14):
Afc and, yep And Dan campbells still going to go
for it on fourth and short, midfield with the game
till in the, balance and as a football fan without
a dog in a, fight it's fun to. Watch if
you're A lions, fan it might drive you. Nuts it's
great when it. Works everybody else is great when it.
Doesn't but it worked last night for.
Speaker 3 (47:32):
Him all, Right, Matt, hey, Listen we've got The packers
going To Dallas sunday night, game big, Game Micah parsons.
Returning Jerry. JONES i don't know if you've got a
chance to, read to not, read but to watch THE
i don't know why you, would but The netflix Series
Jerry jones. Did it's Called America's, Team Jerry jones and
(47:54):
His Gambling, cowboys whatever it. Is, anyway it's a pretty good.
Series it's All Jerry. Jones he loves the ups and,
downs the back and. Forth it's it's the whole. Thing
he loves the soap, opera and So Micah parsons and
The packers are going into the primetime soap Opera sunday
night In. Dallas that'll be. INTERESTING i did.
Speaker 1 (48:13):
See it's actually it's very, entertaining and you can see
how much he is about the. Marketing he is about
being out. There if you're A cowboy, fan they probably
wish he'd be more about. Winning but whatever they're they're,
Compelling wayne AND i got sucked. IN i watched, it
SO i recommend it if you just want. TO i
know a lot of Like cowboy haters, here but it's
(48:36):
a pretty well done. SERIES i thought it. WAS i
was very, entertained very much.
Speaker 3 (48:40):
So and you know the thing About, jerry it really
he is a. Genius he's a marketing. Genius i'll tell
you this. Story years, ago maybe thirty years, ago right
after he bought The cowboys whatever that, was and you
know this is before they even got, good he, decided,
Okay pepsi's going to become the official drink of The
Aallice cowboys in the stadium and all. That and THE
(49:02):
nfl went ballistic because all of their deals team deals
had to go through the league umbrella and everything, else
And jerry, said, no, no this is our, team this
is our, market and that type of, thing and obviously
the league eventually, bent and now everybody has an official
beer or soft drink or, whatever and not necessarily the
(49:23):
beer of THE nfl or the soft drink of THE.
Nfl Jerry jones a tremendous, marketer and that's what he's
done with that. Franchise and today they're WORTH i don't,
know maybe twelve, billion maybe twelve, billion and he bought
them for like three hundred and fifty million or whatever it.
Was my, gosh it's incredible when you think about.
Speaker 1 (49:43):
It should be a fun atmosphere as they welcome like
A parsons.
Speaker 3 (49:46):
Back oh, yeah that'll be.
Speaker 1 (49:48):
Good it'll be.
Speaker 3 (49:49):
Good it's always entertaining when we go down there To,
dallas and The packers have had a lot of success
in that, building not just against The, cowboys but they
also won A Super bowl. There so it'll be interesting
to see check in With Brad sham and, everybody The
cowboys longtime, voice and it's always a hoot to go
To dallas for The cowboys And. Packers, matt that'll do
it for. Us you're off this, week enjoy some time,
(50:11):
away and we need you to come back refresh. Now
you and TAOSHER i can to carry the meal the
meal money On saturdays for.
Speaker 1 (50:20):
Us thank goodness for The Northwoods.
Speaker 3 (50:23):
Bureau good LITTLE r AND r up. Here So i'm
a little, HEY i the if the leaves started to
change up. There they have not a, lot but it's,
yeah it's starting to. Change, beautiful beautiful weather up.
Speaker 1 (50:34):
Here the deer are starting to take over our grounds
because most of us are, away so they're they're starting
to re establish their.
Speaker 3 (50:40):
Territory, so, yes this is a good place to be In.
September you got, it no question about. It well that'll
do it for The lervie of The pay. Podcast our,
Engineer dave, McCann the executive producer of The Laravie La
pay podcast On iHeart Is Monica. Whitcom now For, matt
this Is. Wayne we'll see you next time on The
leravian The pay.
Speaker 2 (50:59):
Podcast The Lrevian La pey podcast is a production Of
iHeartRadio podcasts with Hosts Way larvy And Matt, lapey with
production engineering By dave. McCann The Lrevian La peye podcast
is presented By Potawatamy Casino. Hotel your win is. Waiting
listen to other episodes available on The iHeartRadio, App Apple,
(51:20):
podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite. Podcasts
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