On today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, an early slate of football kick things off with Thursday night’s NC State–Wake Forest matchup drawing playful word associations and memories of Gene Stallings’ fiery encounter during Alabama’s trip to Raleigh. The John and Barry leaned into Wake’s reputation as the smallest Power Four school, recalling alumni like Arnold Palmer and Tim Duncan, while mixing in anecdotes about bumper-sticker rivalries and the quirks of forgotten programs. That sense of nostalgia shifted sharply as the show marked the 24th anniversary of 9/11, with John and Barry sharing where they were on the air that morning, reflecting on national unity that followed, and mourning the continued divisions that have since reemerged.
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Personal grief was layered in as they paused to recognize the assassination of conservative political legend Charlie Kirk, who leaves behind a wife and two young children. Later, Auburn insider Jason Caldwell joined to dissect the Tigers’ 42–3 win over Ball State, noting a workmanlike performance, the heavy use of freshmen, quarterback Duce Knight’s limited debut, and lingering questions at running back with injuries thinning the depth chart. Caldwell also previewed South Alabama, praising its offensive threats while pointing to a vulnerable defensive front. Off the field, the hosts segued into the politics of football branding, highlighting the Washington Commanders’ ongoing name-change saga and speculation over whether presidential influence might eventually force the franchise’s hand.
