On today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, two weeks of the college football season is already in the books, which spurred Longshore and McKnight into bigger conversations about the sport’s structure. Central to that debate was Louisiana-Monroe’s athletic budget, where nearly 17% of annual expenses come from “money games” like Alabama and Northwestern. The hosts noted the financial lifeline these payouts provide but questioned the competitive value, tying it back to the broader issue of students and their eroding role on game day. From long-haul conference matchups that make attendance nearly impossible to student sections relegated to upper decks, the sense of connection between athletes and their peers continues to fade.

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Tradition took another hit with the discussion of bands, once integral to game-day atmosphere but now often overshadowed by piped-in music. That theme of authenticity carried into a sharp critique of Georgia fans, with Josh Harris describing the nonstop chatter he endures in Atlanta, where Bulldogs talk has overtaken even the Braves. The conversation then pivoted to LSU, where stories from Clemson revealed how Tiger fans parked illegally, littered yards, and overwhelmed a small town, reinforcing their rowdy reputation. McKnight added that Baton Rouge itself remains a trip fans should treat carefully—advising neutral attire and quick exits to avoid the business that comes with Tiger Stadium.