The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Nebraska volleyball's chances to win the national title, plus they take a look at the Huskers and the transfer portal and the Pinstripe Bowl.

The crew opens with Nebraska volleyball headed into the Final Four as the Huskers' quest for a national championship continues.

They talk how this team rises to the moment, especially in its Elite Eight win over Wisconsin, and are they a top 10 Husker volleyball team?

The three discuss the incredible sound effect done by the ABC broadcast during the Elite Eight match.

They talk the Penn State matchup and how that may be more difficult for the Huskers than any other matchup in the Final Four. 

The crew talks the impact of Lexi Rodriguez, who was named a first-team All-American.

The crew talks the impact — or rather, chaos — of the transfer portal and how it is affecting college football.

They also break down the specific impact it is having on Nebraska's program. 

The three also discuss potential fixes for the chaos.

They talk Nebraska vs. Cincinnati in the Pinstripe Bowl and how Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher saying they will play ever single down.

They close out with their picks for the bowls games.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Nebraska's coaching changes and what the Huskers will do in the transfer portal.

The crew opens with Nebraska's quick changes to the coaching staff and how the transfer portal and roster limits may have forced the Husker coaches' hands.

They also discuss what the new coaches bring to NU's staff and their thoughts on the new — and, in the case of John Butler, promoted — coaches. 

The three discuss the need for a general manager to handle the revenue sharing aspects of college athletics and how it shouldn't be handled by the coaching staff.

They move onto Nebraska and the transfer portal: Who has gone in, who might go in and the positions the Huskers might recruit.

The crew talks Scott Frost once again being the head coach at UCF.

They talk Nebraska taking on Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

They close with a look at the College Football Playoff field and how the former Big Ten West teams stack up against any of the teams in the CFP.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Nebraska's recent departures — players and coaches — and all things Signing Day.

They talk what is the bigger deal: Tony White and Terrance Knighton leaving Nebraska for Florida State or Dana Holgorsen staying in Lincoln.

The crew breaks down the highlights — and lowlights — from Nebraska on Signing Day.

They discuss what current Huskers that Nebraska would like to retain and the ones that have already entered the transfer portal.

The three talk where Nebraska will play in a bowl game and close out with their picks for the conference championship games.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down the impact of making a bowl game and look ahead to Nebraska vs. Iowa.

The crew opens with Nebraska making a bowl game and what that means for the Huskers' future.

They talk Dana Holgorsen: will he be back for another season or will he move on?

The three discuss the changes coming to the Huskers next season and reminisce on past bowl games and coaches.

They move onto volleyball, and the Huskers' upcoming match against Penn State and what it means.

They close out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down the Nebraska vs. Wisconsin game, the drama behind it and the looming end of the walk-on era.

They talk how big the final two games — Wisconsin and Iowa — are this season.

The crew breaks down the difference in press conferences between Matt Rhule's handling of an offensive coordinator change and Luke Fickell's.

The three break down Dana Holgorsen's press conference and what did and didn't inspired confidence in the Huskers' offense going forward this season.

They talk the differences in Curt Cignetti's first year and Matt Rhule's and how that has led to a difference on the field.

They discuss questions like: does Nebraska need to get older in the transfer portal in addition to developing freshmen and is the Husker coaching staff a Big Ten staff on the offensive side of the ball?

The three break down the Wisconsin matchup and all the drama behind the scenes of the game.

The crew talks that it is both Senior Day and the end of an era with the 105 roster limits affecting the walk-on program.

They go through the 19 seniors who will walk on Saturday and give their thoughts on each of them.

The three talk Nebraska basketball's doubleheader — men's and women's teams — against Creighton, and Natalie Potts injury on Tuesday.

They close out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel discuss Matt Rhule making Dana Holgorsen Nebraska's offensive coordinator and play-caller.

The crew opens with the big news of Holgorsen taking over as Nebraska's offensive coordinator and play-caller.

They talk what Holgorsen has done well at previous posts and what we can potentially see happen with Nebraska's offense.

The three break down the Huskers' fluid quarterback situation: Will Dylan Raiola be ready or will Heinrich Haarberg start?

They discuss the timing of bringing Holgorsen in and then promoting him: Was it desperation or urgency or Matt Rhule adjusting to college football?

The crew question whether or not the Holgorsen's hire means a different type of offense is coming for Nebraska.

They talk the Nebraska vs. USC matchup, what to expect in the game and can the Huskers make a run at a team filled with high-level athletes.

The three discuss which of the final three games would mean the most to win — USC, Wisconsin and Iowa.

The crew closes out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel discuss Matt Rhule bringing in two consultants to get a fresh set of eyes on Nebraska's offense and defense.

The crew also talks whether the younger players should be on the field instead of the veterans.

They talk how zeroing in on Dylan Raiola was the right move ... but that there is a cost to having a young quarterback.

The crew closes out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel discuss Big Ten officiating, Nebraska's upcoming game against UCLA and more.

The crew starts with Nebraska's narrow loss to then-No. 4 Ohio State and how many Huskers played their best game of their career. What does it mean that NU didn't come away with a win, and what does it mean for the rest of the season?

They talk if Nebraska found a formula in Columbus and can it be replicated in the Huskers' final four games.

The three discuss the officiating in the Ohio State game, the Big Ten's acknowledgement and what Troy Dannen and Matt Rhule had to say about it. Is a national level fix needed?

The crew breaks down the heat on Marcus Satterfield, problems with the screen passes and the surprise around Dylan Raiola running.

They move onto basketball and talk if the season should get moved back and the outlook for the Huskers.

The crew closes out with their picks.

The crew opens with the meltdown at Indiana, how it happened and what Nebraska can take away from the loss.

They move onto Marcus Satterfield's comments on the run game on Tuesday and if he is on the same page as Matt Rhule.

The three talk the different struggles on offense and defense, if coaching changes are needed — or coming — and how Nebraska may need to move past an NFL mindset on margin of loss.

They then talk should the Huskers' priority change against Ohio State. 

The three move onto men's basketball and their expectations for this weekend's exhibition and start of the season.

They then talk Nebraska volleyball's rankings in the AVCA poll and the Division I Committee and its outlook for the NCAA tournament.

The crew closes out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down the Nebraska vs. Indiana matchup.

The crew starts with their memories of the last time Nebraska travelled to Indiana and how no one expected the Hoosiers to be the No. 16 team in the country.

They then talk how Nebraska can win this game, and should the Huskers aim for or avoid a shootout with the Hoosiers.

The three talk if Indiana can sustain the momentum they have gained so far this season, and the difference in Curt Cignetti and Matt Rhule's approach to building a team.

The crew talks when Nebraska football will have its moment in the sun.

They talk whether the Husker defense hold strong against the Hoosier offense and what would look like a good day for the Blackshirts. Will special teams be an asset or hindrance this week? How important is it for the Huskers to take an early lead?

The crew moves onto basketball and how Nebraska women's basketball is ranked in the preseason AP poll. How good can Amy Williams' team be this season without Jaz Shelley, but with Britt Prince and Allison Weidner. 

They talk baseball and the excitement around the program during the Red-White Scrimmages.

The crew closes out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel recap Nebraska's first six games and how the Husker can improve in the second half of the season. 

Halfway through the season, the crew takes stock of where Nebraska stacks up against the CFP bubble teams.

They talk how they would grade the Huskers so far this season and what is bringing their grades up or dropping them down. They also break down if they are optimistic or pessimistic about the rest of the season.

The trio talks how Matt Rhule wants to improve the Huskers' run game in the back half of the season and how Nebraska can bring its numbers up.

They talk which players surprised or impressed them so far this year.

They close out with their picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel react to Nebraska's disappointing overtime loss to Illinois and discuss which areas the Huskers can adjust going into the rest of Big Ten play.

The guys talk about the fans' upset feelings after NU let another lead slip away and another close loss, but the three debate whether this version has a different identity.

Tom gives thoughts on how Dylan Raiola handled his first real test against a solid Big Ten defense and the three have a conversation about when the freshman will take over as a true leader of the team and how other players will respond.

They also talk about how Illinois had success against the Blackshirts and how Nebraska's offensive strategy can change to keep the defense fresh in the fourth quarter.

The trio then bring up Nebraska AD Troy Dannen's comments speaking out against hosting Big Ten Friday night games and consider a resolution to the issue of Michigan and Ohio State refusing Friday games.

The show switches to basketball with the three debating what the Huskers will be strong in before Sam talks about why Fred Hoiberg decided to bring in so many big man transfers to alleviate a rebounding issue.

They end the show with picks and a lookahead to the first road trip of the season to West Lafeyette.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel preview Nebraska vs. Illinois and talk what updates are needed at Memorial Stadium.

The crew opens with Nebraska playing on Friday because of a Shawn Eichorst's decision that has carried over but that the Huskers are resilient and can handle it. 

They then move to why Nebraska's sellout streak has lasted for 400 games, while other programs' have seen theirs broken.

The three also talk why the sellout streak may be working against the fan experience and what needs to be updated at Memorial Stadium for Husker Nation.

They talk how, as Matt Rhule said in his press conference, that Nebraska and Illinois are mirror images of each other and because of that what becomes more important in the matchup.

The crew talks what we can learn about the Huskers during their game against the Illini and the upcoming games as well.

They talk Illinois: are the Illini at top 25 team, what the crew expects from the Illinois, etc.

The three talk No. 5 Nebraska volleyball's sweep of No. 2 Stanford, and what it means if the Huskers beat No. 4 Louisville this week. And how good is No. 1 Pitt? 

They close out with their picks for Week 4 and how high Colorado games are on their watch list.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Nebraska's win over Colorado, Christian Jones' commit and more.

The crew opens with the electric night — and celebration — of the Huskers' win over Colorado and how it could be a springboard for getting back to the old Nebraska.

They talk what Saturday's win means for the rest of the season and how it may have caused a domino effect that led to the commit of Omaha Westside's Christian Jones.

The crew talks the Northern Iowa game and how it sets up the Huskers for Big Ten play.

They talk other Big Ten questions such as will Nebraska vs. Purdue be on national TV and did Iowa State reveal a weakness in Iowa that the Huskers can exploit.

The three talk Nebraska football ranked for the first time since 2019 (preseason), 2016 (regular season).

They close out with their weekly picks.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk all things Nebraska vs. Colorado, including the rivalry, the recruiting and more.

The crew opens with No. 2 Nebraska volleyball being swept by unranked SMU and how that will impact the Huskers in the postseason.

They then move onto Nebraska football vs. Colorado and what would impact the Huskers more: a win or a loss.

The three then talk which teams on their schedule do the Huskers want/need to beat and if Colorado is one of those teams.

They talk Nebraska's big recruiting weekend: who the recruiting targets are and what impact the Colorado game could make on the recruits.

The crew breaks down the key takeaways from the UTEP win and how it can be applied to Saturday's game.

They then try to answer the question: what does Nebraska need to do to beat Colorado.

The three then reminisce on past Colorado games and the rivalry itself.

They close out with their picks for Week 2!

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel answer rapid fire questions ahead of Nebraska's season opener, such as will Dylan Raiola throw for 3,000 yards this season.

0:00 Finally the end of fall camp

3:15 Favorite season-opening memories

13:30 Is it better to start at home or play a non-Power conference opponent first?

20:30 Matt Rhule's comments on not easing Dylan Raiola into the starting quarterback role and what will Heinrich Haarberg do

23:30 Answering questions on topics such as Nebraska winning one-score games, Huskers have at least three NFL draft picks, etc.

43:30 Predictions Nebraska's season record 

46:15 Picks for Week 1

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk the breaking news of Dylan Raiola being named the starting quarterback and discuss if the single-digit jerseys are the new Blackshirts.

The crew opens with some quick takes on Nebraska with the start of the season just a week away.

This week, the Huskers announced who is receiving the single-digit jerseys in 2024. Are these jerseys the new Blackshirts for Nebraska? They also talk the disparity between the amount of defensive players that received them vs. the offensive ones. What do the Blackshirts mean now?

The three give their bold predictions for the Huskers' 2024 season and predictions for the early games.

They then move onto volleyball, and what they expect to see from John Cook's team this season. Is this a championship or bust year?

Breaking news mid-podcast: Dylan Raiola named the starting quarterback.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down which Nebraska football positions are season-ready and which ones still have questions.

Here's a look at the full podcast's topics:

0:00 Dog days of training camp and the boxes left to check

3:00 Can't start the season with an "or" on the depth chart at quarterback

4:00 Single digit jersey predictions and will Raiola receive one?

9:10 Trusted and questionable position groups as training camp winds down

22:45 Nebraska's run vs. pass game

24:00 How is Nebraska a developmental program and navigating the NIL and transfer portal

48:00 Teams to watch this season

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland, Tom Shatel and Wilson Moore break down the first week of Nebraska's football camp, including:

» Saturday's (Aug. 3) open practice

» Teddy Prochazka injury

» Hearing from John Butler for the first time

» Getting votes in coaches poll

» The hardest and easiest games on the Huskers' schedule

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down the storylines to watch for Nebraska football and volleyball this season.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel preview Big Ten Media Days and the Nebraska storylines.

The crew opens up with a quick look at the questions Nebraska and Matt Rhule will face at Big Ten Media Days.

They then take a broader look at the conference as a whole and what the major storylines of the event will be.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk Nebraska's new defensive backs coach, which Huskers will represent the program and Big Ten media days and more.

The duo opens with Evan Cooper resigning as Nebraska's defensive backs coach for personal reasons and being replaced by John Butler.

Did NU trade Coopers' recruiting ability and institutional knowledge of Matt Rhule's program for a more veteran coach in Butler? 

They talk the difference between Copper leaving and Bob Wager last season, and what those differences says about the Butler hire. 

The two also discuss why Butler left the Buffalo Bills program.

They then move onto the player representatives at Big Ten media days: Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford and Ben Scott.

The duo talk about the Nebraska men's basketball nonconference schedule and how it resembles last season's schedule. Is it better to schedule easier teams or challenging ones when it comes to qualifying for the NCAA tournament?

They discuss the reported roster limits heading to college football and how it will impact Nebraska.

They close out by discussing Nebraska's Big Red Preview.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Tom Shatel wrap up the 2023-24 Nebraska Athletics year with a look at its biggest stories.

They duo opens with Husker volleyball and their run to the national championship and setting a world record at their match in Memorial Stadium.

They talk both basketball teams' impressive year and both making the NCAA tournament.

The two break down Trev Alberts leaving Nebraska and NU bringing in Troy Dannen as his replacement. 

They move onto football and Matt Rhule's recent press conference where he talked recruiting. They then talk Nebraska's strength and conditioning program and coach and the new practice facility.  

The duo closes out with football recruiting, where Nebraska is at and how the transfer portal can serve as the "great eraser."

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel wrap up Nebraska baseball's season, talk potential change the NCAA will institute this summer and more!

The crew open with Nebraska baseball in the NCAA Stillwater Regional and how the trip can show the Huskers how much farther they can go.

They recap the Nebraska's baseball season, where the Huskers can improve and how they need to find a way to close out games.

The duo then move onto Nebraska football's kickoff times and which ones stands out. They talk Nebraska's home Friday Night Lights game against Illinois, and the Huskers' need to win their home opener.

They close out with a look at potential changes the NCAA may make over the summer, including revenue sharing and roster limits for football, and how prepared Nebraska is for those changes.

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Husker baseball's chances in the NCAA tournament and how Nebraska may handle revenue sharing with student athletes.

The crew opens with Nebraska baseball winning the Big Ten tournament title and look ahead to their potential run in the NCAA tournament ... starting with Florida, who played the most difficult schedule in college baseball.

They talk the recent NCAA settlements and revenue sharing with student athletes. They take a look at what Nebraska might do in regards with revenue sharing between the men's and women's sports.