Episode 1

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Published on:

27th Aug 2024

EP 1 Talking Sports with Mr. College Football Tony Barnhart

 In the inaugural episode of Fans First A Sports Podcast, Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell welcomes legendary college football writer Tony Barnhart, famously known as "Mr. College Football." They discuss Barnhart's illustrious career, the state of college football, including the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and the challenges faced by coaches. Barnhart also delves into his latest book, The 19 of Green, reflecting on the integration of a small-town Georgia football team.This episode is packed with insights, humor, and deep reflections on the evolving landscape of college football, along with special segments "Flip the Switch" and "Get off my Lawn”.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [00:42] Tony Barnhart’s career overview and how he earned the nickname "Mr. College Football"
  • [05:00]  The evolution of college football media and Tony's transition from print to TV and podcasting
  • [07:00] Discussion on NIL, the transfer portal, and the changing landscape of college football
  • [14:00] The impact of these changes on coaches and the sustainability of the current model
  • [17:00]  Preview of the upcoming college football season, focusing on the Georgia vs. Clemson matchup
  • [18:22]  Flip the Switch on Tony 
  • [19:00]  Tony talks about his book, The 19 of Green, and the integration of his high school football team
  • [19:36] Get off my Lawn with Fan Andrew Gibbons
  • [22:13]  Closing thoughts: Reflecting on Tony’s career and the future of college football

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Tony Barnhart reflects on how journalists need to adapt to survive in the modern media landscape, highlighting the importance of versatility.
  • Barnhart discusses the challenges NIL and the open transfer portal pose to the integrity and stability of college football, especially from the fans' perspective.
  • Coaches face increasing pressure to constantly recruit and re-recruit players, leading to discussions about potential contracts and the NFL model for college sports.
  • Tony’s latest book offers a personal and historical perspective on the integration of a high school football team in Georgia, emphasizing the societal impacts of sports beyond the field.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Tony Barnhart is a former reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution who currently appears as a college football insider for CBS Sports on their college football coverage.

Barnhart graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia in 1976. He began his career as a reporter for the Greensboro News & Record. He moved to Atlanta in 1984, where he covered mostly ACC action. In July 1987, he started as the college sports editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Before going to CBS, he was a reporter for ESPN's college football coverage beginning in 1993. He started appearing as a regional beat reporter on their "halftime blitz." Starting with the 1997 season, he began appearing on College GameDay.[1]

Barnhart currently hosts The Tony Barnhart Show on CBS College Network.

RESOURCE LINKS 

The 19 of Green

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

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About the Podcast

Fans First a Sports Podcast
Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports. Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts.

Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan!

Bio: Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.

Social Media Handles:
X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/
Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

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