We are in full on Media Day/Hype Season.
The Big-12, Mountain West and Pac-12 media events are behind us. The SEC Media Day is in its final day and ACC and B1G Media Days kick off next week. Safe to say, hype season is on and I love it.
Media Days are part of what we love about the cadence of college football. Every coach is rested, every team is undefeated and every fan base is eager for the season.
While some things remain the same this July others dramatically change, like Nick Saban needing a credential, four new teams in the Big-12 and more next week donning new logos in the ACC and B1G.
Last week, I was also a part of something new in the Pac-12. Their media event was coined, After Hours with the Beavs & Cougs, and this event was unlike any media event in recent history. With only two teams currently in the league, the Pac-12 Conference executive team got creative, and in my eyes, nailed it.
In a bespoke and intimate setting at the Bellagio, media members, bowl representatives and Pac-12 employees got to listen and ask questions to both head coaches, four student-athletes, three legends from both WSU and OSU and then hear from new Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. Between each interview, the audience was gifted a first look at the short film, Welcome to the Fight. This documentary was directed by former walk-on turned scholarship Oregon State wideout and current filmmaker Taylor Kavanaugh. The focus of the film was the past, present and future of both teams and after you watch it, I guarantee you will have chills down your spine.
It was a unique night, amid unique circumstances and I was able to host it. My biggest takeaway is that the nation & its college football reporters are rooting for the Beavs and Cougs. It's hard not to after everything they have done (win) and been dealt (conference realignment). If they make some noise in September, I think they will become America's Teams and anyone who loves competitive sports will be cheering them on across the nation.
In today's Y-Option podcast, you'll hear from head coaches Jake Dickert and Trent Bray, as they share how their respective teams have 'met the moment' all off-season in anticipation of their new schedule in the Pac-12.
Jaden Robinson, Jermaine Terry II, Kyle Williams and Kyle Thornton also joined me on stage and while all four are stars for the Beavs and Cougs on the field, their stories will inspire you in meaningful ways off it. Each were impacted at an early age by adversity and each celebrated the woman in their lives who continues to inspire each of them to this day. If you love football and have any desire to learn about the humans under those helmets, this episode is right up your alley. If you're pessimistic about the future of the game, this episode will offer you some hope.
Enjoy After Hours, with the Beavs and Cougs, from Las Vegas.
Much love,
Yogi
Y-Option is a Best Coast Media Production
America's Teams? After Hours with the Beavs & Cougs from Vegas