Here’s what went down Friday on Gambo & Ash…

Taking the Show on the Road…still reeling from their season-opening loss to the 49ers Sunday, the Cardinals head east this weekend to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Cards had little success traveling back east until shocking the Panthers in the playoffs in January.  Mark doesn’t want to hear excuses because the Birds aren’t playing an NFC power (Giants, Eagles, Redskins) and don’t have to worry about poor weather.  Gambo thinks this is a very winnable game against a decent, but certainly not marquee team.  That being said, the Jags are 11-1 against NFC teams at home.

Must-Win, Again…the Cards are only one game into the 2009 season, but critics are saying this is still a “must-win” game for Ken Whisenhunt’s team with Payton Manning and the Colts looming next weekend in Glendale.  Gambo is convinced the Red Birds’ Super Bowl run wasn’t a fluke, but knows the offense needs to step up quickly.  Ash feels the NFC West is improved and the Cards won’t sneak up on anyone this season.

A Familiar Face…remember Dirk Koetter?  The former ASU head coach is currently the offensive coordinator with the Jags.  Gambo hates Koetter personally, but knows he is a well-respected “offensive mind” who is a better fit in the NFL than college.  Mark believes Koetter should have never left Boise State, where he built the program and laid the foundation for Dan Hawkins and now, Chris Peterson.  Gambo is certain Koetter left because he knew he couldn’t recruit the top-tier players to Boise, Idaho.

The return of “The U”…don’t look now, but the Miami Hurricanes are taking their place among the best teams in college football again.  After beating Florida State in week one, the ‘Canes throttled 14th-ranked Georgia Tech and are now preparing for next week’s showdown in Blacksburg against Va-Tech before returning home for a showdown with Oklahoma.  John isn’t ready to anoint the ‘Canes as a national champion contender, but loves quarterback Jacory Harris and his talented, young skill players.

Trash Talk…the Jets face a steep test Sunday when the Patriots visit The Big Apple.  New York safety Kerry Rhodes helped stoke the fire by saying Rex Ryan’s team was looking to “embarrass” New England.  He later back-pedaled, insisting he was only hoping to break the Jets’ long losing streak to Bill Belichick’s club.

We were joined by Arizona State Athletic Director LISA LOVE who previewed the Devils’ game Saturday night against Louisiana-Monroe at Sun Devil Stadium and everything else making headlines in Tempe.

Our ESPN baseball analyst TIM KURKJIAN analyzed the final three weeks of the regular season, the NL Wild Card race, the streaking Boston Red Sox who have won seven of their last 10, and the uncertain future of Chipper Jones.

World renowned sports handicapper and good friend of the program BRANDON LANG broke down all the marquee college and NFL games this weekend.  He likes the Utah Utes and New York Giants, among others, to “cover the number.”

Our ESPN NFL analyst MARK SCHLERETH shared his thoughts on the Cards’ disappointing season-opening loss to the 49ers and what he expects Sunday in Jacksonville.  “Stink” thinks this is a must-win for the Red Birds.  Plus, he broke down this weekend’s feature matchups including the Saints at Philly, the Bears hosting the Steelers, and regular season debut at “Jerry World” in Arlington between the Giants and Cowboys.

 

 Lisa Love [6:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (17)

 

 Tim Kurkjian [12:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (18)

 

 Brandon Lang [10:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (30)

 

 Mark Schlereth [13:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (20)