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

Cinderella Survives…Boise State is still unbeaten:  barely.  The Broncos held off Tulsa 28-21 withstanding a late rally which ended with a defensive stand in the final minute.  Ash doesn’t feel BSU has any business being considered a National Championship contender after two-loss Oklahoma beat this same Tulsa team 41-0 earlier this year in Norman.  Mark does feel Chris Peterson’s team is talented enough to play in a BCS game, just not for the national title.  Gambo is taking a wait-and-see approach with Boise.  He doesn’t feel style points are needed, but running the table is.

Seahawks starting tight end JOHN CARLSON previewed their game Sunday against the Cards at Qwest Field.  The former Notre Dame star is third on the team in catches (22) and yards (239).  He said Seattle will continue to play their up-tempo, fast-break offense which helped them roll up 41 points last week against Jacksonville.  Carlson also said he will be keeping a close eye on the USC-Notre Dame Saturday in South Bend.

Mike Vick’s Latest Audible…Philly quarterback Michael Vick passed on an opportunity to visit a large group of dogs he once fought with this weekend in Oakland when the Eagles visit the Raiders.  G&A feel, by no means, should Vick visit these eight dogs.  Mark wants to see more of Vick on the field and less of him off it.  Gambo knows there’s no advantage to him visiting and thinks, if anything, it will hurt his reputation more than anything.  Mark knows people eat up the bad news and sometimes brush off the good, because that’s just way our society works.

The Best & Worst of Times…the Cardinals defense has rode the rollercoaster this season when it comes to defending the run and pass.  The Cards are best in the NFL against the run and dead last against the pass.  Gambo sees the biggest reason is the Cards frequently get pressure on the quarterback, but can’t get to the quarterback in terms of sacks, which ultimately exposes their secondary.

We caught up with former San Francisco Giants outfielder, now Reno Aces manager, BRETT BUTLER.  Butler discussed the 20th Anniversary of the Earthquake Series which is this Saturday and shared his thoughts on the NL & ALCS which start Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles.  Butler said the most difficult part of the whole Earthquake Series experience was contacting his family because that was long before cell phones were so prevalent.

Let the Games Begin…the Dodgers and Phillies are getting set to start the NLCS in Los Angeles.  The guys gave their keys to the series.  Ash is still sticking with the Dodgers in seven, while John still likes the Phillies to get back to the Fall Classic because of their balanced lineup and solid starting pitching.

We were joined by Cardinals defensive coordinator BILL DAVIS who discussed the Red Birds late 4th-quarter defensive stand against Houston last weekend and how he plans to defend Matt Hasselbeck’s hurry-up offense Sunday in Seattle.  Davis says the key to his defense is putting together four solid quarters of play per game.

Friday we’re LIVE in Dallas for the Texas-Oklahoma Red River Rivalry and we’ll be joined by ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth at 5:25.

 

 John Carlson [8:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (17)

 

 Brett Butler [8:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (7)

 

 Bill Davis [11:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (17)