The Morning Kick-Off w/Mike Hardball Hardge & Mark Henry

Today is "Feel Good Friday." We are a day from the #10-ranked Texas Longhorns' battle in Athens, Georgia, against the #3-ranked Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian held his final press conference before the big game, discussing the importance of forcing turnovers, why UGA is so tough, and Colin Simmons' impact when he reaches the quarterback. He also gave his opinion on the controversial scheduling in the SEC. Major League Baseball handed out its Most Valuable Player Awards, and there were no surprises: the players fans expected to win the trophies did. The Eagles are in...

Today is "Prediction Thursday." We are only two days away from the 10th-ranked Texas Longhorns traveling to Athens, Georgia, to play the #3rd-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. We got some sound from Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian as he talks about a chance to defeat the 3rd SEC top-10-ranked program, how Texas and OU joining the conference has impacted the conference and the team's mentality after a month on the road. The Texas Men’s Basketball team defeated the Fairleigh Dickerson Knights 93-58. Major League Baseball named their Cy Young Award winners, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers and Paul Skenes of...

Today, for "Legends of the Locker Room," we have Lifetime Longhorn football star linebacker Brian "BJ" Jones, who talks about the college football playoff format. Where should Texas be ranked in the College Football Playoffs Poll? How different is this year's game against the Georgia Bulldogs? The impact the offence can have on the Bulldogs' defense. How much growth has Arch Manning shown this season? Who does he see on the defense as big-time impact players? His thoughts on the Indiana vs Penn State from last week. Plus, what Texas has to do to be successful against the Bulldogs. We...

Today is "Texas Gameplan Humpday," as the Texas Longhorns get ready for Saturday's trip to Athens to play the Georgia Bulldogs. The College Football Playoff Poll revealed, and the Longhorns landed at 10. We have more from Head Coach Steve Sarkisian on Saturday's game. The Dallas Mavericks made a general manager change, firing Nico Harrison. What are the college football and NFL games to watch this week? We discussed the Giants' management moves. Victor Wembanyama is dominating the NBA and keeps getting better. The Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball team plays the Fairleigh Dickerson Knights tonight. We have sound from Coach Basketball...

Today is "Veterans Day," as the guys salute those who've served in the military. Also, it's "Turn the Page Thursday" as the #10-ranked Texas Longhorns get ready to face the #3-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian spoke with the media about his opponents and provided an update on the status of Tre Wingo and Michael Taaffe. Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart gave his thoughts on Texas Quarterback Arch Manning and this Texas team. Arch gave his thoughts on facing Georgia and Michael Taaffe's leadership. The Monday Night Football game was a stinker as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the...

Today is “Longhorns Monday,” as the Texas Longhorns get ready to travel to Athens, Georgia, on Saturday to play against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Longhorns moved up to #10 in the College Football Playoffs poll. Texas Women’s Basketball team defeated #24-ranked Richmond Spiders 85-56 behind the efforts of Madison Booker and freshman sensation Aaliyah Crump. The men’s basketball team handled business against the Lafayette Leopards 97-60. Major League Baseball now has a gambling scandal as two Cleveland Guardians pitchers are the targets of the latest FBI investigation. College Football had a crazy week, including the Indiana Hoosiers coming from behind t...

Today is “Feel Good Friday,” the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL are dealing with a tragic situation after the news of Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland taking his own life. We talk about the importance of mental health and caring for one another. A couple of college football coaches express their anger with their current situations. We give the current odds for the Heisman Trophy. A huge NBA game tonight in San Antonio as the Houston Rockets travel to play the Spurs. What team is truly America’s Team as we look at the NFL’s television ratings? What are the big...

Today, the guys have to address the elephant in the room —well, in the Boston Celtics locker room —Jaylen Brown using hair dye.  The conversation sparks stories from the guys' past, and the hilarity continues as they question what Jaylen Brown is thinking. You can hear it all here on "The Morning Kickoff Show!"

Today is “Prediction Thursday,” and the Texas Longhorns are on a bye week as they are ranked 11th in the College Football Playoffs poll. Jaylen Brown is embarrassing himself with the hair dye spray, again. Texas Women’s Basketball Head Coach Vic Schaefer talked to the media yesterday. He spoke about what he’s seen from the freshmen, team toughness, and how practice has changed. “Let’s do that hockey,” as Alex Ovechkin reaches a milestone with 900 career goals. We make our college football and NFL picks against the spread for the week. We provide updates on several key players out and share...

Today is “Gameplan Wednesday.” The College Football Playoff Ranks are out, and Texas is ranked #11. We have more from Head Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Monday press conference. He gives updates on Tre Wingo and Jelani McDonald, what the team will do during their bye week, and his thoughts on coaches’ buyouts and firings. Yesterday was the NFL Trade Deadline; the Cowboys made a couple of moves to improve the team. The Longhorns Men’s Basketball team opened against the Duke Blue Devils in Charlotte, with the Blue Devils running away with it late with a 75-60 victory, in the Dick Vitale Inv...

Today is "Turn the Page Tuesday." The Texas Longhorns have a bye week before traveling to Athens, Georgia, to play the #5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Sanford Stadium. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian spoke to the media on Monday, addressing the team's growth and how experience is developing the team. The Texas Women's Basketball team started their season yesterday, defeating Incarnate Word Cardinals 123-51 with a big debut from Freshman Guard Aaliyah Crump. The Dallas Cowboys lost 27-17 to the Arizona Cardinals. The NFL Trade Deadline is today, and the Dallas Cowboys traded for Bengals Linebacker Logan Wilson. "The World's Strongest Take!"...

For the "Legends of the Locker Room," we have on Lifetime Longhorn Basketball Legend Fran Harris. She will host the Austin Sports Awards on December 17 alongside our own Mark Henry. They talk about Austin's fight to land a WNBA team.  She explains how to support and attend the event at AustinSportsAwards.com. What awards will be awarded at the event, and what is the criteria to be eligible for an award? What are her thoughts on the next step in the WNBA negotiation for collective bargaining and possible work stoppage? She gives her opinion of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The h...

Today is "Longhorns’ Victory Monday," after a Texas Longhorn victory at DKR over the #9-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores 34-31. Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian praised the play of his quarterback and offensive line. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in a drama-filled World Series extra-inning game 7. We summarized week 9 of the NFL season, with two-star quarterbacks suffering significant injuries. Previews of the Cowboys vs the Cardinals and the Texas Longhorns Women's Basketball team start their season vs Incarnate Word, both tonight. Oklahoma Sooner punter Tate Sandell is wearing strange gear on Saturday. A "Hardge Knocks Life" and "The Wo...

Today is “Feel Good Football Friday,” just one day from the Texas Longhorns returning to DKR Stadium to play the #9-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the media on Thursday, explaining the challenges facing the Commodores and preparing two quarterbacks to play. We get an update on the statuses of the Texas #16s Michael Taaffe and Arch Manning. The guys share their opinions on what the big games are in college football this weekend. Texas Basketball Head Coach Steve Miller met with the media as well, discussing his acclimation to a new team, the team’s health, what progre...

For “The Legends of the Locker Room,” we have Texas Assistant Athletic Director Drew Martin to discuss the upcoming return of the Texas Longhorns to DKR. He discusses the huge pregame and postgame events at Bevo Boulevard. He informs us that the 2005 National Championship team will be recognized at halftime. He promotes the vendors on-site to get fan gear, and the show, SB Nation, will be on-site as well. They will have all the sports teams on location for the game. It feels good to defeat his alma mater and to play in that environment. He promotes recognition for the serv...

Today is "Prediction Thursday." We are only two days away from the Texas Longhorns' return to DKR to face the #9-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores at 11 am. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian met with the media to talk about the match and gave an update on the statuses of Michael Taaffe and Arch Manning. The Los Angeles Dodgers find their way facing elimination as the Toronto Blue Jays go up 3-2 in the World Series. We make our predictions against the spread for this weekend's college and NFL football games. Then we discuss college sports issues with buyout clauses in coaching contracts. "The...

Today in the "Legends of the Locker Room," we have Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, who talks about Texas' return from a long road trip. He speaks about seeing the SEC culture during the month-long road trip. Mark and Hardge ran into Chris on the road trip from the Red River Rivalry. He speaks on the expectations, leadership, and culture in Texas. He speaks on veteran teams with maturity like Vanderbilt. He mentions issues with guidelines on player eligibility due to the inability to govern college sports nationally. He gives input on the NCAA allowing college athletes to engage...

Today is "Texas Gameplan Humpday," as the Texas Longhorns look forward to Saturday's early game against the #9-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores. We have more from Texas' Head Coach Steve Sarkisian at Monday's press conference, as he discusses the upcoming battle. Game 5 of the World Series: the Toronto Blue Jays tie the series up with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dominating fashion. The reason why the Indianapolis Colts are trending up in the NFL is. Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin had some comments on Oklahoma's Head Coach Brent Venables. Deion Sanders gave his input on college fans' patience. NBA Load...

Today is "Turn the Page Tuesday," and the Texas Longhorns move their attention to the Vanderbilt Commodores. Longhorns' Head Coach Steve Sarkisian updates the media on Arch Manning's health, what he's thinking about improving the running game, and how to end the slow starts. Several Longhorns players received SEC weekly awards. Game three of the World Series went 18 innings with the Dodgers winning on a walk-off home run. We had a sports equinox last night with all five major sports having games on the same day. Texas State plays James Madison tonight. "The World's Strongest Take!" Plus, we talk Texas...

Today is “Longhorns Victory Monday,” The Texas Longhorns were 31-14 going into 4th quarter comeback to win 45-38 in overtime against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Longhorns Head Coach addressed the team’s performance in the win and who were the key players that stepped up in the victory. LSU fires Biran Kelly which means they have another huge payout. The Dallas Cowboys lost a tough game to the Denver Broncos 44-24. A preview of game 3 of the World Series. “The World’s Strongest Take!” A conversation with Tommy Yarrish of DallasCoboyws.com. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickof

Chipper Jones joins the show to chop it up with Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry! It's all here on The Morning Kickoff!

Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry talk Coach Sark's recent comments to the media, the NBA betting story taking a turn for the worse, Thursday Night Football, and more! They also talk with Anthony Williams and Chipper Jones! It's all here on The Morning Kickoff!

Today is "Prediction Thursday," just two days away from the Texas Longhorns' trip to Starkville, Mississippi, to play the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian met with the media to discuss adjustments ahead of Saturday's game. How will the defense adjust to Michael Taaffe being out for the game, and what should we expect from the Bulldogs? More NBA games last night, and Victor Wembanyama is scary. Cooper Flagg had his rookie struggles, and former Longhorn Tre Johnson was lights out shooting for the Wizards. A breaking story is that an NBA coach and player were arrested this morning...

For "Legends of the Locker Room," we have Texas Lifetime Longhorn and graduate of DBU Rod Babers, as he and Hardge reminisce about working together in the past and what the Texas Longhorn football team needs to do moving forward. How does Duane Akina affect the defensive back unit? What will be the impact of losing Michael Taaffe in the immediate future, and who will need to step up in his absence? What can be done offensively to help Arch and the offense, and how significant an impact will the returning Cedric Baxter have on the team? You can hear...

Today is "Texas Longhorns Gameplan Humpday Wednesday," and we are a couple of days away from the Texas Longhorns' trip to Starkville to play the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Michael Taaffe suffered an injury and will be out for a few games. CJ Baxter will return on Saturday. We hear from Arch Manning on what he needs to do to step up. NBA Opening Night was last night, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Houston Rockets on their ring night in double overtime, 125-124. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109. There are some huge games this weekend...

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday,” as the Texas Longhorns focus on Saturday’s match-up against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Coach Steve Sarkisian talks about what the team needs to do to continue improving.  The World Series is set after the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in last night’s game 7 match-up. Monday Night Football had two games: the Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-9, with Jahmyr Gibbs having a career night.  In the other game, the Houston Texans struggled as the Seattle Seahawks defeated them 27-19. We recap Week 7 performances. The NBA is set to take of...

Today “Longhorns Victory Monday,” the Texas Longhorns have a walk off overtime 16-13 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats. How to fix Texas offensive issues, relying on the defense and the team is united through all phases are discussed. Shohei Ohtani is dominating Major League Baseball. The Dallas Cowboys get the 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders. Mike McDaniel gives us another gem. A “Hardge Knocks Life” and “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, a conversation with Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com to talk about Sunday’s Cowboys victory. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

Today is "Feel Good Friday," as the Texas Longhorns get ready for the big SEC match-up in Lexington, Kentucky, to play the Kentucky Wildcats. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian had his final press conference before the game. Arch Manning's growth is starting to show.  In "Thursday Night Football," the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-21, with Joe Flacco showing what he can do with threats at the receiver position. The Major League Baseball League Championship Series continues with the Blue Jays evening their series with the Mariners with an 8-2 win, and the Dodgers are one game away from the W...

Today is "Prediction Thursday," the Texas Longhorns get ready to challenge the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington, Kentucky, at Kroger Field at Commonwealth Stadium. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian held a teleconference with the SEC media, discussing transfer portal rules and the upcoming game against the Wildcats. The Longhorns have several players banged up for Saturday's game. The Toronto Blue Jays' bats finally woke up with five home runs against the Seattle Mariners. We make our picks in college football and the NFL against the spread. Jerry Jones thinks highly of his defense. The Steelers play the Bengals tonight. "The World's Strongest...

Today is "Texas Humpday Gameplan Wednesday." The Texas Longhorns move on to get ready to travel to Lexington, Kentucky, to play the Kentucky Wildcats. Two Texas Longhorn football players enter the transfer portal. We have more Coach Sarkisian sound from Monday. Texas Men's and Women's Basketball Head Coaches Sean Miller and Vic Schaefer spoke to the media. In the NFL right now, who are the contenders and pretenders? What are the games to look out for in college football this weekend? "The World's Strongest Take!" Plus, a conversation with Austin American-Stateman's Danny Davis to talk Texas football and squeeze a...

Today is “Turn the Page Tuesday,” as the #21-ranked Texas Longhorns prepare to face the Kentucky Wildcats, a battle of SEC teams in Lexington, Kentucky, this upcoming Saturday. Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian talked to the media. The Texas Longhorns Women’s basketball team will start ranked #2. Madison Booker is the SEC Preseason Player of the Year, and Rory Harmon is on the 2nd team. On “Monday Night Football,” the Chicago Bears defeated the Washington Commanders with a walk-off field goal, 25-24, and the Atlanta Falcons ran over the Buffalo Bills with a stellar performance from Lifetime Longhorn Bijan Robinson. Will Mark...

Today is "Longhorns' Victory Monday," the Texas Longhorns defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 in the "Red River Rivalry" at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Coach Sarkisian and players were ecstatic in the post-game press conference. More craziness is going around in college football this weekend. Penn State will be looking for a new head coach. The Dallas Cowboys took a rough loss to the Carolina Panthers. Aaron Rodgers looks better than we predicted. The Seattle Mariners start off the American League Championships with a win. A "Hardge Knocks Life," and "The World's Strongest Take!" Plus, Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys...

Today is "Feel Good Football Friday," as the Texas Longhorns are a day away from their trip to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, to play the Oklahoma Sooners in the "Red River Rivalry!" The guys talk about the atmosphere before game day. Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian spoke to the media, expressing his thoughts on what needs to happen for Saturday's big game. Thursday Night Football between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants dominated with Running Back, Cam Skattebo, who scored two touchdowns and rushed for 98 yards. The guys share their thoughts on his performance. Sister Jean...

In the "Legends of the Locker Room," we have Lifetime Longhorn Defensive Back Nathan Vasher talking about Texas vs. OU week. He explains how big the week is, what it's like coming through the tunnel, and the continuous trash talk the alums have with each other about the game. He tells us what advice he's given to the team while struggling, what he would say to the defense about its execution, and what options the team has to confuse the opposing team's offense. Nathan explains what it feels like to run through the tunnel at the Cotton Bowl and shares...

We play off our bet in the “Legends of the Locker Room” with Thaddues Ballard, also known as Titus O’Neil in the WWE. He lays it all on the guys bragging about the Gators’ victory. He shared why he thought Florida was successful. He talked about his “Champions of Character” program, explaining how he got involved with the high school he’s working with and how it has been impactful with the youth. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

We have a former Oklahoma Sooner Defensive Lineman, Tommie Harris, who talked some trash before the “Red River Rivalry” game against the Texas Longhorns. He explains what the week was about and what got him and his teammates going for this game. Harris describes the intense banter between players from each school this week. He lets us know what he is doing outside of football. Plus, he explains the atmosphere of this game. You can hear it all here on “The Morning Kickoff Show!”

Today is “Prediction Thursday.” We are only two days from the “Red River Rivalry” game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian held his SEC call with the media, discussing what the team needs to focus on in the upcoming battle with the Sooners. We give our “For Entertainment Purposes Only” picks against the spread for this weekend’s college and NFL games. More on the college football great matchup Saturday. Victor Wembanyama is working with Hakeem Olajuwon and picking things up fast. The Major League Baseball Divisional Round had some long balls hit last night...

For the “Legends of the Locker Room,” we have Texas legendary player and part of the 3rd and Longhorn crew, Alex Okafor, to discuss the “Red River Rivalry” game on Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, as the Longhorns play the Sooners. He discussed his experience playing in the game, noting how the new “College Football Playoffs” format has changed the sport. He explained his role at Pflugerville Independent School District and what motivated him to run for the school board. He explains how important it is to have a tough week of practice after a bad loss. He gives his...

Today is “Gameplan Wednesday,” the Texas Longhorns are three days away from the “Red River Rivalry” game against the #6-ranked Oklahoma Sooners at the “Texas State Fair.” “The Athletic” wrote a critical article about Arch Manning—more from Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Monday press conference. The Major League Baseball Divisional Round continues. Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones and Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon were both fine this week, and it was without controversy. “The World’s Strongest Take!” Plus, we have on Austin American-Stateman’s Danny Davis to discuss the game this Saturday, and “Legend of the Locker Room” former Longhorn and part of the 3rd and...

Today, on "Turn the Page Tuesday," the guys discussed Texas Football Head Coach Steve Sarkisian's press conference to address what needs to be addressed for next Saturday's game at the Cotton Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners. The Monday Night Football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars was a barnburner and came down to a crazy play by Trevor Lawrence. The Miami Dolphins Head Coach, Mike McDaniel, had a confusing response to another question in his press conference. "The World's Strongest Take!" Plus, some conversations with Joe Cook of Inside Texas to talk Texas football, the Voice of...