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

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By: AM 1300 THE ZONE (KVET-AM)

Welcome to “The Morning Kick-Off Show” with Mike “Hardball” Hardge and Olympian & WWE Legend, “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry!

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Into The Papers With Rod Babers!
Into The Papers With Rod Babers! episode artwork
Today at 3:48 PM

Longhorn Legend Rod Babers takes us into his infamous stack of notes to give us insight on this week's matchup between Texas and LSU.


Tapping In With Anne-Parker Clifton!
Tapping In With Anne-Parker Clifton! episode artwork
Today at 3:46 PM

KVUE's Anne-Parker Clifton joins The Morning Kickoff to share her weekend plans for the Texas-LSU game.


SEC Chad Calls In!
SEC Chad Calls In! episode artwork
Today at 3:45 PM

SEC Chad calls into The Morning Kickoff to give insight on what's happening on the LSU side of this week's matchup.


Gearing Up For Texas vs LSU In Prime-Time!
Gearing Up For Texas vs LSU In Prime-Time! episode artwork
Today at 3:44 PM

Listen in as Mike "Hardball" Hardge and The World's Strongest Man Mark Henry gear up for Texas vs LSU in prime-time. It's all here on The Morning Kickoff!


Sean Fox Joins The Show!
Sean Fox Joins The Show! episode artwork
Yesterday at 3:48 PM

Sean Fox, Sports Director of Sports Talk 97.7FM in Louisiana, joins The Morning Kickoff to talk the upcoming LSU game.


Eric Henry Drops In!
Eric Henry Drops In! episode artwork
Yesterday at 3:46 PM

Eric Henry of Horns247 drops in to give insight on the latest in Texas Athletics.


SEC Student-Athlete Availability for LSU Game Drops, Texas WBB Take The W, Texas MBB Prep for Baylor
SEC Student-Athlete Availability for LSU Game Drops, Texas WBB Take The W, Texas MBB Prep for Baylor episode artwork
Yesterday at 3:42 PM

On this edition of The Morning Kickoff, we discuss the SEC Student-Athlete Availability dropping ahead of the LSU matchup, Texas Women's Basketball winning 93-63 over South Dakota, and Texas Men's Basketball prepping for their Sunday matchup against Baylor. It's all here on The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge and The World's Strongest Man Mark Henry!


Tommy Yarrish On The NFL Latest
Tommy Yarrish On The NFL Latest episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 3:32 PM

Tommy Yarrish joints the show to give the latest on what's happening in the NFL.


Danny Davis Talks Texas Athletics
Danny Davis Talks Texas Athletics episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 3:30 PM

Danny Davis talks Texas Athletics and why he thinks Rasheem Biles should be in the Heisman conversation.


Fantasy with Michael Fabiano
Fantasy with Michael Fabiano episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 3:27 PM

Michael Fabiano talks the latest in Fantasy Football here on The Morning Kickoff!


Texas is #6 in the CFP Rankings, Previewing WBB vs South Dakota, NFL Trade Deadline Deals
Texas is #6 in the CFP Rankings, Previewing WBB vs South Dakota, NFL Trade Deadline Deals episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 3:24 PM

On this edition of The Morning Kickoff, Mike Hardge and Mark Henry talk Texas being ranked #6 in the lastest CFP Rankings, preview Texas Women's Basketball vs South Dakota, and discuss NFL trade deadline deals. It's all here on The Morning Kickoff!


Tapping In With Marc Vandermeer!
Tapping In With Marc Vandermeer! episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 3:27 PM

The Morning Kickoff taps in with Houston Texans voice Marc Vandermeer! Check it out!


Tyler Horka Joins The Show!
Tyler Horka Joins The Show! episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 3:25 PM

Tyler Horka of Inside Texas joins The Morning Kickoff hosts to talk the latest in Texas Athletics.


Coach Sark Talks LSU Game, Arch Manning Recognized For This Past Week's Performance
Coach Sark Talks LSU Game, Arch Manning Recognized For This Past Week's Performance episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 3:23 PM

It's The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge and Mark Henry! We're catching up on everything Coach Sark had to say in his media availability about the upcoming LSU game. Arch Manning gains recognition for how well he did in this past weekend's game against Missouri. And where will Texas fall in tonight's polls?


Texas Gets Another Tough Road Win Over Missouri, Getting Ready For LSU
Texas Gets Another Tough Road Win Over Missouri, Getting Ready For LSU episode artwork
Last Monday at 3:37 PM

It's The Morning Kickoff with Mike "Hardball" Hardge and The World's Strongest Man Mark Henry! We're celebrating Texas' 34-20 win over Missouri as well as looking ahead to this weekend against LSU.


Can Texas Win in Columbia? Keys to Slowing Missouri & Establishing the Run
Can Texas Win in Columbia? Keys to Slowing Missouri & Establishing the Run episode artwork
11/06/2026

Texas heads to Columbia for one of its toughest remaining SEC tests, and The Morning Kickoff is breaking down what it will take for the Longhorns to leave Missouri with a win. We discuss the key areas Texas must establish early, including controlling the line of scrimmage, protecting Arch Manning, finishing drives, and creating balance on offense. We also examine the latest injury concerns facing the Longhorns, the challenges presented by Missouri's physical rushing attack and stout run defense, and why Texas' depth will be put to the test on the road. Plus, we react to Texas Basketball's dominant season-opening...


Rod Babers: How Texas Can Spark the Run Game & Slow Missouri's Ground Attack
Rod Babers: How Texas Can Spark the Run Game & Slow Missouri's Ground Attack episode artwork
11/06/2026

Longhorn legend Rod Babers joined The Morning Kickoff to discuss Texas' game plan heading into a pivotal SEC road matchup against Missouri. Rod shared his thoughts on creative ways Steve Sarkisian can get the Longhorn running game going, why offensive balance will be critical in Columbia, and how Arch Manning can benefit from a productive ground attack. He also broke down Missouri's dangerous rushing offense, the Tigers' physical run defense, and what Texas must do on both sides of the ball to leave Columbia with a victory. If Texas wants to continue its success against ranked opponents, Rod explains where...


Missouri Week Gets Tougher | Texas Injury Concerns, Defensive Keys & Hoops Are Back
Missouri Week Gets Tougher | Texas Injury Concerns, Defensive Keys & Hoops Are Back episode artwork
11/05/2026

Missouri week continues, but the biggest storyline for Texas is an injury report that's growing at a critical point in the season. On this episode of The Morning Kickoff, we discuss what the Longhorns can do to overcome personnel losses, which players need to elevate their game, and why Texas' defense could be the key to leaving Columbia with a win. We also recap Texas Women's Basketball's season-opening victory behind Madison Booker and Breya Cunningham, preview Texas Men's Basketball's opener against Gardner-Webb, debate our favorite 4th-and-2 play call, and dive into the Texas Two Step with the Cowboys, Texans, Spurs...


Eric Henry: Who Must Step Up as Texas Battles Injuries Ahead of Missouri
Eric Henry: Who Must Step Up as Texas Battles Injuries Ahead of Missouri episode artwork
11/05/2026

Eric Henry of Horns247 joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Texas' lengthy injury report and how it could impact the Longhorns heading into a pivotal road matchup against Missouri. Eric identifies the players who will need to step up, explains where Texas has the greatest depth concerns, and breaks down the biggest challenges Missouri presents. Plus, he shares what must go right for Steve Sarkisian's team to leave Columbia with a critical SEC victory.


Committee Chaos, Mizzou Prep & Texas Basketball Is Back
Committee Chaos, Mizzou Prep & Texas Basketball Is Back episode artwork
11/04/2026

The latest CFP rankings have everyone talking, but inside the Texas football facility the focus remains firmly on Missouri. On this episode, we discuss the committee's latest decisions, Steve Sarkisian's approach to keeping his team locked in, and whether Texas' defense may need to carry the load once again against a physical Missouri rushing attack. Plus, with Texas Women's Basketball opening its season and Texas Men's Basketball ready to tip off, we preview what's ahead for both programs as basketball season officially arrives in Austin. From playoff debates to SEC football and the return of Texas hoops, it's a packed...


Tommy Yarrish: Cowboys at a Crossroads After Arizona Embarrassment
Tommy Yarrish: Cowboys at a Crossroads After Arizona Embarrassment episode artwork
11/04/2026

Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com joins the show to examine where the Cowboys stand following their disappointing loss to Arizona. While there's still time to turn the season around, questions remain about whether Dallas can put everything together. Tommy also discusses the reported disconnect concerns surrounding Dak Prescott and Brian Schottenheimer and whether the Cowboys can get back on track before it's too late.


D-Lo Brown: Why the Bears Are Finally Worth Believing In
D-Lo Brown: Why the Bears Are Finally Worth Believing In episode artwork
11/04/2026

D-Lo Brown makes his pitch to convert Mark and Hardge into Chicago Bears fans. Fresh off an impressive win in Seattle and bolstered by the acquisition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, D-Lo explains why he's buying stock in the Bears and why he believes Chicago is building something worth paying attention to for the rest of the season.


Fantasy with Fabs: Surviving the Chaos of Fantasy Football
Fantasy with Fabs: Surviving the Chaos of Fantasy Football episode artwork
11/04/2026

Michael Fabiano joins the show to discuss one of the most challenging fantasy football seasons in recent memory. Between injuries, underperforming stars, and constant lineup adjustments, fantasy managers have been forced to dig deeper than ever. Fabs explains why there's a certain beauty in the challenge and how successful managers are finding value when their expected starters aren't delivering.


Danny Davis: Can Texas' Defense Carry the Longhorns Again?
Danny Davis: Can Texas' Defense Carry the Longhorns Again? episode artwork
11/04/2026

Danny Davis joins The Morning Kickoff to preview Texas' matchup against Missouri. While the Longhorn offense continues searching for consistency, the defense has repeatedly answered the call. Danny discusses whether that trend may need to continue this weekend as Texas prepares to face Missouri's talented rushing attack and how the Longhorn defense matches up against one of the Tigers' biggest strengths.


Winning November Starts Now | Sark's Message, Hoops Are Back & Cowboys Questions
Winning November Starts Now | Sark's Message, Hoops Are Back & Cowboys Questions episode artwork
11/03/2026

The Morning Kickoff reacts to Steve Sarkisian's message as Texas officially turns its attention to Missouri and the challenge of making November a successful month. While playoff rankings and outside noise continue to grow, Sark's focus remains on the game directly in front of his team and the daily work required to keep winning. We discuss Texas' mindset entering the stretch run, the importance of avoiding distractions, and what the Longhorns need to do to keep building momentum. Plus, Texas Men's Basketball opens a new season, we recap Monday Night Football, and take a closer look at the Cowboys' current...


Tyler Horka on Arch Manning, Texas' Offensive Ceiling & Longhorn Hoops
Tyler Horka on Arch Manning, Texas' Offensive Ceiling & Longhorn Hoops episode artwork
11/03/2026

Tyler Horka of Inside Texas joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss what Texas needs from Arch Manning to get the offense operating at its highest level. Horka talks about the heightened expectations and scrutiny that come with being the Longhorns' quarterback, where Arch can improve, and why he's optimistic about Texas heading into the heart of the season. He also shares his excitement for the start of Texas Men's Basketball.


Marc Vandermeer: Texans Must Start Fast After the Bye
Marc Vandermeer: Texans Must Start Fast After the Bye episode artwork
11/03/2026

Voice of the Texans Marc Vandermeer joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss how Houston approached its bye week and the adjustments needed after a frustrating 2-5 start. Vandermeer breaks down the issues on offense and defense, explains what has to change moving forward, and why Sunday's game against the winless Chargers is a must-have opportunity if the Texans hope to turn their season around.


Texas Rolls, Cowboys Crumble & CFP Chaos Ahead
Texas Rolls, Cowboys Crumble & CFP Chaos Ahead episode artwork
11/02/2026

Texas handled business with a dominant 31-3 win, but the conversation doesn't stop at the final score. The guys break down the Longhorns' performance, Arch Manning's toughness, the offensive line's continued search for consistency, and why one third-quarter touchdown drive could be a sign of progress. Plus, the latest AP Poll implications, a look ahead to the next CFP rankings, and a full SEC whip-around. On the NFL side, the Dallas Cowboys continue their descent into dysfunction. Is it finally time to stop calling them "America's Team"? We discuss another embarrassing loss, the future of the coaching staff, and what...


Anne-Parker Clifton Talks Texas-Mississippi State, Cam Coleman & Texas High School Football
Anne-Parker Clifton Talks Texas-Mississippi State, Cam Coleman & Texas High School Football episode artwork
10/30/2026

Anne-Parker Clifton of KVUE joins The Morning Kickoff to preview Texas vs. Mississippi State and discuss why the Longhorns have an opportunity to continue building momentum. She also shares her thoughts on Cam Coleman's underwhelming season to this point, highlights key Texas high school football storylines, and discusses what she'll be watching as Texas enters the final stretch of the season.


Rod Babers: A Stronger Run Game Could Solve Texas' Biggest Offensive Issues
Rod Babers: A Stronger Run Game Could Solve Texas' Biggest Offensive Issues episode artwork
10/30/2026

Rod Babers joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss how a more consistent rushing attack could help mask some of Texas' offensive shortcomings and create more opportunities down the field. Rod also breaks down the challenges facing the Longhorns' secondary, explains why being "the other corner" can sometimes expose Kade Phillips, and details how improved technique and finishing plays could help reduce penalties and elevate his game.


Jacob Bain Breaks Down Mississippi State's QB Situation Ahead of Texas Matchup
Jacob Bain Breaks Down Mississippi State's QB Situation Ahead of Texas Matchup episode artwork
10/30/2026

Jacob Bain joins The Morning Kickoff to provide an inside look at Mississippi State heading into its matchup with Texas. Bain discusses the impact of star quarterback Kamario Taylor being ruled out for the remainder of the season, who is expected to step into the starting role moving forward, and how the Bulldogs are adjusting as they prepare to face the Longhorns in Austin.


The November Push Starts Now | Texas Football, WBB & Special Teams
The November Push Starts Now | Texas Football, WBB & Special Teams episode artwork
10/30/2026

November is here, and the stakes are only getting bigger for Texas Football. On this edition of The Morning Kickoff, we break down Steve Sarkisian's latest comments on the Longhorns' preparation, special teams improvements, and what Texas needs to show as the season enters its most important stretch. We also discuss the importance of establishing a more consistent running game, the challenges facing the Texas secondary, and what the Longhorns can expect from Mississippi State this weekend. Plus, a look at Texas Women's Basketball, high school football around the state, and all the latest storylines surrounding Texas Athletics as the...


The Work Continues | Texas-MSU Preview, NFL Matchups & More
The Work Continues | Texas-MSU Preview, NFL Matchups & More episode artwork
10/29/2026

On this episode of The Morning Kickoff, we broke down Texas' upcoming matchup with Mississippi State and discussed what stands out about the Bulldogs as the Longhorns prepare for another SEC test. We highlighted the Texas players making an impact on and off the field, talked about the importance of routine and preparation, and examined what it takes to maintain a championship standard throughout the season. We also previewed the biggest NFL games of the weekend, debated where Nikola Jokić belongs among basketball's all-time greats, discussed Texas Women's Basketball's showdown with Baylor, reacted to Ernie Johnson's retirement announcement, and looked a...


Eric Henry Previews Texas-Mississippi State & Salutes His Hometown Rays
Eric Henry Previews Texas-Mississippi State & Salutes His Hometown Rays episode artwork
10/29/2026

Horns247's Eric Henry joined The Morning Kickoff to preview Texas' weekend matchup against Mississippi State and explain what challenges the Bulldogs could present. Henry discussed Mississippi State's talented cornerback duo, how they could impact the game, and what the Longhorn offense needs to do to find success. He also shared his thoughts on Texas' outlook moving forward and took a moment to salute his hometown Tampa Bay Rays for their World Series run, reflecting on a memorable season that came up just short of a championship.


Texas Has a 3rd Quarter Problem + Cowboys & NFL Trades
Texas Has a 3rd Quarter Problem + Cowboys & NFL Trades episode artwork
10/28/2026

The Morning Kickoff took a closer look at Texas' ongoing third-quarter struggles and what needs to change for the Longhorns to play a more complete game. We discussed Steve Sarkisian's comments on halftime adjustments, why Texas continues to stall coming out of the break, and whether changes in-game could help the Longhorns avoid future slow starts. We also reacted to the latest NFL trades, talked Cowboys football, and previewed a packed college football weekend. From Texas football concerns to NFL headlines, today's show covered the biggest stories shaping the week.


Fantasy with Fabs Week 8 | Michael Fabiano's Top Fantasy Advice
Fantasy with Fabs Week 8 | Michael Fabiano's Top Fantasy Advice episode artwork
10/28/2026

Fantasy football expert Michael Fabiano joined The Morning Kickoff for his weekly visit to help listeners get ready for Week 7. Fabiano shared lineup advice, discussed key waiver-wire targets, highlighted favorable matchups, and answered some of the biggest fantasy questions heading into the weekend.


Danny Davis on Texas' 3rd Quarter Issues and Sark's In-Game Adjustments
Danny Davis on Texas' 3rd Quarter Issues and Sark's In-Game Adjustments episode artwork
10/28/2026

Danny Davis joined The Morning Kickoff to discuss Texas' continued third-quarter struggles and why the Longhorns have had difficulty maintaining momentum after halftime. Davis explained what needs to change moving forward and emphasized the importance of making effective adjustments when opponents counter what Texas is doing well. He also discussed Steve Sarkisian's approach to managing games and why, at this point in the season, the focus should simply be on finding ways to win, even if that means changing tendencies or making significant in-game adjustments.


Tommy Yarrish on DaRon Bland's Changing Role and the Cowboys' Offensive Line Success
Tommy Yarrish on DaRon Bland's Changing Role and the Cowboys' Offensive Line Success episode artwork
10/28/2026

Tommy Yarrish joined The Morning Kickoff to discuss the growth of the Cowboys' offensive line and the impact Tyler Booker, Tyler Guyton, and Tyler Smith have made in helping Dallas establish the run game and control the line of scrimmage. Yarrish also broke down DaRon Bland's season and how his role has changed with Joey Porter Jr. now handling the No. 1 cornerback responsibilities. He explained that Bland is going to give up some plays, but his performance has improved over the last couple of weeks as he's settled into his current role. Yarrish wrapped up the conversation by previewing Dallas...


Texas vs. Mississippi State Preview | Cowboys Win & NFL Headlines
Texas vs. Mississippi State Preview | Cowboys Win & NFL Headlines episode artwork
10/27/2026

On this edition of The Morning Kickoff, we preview Texas' upcoming matchup with Mississippi State and discuss what challenges the Bulldogs could present for the Longhorns. We also break down Steve Sarkisian's comments on the continued growth of the Texas run game and examine how a championship mindset can impact a team's success. Plus, the Cowboys roll past the Eagles 38-21 behind big performances from Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, while we react to the latest NFL news, trade deadline rumors, and quarterback storylines around the league. We also discuss the Brewers moving within one win of their...


Marc Vandermeer: Texans' Backs Are Against the Wall After Giants Loss
Marc Vandermeer: Texans' Backs Are Against the Wall After Giants Loss episode artwork
10/27/2026

Voice of the Texans Marc Vandermeer joins The Morning Kickoff to discuss Houston's disappointing loss to the Giants and why the Texans now find themselves with their backs against the wall. VanderMeer explains why the team's struggles may be as much mental as physical at this point and discusses the urgency facing Houston as the season enters a critical stretch. He also shares his thoughts on what must change immediately if the Texans hope to get back on track and remain in the playoff conversation.