Against the Grain

Started by Rice Students, this podcast covers Rice Athletics and Houston sports in an engaging and informative manner.

Against the Grain is a sports podcast hosted by KTRU Sports, with 45 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

KTRU Sports hosts Against the Grain, a sports show with 45 episodes published.

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  Episode #5

  Hot Streak, Ice Week, Wavelength Geek

  Oct 3, 20261 hourS3

  We started off the show in an unusual manner. The NHL has returned, and with that, our experts Seth, Neil, and Cole (new addition!) all came out to showcase their takes on what to expect from the new season. There were a lot of takes in this segment, so don't miss out on what we have to say! We played the popular internet game "Wavelength". The team did a great job of providing elite hints to Seth to help them succeed as a team. In our weekly NFL segment, we covered the remaining 3-0 teams and wondered how both the Vikings and the Raiders have found success so far this season. Some of the takes here were very hot and certainly questionable. MJ had a field day with the soundboard and showed no mercy, attacking fellow Giants fan Cole with his takes. The MLB Wild Card Series has ended, and we offered reactions on how it shook out, without disappointment in the Astros and Red Sox for not putting up a fight. We brought back our beloved "Quick Hit" segment with Seth reigniting his passion for the "Nine saga" and Cole debriefing the Jalen Duren situation. Not a second was missed in these show-stopping performances, so tune in to hear their opinions!

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  Episode #4

  Texans & Astros: Playoff Larp Maxxers?

  Sep 25, 20261 hourS3

  We kicked off our show with our now-weekly NFL Recap. Inside the coverage, we were debating which of these 2-0 teams we believe are legit and which are certified frauds (there was some good debate over some of these verdicts). We then went over some possible concerns regarding the 0-2 teams, such as the Texans (big yikes), Bucs, and Chargers. Our "Wheel of Categories" game involved a very interesting turn of events (no spoilers, sorry) that ended up shaking the show as we know it. There were some deep pulls and miracles pulled off, so take a listen to see our ball knowledge at full display. We concluded the episode with one of the longest MLB segments in our show's history, going over every single Wild Card matchup and some bonus coverage for the Rangers & Astros playoff race to secure the worst division winner in MLB history. We covered a lot of content in this juggernaut episode, and to think we did it with only three people in the studio. You have to hear it to believe it!

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  Episode #3

  59 Points, 10 Words, One Rice Legend

  Sep 18, 202659 minS3

  After witnessing the highest scoring NFL Week 1 ever, the crew came back and analyzed what really went on in these matchups. How on Earth did the Bears score 59 points? How did the Texans' defense let up 36 points? Will Neil ever have a correct take again? All the questions will be answered in our Week 1 NFL Recap! Following the NFL theme, we split the crew into Neil & Andrew vs. Seth & Joshua for the game "Ten Words or Less," where they attempted to describe 5 players from across the league. In our first-ever edition of "Keep or Sell," the crew went through seven key NFL Fantasy players that underperformed this past week. There were definitely a few interesting takes and some areas of concern for players drafted in the first rounds of your draft. We concluded our episode with special guest and Rice Legend Gus Gannon! Holding several school records in indoor and outdoor long-distance events, he went behind the scenes on what it means to be a D1 athlete at Rice. He shares several of his best memories from his time at Rice and offers an outlook on the upcoming season! Tune in to listen to his story!

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  Episode #2

  NFL, CFB, MLB: Serving Subs the Maye's Way

  Sep 11, 202659 minS3

  With the return of MJ & Jackson, we began the episode with a bit of card collectors' jargon. As we agreed, if they make a profit in the end, we can't judge. Today, we began the episode with an NFL Week 1 review of both the Patriots v. Seahawks and the 49ers v. Rams. The crew had a lot to say about each of the losing teams, so tune in to hear their critiques! Joshua, Andrew, and Neil all shared their Super Bowl teams and award favorites. We then transitioned into a full recap of Week 1 of College Football. With the BIG 10 looking shaky in their first week, we turned to the SEC to highlight their best teams and who may emerge as a contender. Neil and Seth tested our new "Initials Game" (for your sake, skip round 1) in the battle of the ball knowledge giants. We then transitioned to an MLB end-of-season analysis, with a bit of an awards and Playoff preview. Jackson concluded our episode with the Women's FIBA World Cup as we recapped the US's successful run with what he calls "The Dream Team". As per custom, we went through our predictions with a concerning amount of UT hate as we ended the episode with a strong series of jokes.

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  Episode #1

  Fantasy & Football: The Return of the Team

  Sep 4, 202657 minS3

  As we brush off the dust from the summer, we begin a NEW SEASON of KTRU Against the Grain! In this new season, we welcome many familiar faces (Neil, Seth, Jacob) and some newcomers (Andrew & Joshua). Although we will miss our graduated members, we strive to continue their legacy as we grow the podcast! Today, we previewed the NFL season (which is less than a week away) with our insight on Division Leaders, Sleeper teams, and Frauds (as always, Neil puts these poor teams on blast)! We immediately tested the ball knowledge of Joshua, one of the newest members of the podcast, as he faced up against hotshot Neil in a duel of wits. Rice has also just started its inaugural year for the Residential College Fantasy Football League. We dive into and give some harsh scores to our fellow colleagues as the pressure is on for these GMs! As always, we finish the episode with a dramatic 49ers and Rams quick hits and the return of underdog predictions! This was a football-stacked episode as we showed our excitement for the greatest season of the year!

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