Forklift Systems Football Saturday

104.5 The Zone
  • 5.0 (5)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Not many analysts in the midsouth have as much football expertise as Doug Mathews brings to the microphone every Saturday morning. It’s Forklift System’s Football Saturday on 104-5 The Zone. Mathews, best known for his 10 seasons as Running Backs Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, tells it like it is and lets you take show where you want to go every weekend. Forklift Systems Football Saturday covers all the big games across the nation, including all the action within the Southeastern Conference. It’s the perfect preview before you catch your favorite team play Saturday afternoon. Featuring long-time college football writer Tony Barnhart and NFL analyst Charles Davis.

  1. 3D AGO

    FSFS - Tony Barnhart & Charles Davis

    Coach and Tony listen to Charles Davis argue that the true evolution of the game lies a decade ahead of traditional metrics. Drawing from groundbreaking insights at the NFL Combine, Davis reveals a shift where teams are prioritizing a lethal combination of flexibility, size, and position versatility. We are witnessing a new era where record-breaking 40-yard dash times are no longer the sole focus; instead, the emphasis has moved toward injury reduction and functional movement. From massive linemen clocking sub-4.7 seconds to the adoption of GPS and miles-per-hour tracking over the standard stopwatch, the metrics of greatness are being rewritten to favor athletes who are as adaptable as they are explosive. The conversation delves into the "evolution of player design," highlighting how legendary coaches like Nick Saban and Jimmy Johnson have mastered the art of repositioning athletes to maximize their impact. As offenses lean into hybrid skill players and oversized tight ends, defenses are being forced to counter with defenders who possess unprecedented range and agility. By focusing on critical markers like the 10-yard split and position-specific data, this episode uncovers the strategic innovations defining the future of the sport. For anyone looking to understand how the next generation of draft prospects and game-day tactics will redefine the gridiron, this deep dive into athletic innovation is essential listening See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  2. 3D AGO

    FSFS - Tony Barnhart & Dennis Dodd

    College football is facing an unprecedented transformation, and Coach talks to Tony Barnhart and Dennis Dodd to break down the high-stakes negotiations in Washington and Dallas. From President Trump’s push for an executive order to radical private equity ventures like Project Rudy, the episode explores the mechanisms driving a major upheaval in how the sport is valued and governed. You’ll get an inside look at the true cost of competition—where SEC rosters now command over $40 million—and how innovative media rights pooling could finally allow programs like Indiana and Vanderbilt to compete on equal footing with "blue blood" giants like Alabama and Ohio State. The discussion dives deep into the behind-the-scenes power plays involving NCAA officials, Congress, and icons like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. As the sport’s popularity surges to trail only the NFL, off-field chaos involving NIL collectives, antitrust litigation, and conference realignment threatens its very foundation. Whether it’s the battle over the future of Olympic sports or the legislative fight for collective bargaining, this episode reveals the high-stakes gamble to keep the game vibrant and accessible. If you want to understand the seismic shifts coming to college sports before the game changes forever, this is your front-row seat to the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 12m

  3. 3D AGO

    Forklift Systems Football Saturday 3-7-26

    Welcome to a new episode of Forklift Systems Football Saturday. This episode covers the latest developments in college sports, including recent meetings in Washington and Dallas, the future of college football, NIL issues, and the legacy of Lou Holtz. Experts Tony Barnhart, Charles Davis  and Dennis Dodd provide in-depth reporting and analysis. This episode features in-depth discussions on college football changes, coaching strategies, and recent developments in the sport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 60m

  4. FEB 28

    FSFS- Tony Barnhart

    Coach Doug Matthews talks to Tony Barnhart about the rapidly shifting landscape of collegiate athletics, focusing on the potential implications of the 12-team College Football Playoff and the possibility of expanding further to 16 or 24 teams. Their conversation delves into the high competitive standards of SEC basketball, projecting that the conference could see 11 or 12 teams qualify for the NCAA tournament based on strong NET rankings. They also address critical governance issues, specifically the need for "draconian" penalties for transfer portal tampering—including massive fines and coach suspensions—to act as a true deterrent. Finally, the segment highlights the success of Vanderbilt’s athletic program, noting their 10-2 football season and overall excellence across multiple sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  5. FEB 28

    FSFS- Dennis Dodd & Tony Barnhart

    Tony Barnhart and Dennis Dodd dive deep into the "talking season" chaos, starting with a breakdown of the Playing Rules Oversight Committee's emergency measures to stop transfer portal tampering. With proposed penalties reaching as high as six-game coach suspensions and university fines totaling 20% of a school's football budget, the stakes for recruiting violations have never been higher. The crew also discusses the landmark legal battle involving the University of Cincinnati, which is suing a former player for an NIL contract breach, signaling a new era of institutional accountability in player transfers. The discussion then shifts to the SAFE Act and the intensifying power struggle between private equity interests and the "Big Two" conferences. As experts suggest that college sports are currently massively undervalued, the SEC and Big Ten are pushing back against federal consolidation efforts to protect their own market dominance. From the upcoming Presidential Sports Summit to a look ahead at a potentially record-breaking March Madness, this episode explores the high-stakes politics and money currently defining the future of the game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min

  6. FEB 28

    Forklift Systems Football Saturday 2-27-26

    The latest episode of Forklift Systems Football Saturday features a deep dive into the latest off-the-field issues in college sports, including transfer rules, NIL contracts, and potential legislative changes. Dennis Dodd and Tony Barnhart analyze the implications of the SAFE Act, the power dynamics in college athletics, and the future of conference realignment. In this episode, Tony Barnhart discusses the latest developments in college sports, including NCAA rules, SEC basketball, and the future of college athletics, with insights into leadership, conference dynamics, and upcoming changes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 58m

  7. FEB 21

    Forklift Systems Football Saturday 2-21-26

    The latest episode of Forklift Systems Football Saturday on 104.5 The Zone finds host Doug Matthews reflecting on the evolution of the show and the relentless nature of the college football calendar. Even in the heart of the off-season, the dialogue remains sharp, shifting from the nuances of "talking season" to the critical window where coaches must maximize player potential. Matthews emphasizes that the modern game requires year-round strategic development, moving far beyond just the Saturday kickoff to include the complex administrative and recruiting hurdles coaches face today. Navigating the NIL Era with Dennis Dodd A major highlight of the program is a deep dive with guest Dennis Dodd, who addresses the seismic shifts caused by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. Dodd balances the conversation by highlighting the positive aspects of the sport—such as enhanced player safety and high-level competition—while simultaneously advocating for much-needed regulations like eligibility caps. Their discussion paints a realistic picture of a sport in transition, where the pursuit of a competitive edge must now be weighed against the financial and structural sustainability of the college model. Media, Strategy, and Future Outlook The episode rounds out by exploring how media and broadcasting influence the public's perception of the game's landscape. While future guests like Charles Davis are teased to bring further professional insights in upcoming segments, this discussion focuses on the tangible improvements in coaching strategies and the overarching importance of the off-season grind. Ultimately, Matthews and his guests capture the current zeitgeist of college football: a sport grappling with massive change but fueled by a constant drive for excellence on and off the field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 hr

  8. FEB 21

    FSFS- Charles Davis

    Coach is joined by Charles Davis, who shares insights on his transition to CBS's Big Ten coverage and provides commentary on the rapidly shifting landscape of college football. Their discussion highlights several key areas of the sport's evolution: Expanding Playoff Formats: Davis predicts an eventual shift to a 24-team playoff, driven by increasing demand for access and the significant influence of television revenue. Historical Context of Change: The conversation draws parallels between current shifts, like the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), and historical changes such as those seen during the World War II era. Regional Shifts in Professionalism: They explore the historical divide between the Northeast’s early professional focus and the deep-seated college football traditions of the South and Midwest. Legal and Eligibility Challenges: The segment concludes with a look at the complexities and inconsistencies of NCAA eligibility rulings, particularly regarding multi-year waivers for players. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Not many analysts in the midsouth have as much football expertise as Doug Mathews brings to the microphone every Saturday morning. It’s Forklift System’s Football Saturday on 104-5 The Zone. Mathews, best known for his 10 seasons as Running Backs Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, tells it like it is and lets you take show where you want to go every weekend. Forklift Systems Football Saturday covers all the big games across the nation, including all the action within the Southeastern Conference. It’s the perfect preview before you catch your favorite team play Saturday afternoon. Featuring long-time college football writer Tony Barnhart and NFL analyst Charles Davis.

Information

  • Creator
    104.5 The Zone
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 104.5 The Zone

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