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The ground shakes before you even see the sky. That’s how Chris “Nelly” Nelson describes the Red River tunnel—eye to eye with your rival, breath tight, and the urge to start the game right there between the gates. We bring you into that moment, then trace the line from Golden Hat glory to the craft of coaching, as Nelly shares what Texas–OU taught him about pressure, leadership, and earning confidence the hard way.

We revisit 2018’s marathon versus Kyler Murray, the double teams that turned into a Defensive Player of the Game honor, and the celebration that followed—hat on head, cigar in hand, heartbeat finally slowing. Nelly opens up about the leaders who changed the temperature of a room—Breckyn Hager’s spark, Trey Watson’s energy, and Sam Ehlinger’s steady, team-first backbone—and why chemistry beats volume when the lights are hottest. Then we pivot to UTSA, where Nelly serves as a graduate assistant under Jeff Traylor, detailing how a young, hungry roster learns to “slow the game down,” sync their reads, and make complementary football more than a slogan. He addresses Texas’ recent talent drain to the NFL, the truth about “no rebuild” expectations, and why this year’s showdown could be decided by defense and discipline more than fireworks.

You’ll hear why rivalry weeks force growth, how coaches translate chaos into clarity, and what it means to give players a balanced life—because football ends, but the habits don’t. If you love the Red River Rivalry, leadership under pressure, or a behind-the-scenes look at UTSA’s culture, this one delivers the texture and honesty you crave. Listen, share with a Longhorn or a Sooner, and drop your prediction—who takes the Hat, and why? If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, leave a quick review, and pass it to a friend who lives for Saturdays.

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The Swamp was loud, unforgiving, and revealing. Florida shifted late, hit first, and dared Texas to solve problems on the fly—up front on both sides, in the run game, with pre-snap discipline, and in special teams detail. We dig into the tape and the truth: 15 rushing yards, six sacks on Arch, three missed chances to pin inside the five, and still a late shot to tie. That contradiction is the heartbeat of this episode—flaws you can fix, and a team resilient enough to be within reach even on a bad night.

We start with Arch Manning’s growth under fire. The box score won’t show it, but the grit did—standing in, scrambling smart, and competing while the pocket leaked. Yes, there were missed reads and footwork lapses, but development isn’t linear, and this felt like a step toward the kind of quarterbacking Texas needs in Dallas. From there, we tackle the hard questions. Why did the defensive plan let DJ Lagway get comfortable? Where did the edges go? How did Florida’s late shifts rattle an offensive line that came into 2024 young and hyped? And what does a real fix look like in six days?

Our answer leans on identity and practicality. Play faster in spots. Move the launch point with boots and sprint-outs. Simplify the run menu to what the current backs and line can execute, aim for 125–150 yards to unlock the passing game, and trust field position when the game scripts low scoring. We also weigh the OU quarterback situation—expecting Matheir to suit up—and explain why the betting line likely reflects Hawkins uncertainty more than anything Texas did. The Cotton Bowl is its own world: half crimson, half burnt orange, better concourses and escalators, same pressure. If Texas wins first down, cleans up penalties, and reclaims special teams edges, the day tilts back.

Come for the stories—from Gainesville’s atmosphere to Red River memories—and stay for the plan: where Texas must tighten, how Arch can thrive, and why OU week is the right time to reset. If this breakdown helps, tap follow, share it with a Longhorn (or Sooner) in your life, and drop your bold Red River prediction in a review.

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We map how Stephen F. Austin’s move into the UT System unlocks a sweeping master plan for academics, campus life, and athletics, and why alumni support now can lift both the fan experience and the value of every SFA degree. AD Michael McBroom lays out funding realities, design priorities, and the path to premier mid‑major status.

• SFA’s transition into the University of Texas System and why it matters
• Breakdown of the $1.3B master plan across academics, campus life, athletics
• How revenue bonds, state funds, and private gifts fit together
• The role of alumni giving, corporate sponsors, and naming rights
• Why facilities upgrade the student experience and brand reach
• Momentum signals on campus and keeping it going
• Design input from coaches and athletes to drive competitive advantage
• Vision for Homer Bryce Stadium and modern game-day experience
• Degree value rising with visible, sustained campus investment
• A light man cave story and the human side of game-day passion

If you want to be a part of Stephen F. Austin Athletics, get a part of this momentum, click on this link below, whether it's Facebook, Instagram, X, and I'm not trying to get you to contribute to my alma mater. No, we are yes, we are, we are. It's yes, and we're shameless about it.

Support the show

Please like and follow each of Stories Inside the Man Cave Podcast social media links on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Tik Tok.