MARK DAVIS, the long time and wildly successful morning WBAP (820 AM) talk show host, joined me to talk sports, and pick a few games.
THE BASICS
Did you play sports as a kid: I did some, just some mostly unorganized stuff in the street with my friends. Never talented enough to actually make a team as a kid, so I freelanced it.
Favorite pro sports team: I have to say, golly, it’s going to be local … I grew up in D.C. so I can’t throw in the Redskins. Cowboys? For sure it is. I have enormous Ranger fever, but I’m a diehard Cowboys fan.
Favorite athlete: (Note - Davis asked to come back to this one, thought about it, and called me back with his answer). When you boil it right down, Randy White.
College or pro football?: Pro. College basketball, but pro football.
Favorite place to watch a college game?: The Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, which goes by a different name these days. I was there from 1982 to ’85. Never missed the world’s largest cocktail party, the Georgia-Florida game.
Or you more inclined to run right or run left?: Always right. Always right.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Mac Engel: Do you know anything about college football?
Mark Davis: Yes. I do follow it. I love it.
ME: President Obama has hinted that college football needs a playoff; what are your thoughts on this and specifically a president weighing in on the matter?
MD: I am an enormous proponent of a college playoffs. It’s ridiculous it’s not decided on the field. A top 8 is all it would take. It’s an idea whose time is long overdue. I’m fine with public officials weighing on things like this, but I’m not for the government to intervene in things like this. But I have no problem when public officials offer their opinions about things like this, especially when I agree with them.
ME: The greatest player in the history of Texas college football is?
MD: Sammy Baugh
ME: Your alma mater, Maryland, isn’t exactly known as a football power; is it time you took over as head coach of the Terps?
MD: Sure. As long as they don’t mind all of their plays going to the right.
ME: You lived for a while in Florida, so you can settle this debate: Is the football better in Texas or Florida?
MD: Texas and not even close. My Florida-Georgia memories are great, but I’ve never been to a game in Austin or A&M. Been to a bunch at TCU, which I love. The SEC is a magnificent environment, but in Texas it’s football, football. Often in Texas a person’s four favorite sports are football, football, football and football. That’s what makes football king here.
ME: Time to pick some games. Don't be wrong - Illinois at Missouri.
MD: Give me the Big Mo’.
ME: UConn at Michigan
MD: Talk about environment. There is nothing like Michigan. Give me the Wolverines.
ME: Purdue at Notre Dame
MD: I have questions about Notre Dame. In a home opener, though, take the Irish.
ME: LSU vs. North Carolina (in Atlanta).
MD: This game could be played on the moon, it’s LSU.
ME: SMU at Texas Tech
MD: These are programs headed in different directions. SMU is getting better but I think Tech is getting ready for a rough couple of years. Tech wins this, though.
ME: Oregon State vs. TCU
MD: I don’t know a game where I’d pick TCU to lose. TCU will go undefeated again and get screwed again by the BCS so let the process begin. TCU.
- Mac Engel
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