The Opening Drive
Cumulus Podcast Network
Get an entertaining recap of all sports scores and developing stories as you start your day. Features intriguing guests, controversial topics, and hard-hitting news. It’s what everyone will be talking about around the water cooler. Jeff Siembieda and JJ Buck host weekdays from Albuquerque on KNML-AM, The Sports Animal.
Location:
Albuquerque, NM
Networks:
Cumulus Podcast Network
Description:
Get an entertaining recap of all sports scores and developing stories as you start your day. Features intriguing guests, controversial topics, and hard-hitting news. It’s what everyone will be talking about around the water cooler. Jeff Siembieda and JJ Buck host weekdays from Albuquerque on KNML-AM, The Sports Animal.
Language:
English
Episodes
NCAA or Bust
2/23/2026
Everyone wants to play in the NCAA tournament.
How did the Lobos comeback at Fresno State?
What do you expect from UNM at Nevada?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:43:35
Finish Strong
2/23/2026
New Mexico State men's basketball coach Jason Hooten discusses the Aggies roller coaster ride in CUSA play.
When will scheduling issues start to impact athletics in terms of extended travel?
UNM's comeback means the bubble did not burst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:17
Golden Comeback
2/23/2026
The Lobos needed their biggest comeback ever to beat Fresno State. What impressed you about their response?
The United States is a hockey nation now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:44:47
What Can You Do
2/20/2026
The NBA is tried of tanking. What can they do?
A new stadium would be nice, but will the phase plan works?
College coaches are still getting paid!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:42:46
Play Them?
2/20/2026
Would you want to see UNM play a neutral court game against San Diego State? How do you feel about non-conference games against teams leaving the Mountain West?
What should UNM be looking for in an Athletic Director?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:37:22
What's a Real Job
2/20/2026
UNM is moving forward with the final candidates for the AD job, what qualifications would you like to see?
How does Eric Olen feel about the situation?
What happened with Aggie basketball?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:44:10
New Thought
2/19/2026
Right or wrong, how should coaches handle college players?
Is New Mexico United shifting their stadium plan to the Fair Grounds?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:40:38
Bubbly
2/19/2026
Jerry Palm, PalmBrackets.com, gives his updated bubble thoughts on UNM/SDSU, the Big-12 race and how the Big-10 is shaping up.
Are college coaches complaining more about their players?
Are referees a problem in basketball?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:27
Ceiling
2/19/2026
Bubble implications that affect UNM.
The Big-12 shake up due to injury. West coast Big-10 teams can't win.
The Lobo women walk-off the Lopes in Phoenix.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:44:24
Coaching Style
2/18/2026
What is going on with Mic Cronin at UCLA?
MLB drama!
A little Tuesday shake-up across the Mountain West Conference.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:43:35
Shake Up
2/18/2026
The Lobos dealt with Air Force, while San Diego State and Nevada dropped games.
Would an undefeated team be left out of the NCAA Tournament?
Are athletic department deficits only going to keep growing?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:36:28
Finish Them
2/18/2026
The Lobos cruised past Air Force; what stood out? Who will be UNM's x-factor the rest of the season?
How did other results shake up the Mountain West?
Ty Murray and Holly Holm in studio!?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:43:32
Coach Speak
2/17/2026
What did Lobo men's basketball coach Eric Olen have to say about player growth and what his team is focused on with Air Force in town?
What should coaches say about their team is they are struggling?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:41:27
Tang Man
2/17/2026
Kansas State fired their men's basketball coach for cause, will they win and who could be in line to take the job?
Big-10 or Big-12, who is better?
UNM women's basketball has a third quarter issue.
Why did the MAC add Sacramento State?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:39
Play to the End
2/17/2026
Are mid-major teams forced to run up the score in games?
Did the NBA find a nice groove with their All-Star format?
Tag season is underway in the NFL.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:42:37
Try to Win
2/13/2026
The NBA is having the tanking debate again. Can they fix it?
Why teams should try to win all the time and not get too focused on losing.
With a new AD and President on deck, what are Lobo coaches thinking about?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:41:22
Rankings
2/13/2026
What do coaches around the Mountain West think of the current men's basketball jobs and programs?
Why it's OK to not have a Lobo game this Saturday night.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:54
All-Star
2/13/2026
It's time to eliminate All-Star games and do this!
What does college eligibility mean?
The comeback kid.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:42:38
Jason Eck
2/13/2026
New Mexico head football coach Jason Eck drops in studio to discuss the offseason, conference changes, building in year two and the future of Lobo athletics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:28:50
Trust
2/11/2026
Why Coach Eck has the right mindset to be successful long term.
The Lobos need to look in the mirror, defensive effort against the Lopes.
What is Maxx Crosby worth? Any one close to his talent available leading up to the NFL draft?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:40:48