The Toughest Places to Play in CFB & more Mailbag Questions with Special Guest Sara Klatt!

In this special Mailbag edition of the podcast, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his top 5 toughest places to play in the Big Ten and all of College Football. He answers questions about the transition from high school and college sports towards the future before welcoming in a very special guest: his wife, Sara! Sara joins in to answer more listener-submitted questions about what it’s been like watching Joel as a player and now broadcaster. She also gives some proposal advice and clarifies a few things about Joel’s telling of their own proposal story.
0:00-1:17 intro
1:18-5:38 toughest places to play in college football
5:39-9:22 how to cope with your college baseball career being over
9:23-13:57 advice on tough love parenting
13:58-15:18 Sara Klatt joins the show!
15:19-17:20 Sara Klatt play call
17:21-21:49 Sara watching Joel play football/in the booth
21:50-23:59 Proposal story from Sara’s POV
24:00-28:05 Proposal timing advice
28:06-28:25 outro
#TheJoelKlattShow #CFB #SaraKlatt
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The Toughest Places to Play in CFB & more Mailbag Questions with Special Guest Sara Klatt!
• The Toughest Places to...

[@JoelKlattShow]

What do you think the toughest places to play in CFB are?

[@LordHeat94]

Can’t help but wonder if Utah is in the top ten.

[@ryangraves55]

Camp Randall when they’re good

[@PHUnkel66]

LSU, UF, UGA, uSC

[@chasing_clips4897]

As a PSU alumni, those white out games are no joke. The Swamp in prior years would’ve definitely been a place to consider but the down fall of the programs makes them outside of the top 10 imo.

[@rexrandall33]

I thought FSU would be on your list.

[@OspTheOG]

joel klatt used his qb privilege with sara clearly lmao

[@614jpizzle]

As a fellow stable and unromantic man, this is one of my favorite mailbags 😂

[@nolanrides7480]

Joel staring at the camera after Sara saying “you were getting killed in the big 12 championship game” 😂

[@mcallarse]

😂😂

[@McOofy]

Had that Chris Benoit theme song playing in his head

[@tja133]

😂

[@vidpie]

" with the Buffs trailing by 67 points in the third quarter, the last thing Klatt must have expected was for Kelson to come blitzing in from his left, launching himself toward Klatt's head and hitting him in the chin with his helmet. Klatt was knocked out. For a scary minute or so, he lied there, face down, not moving, in the end zone of Reliant Field in Houston. Eventually, he clambered to his feet and staggered off the field. While the rest of his team flew home after the 70-3 humiliation, Klatt stayed overnight in a local hospital for observation. ...'It seems like [the NCAA is] more concerned with what guys do after the play and after they score, which is completely irrelevant to safety, or anything like that,' Klatt said in reference to penalties for showboating or excessive celebration. 'But is a player who goes into the end zone and gets a little too excited, is that as important as someone who gets a head injury? I just think their priorities are a little out of whack.' Klatt insists he will not play Dec. 27 against Clemson if he's not completely ready. He concedes he desperately wants to play and desperately does not want the huge hit to stand as his final memory on a college field. But he insists he and his wife won't make any decision to play without clearance from the doctors. ...Whether he's on the field or not, Klatt refuses to go quietly. 'The NCAA is a terribly run organization and the way that they exploit college athletes, football and basketball, across the board, I think, is sad,' he said. 'It's something I'll hold a bit of a grudge about for a long time.'"

[@onthelevel222]

Everyone is going to comment on Mrs. Klatt's appearance on the show and rightly so. She was great. However, Joe's response to the father's question on his son in high school may be the best advice I've ever heard on a platform like this. Slow clap!!!

[@josephmichael2174]

This is an episode that just makes you smile. Thanks for coming on Mrs Klatt! You should get into broadcasting too! And Joel, I loved the advice to the father and finding your identity in Christ.

[@bonnielarsen7022]

Amen to everything you said.🙏

[@robertbrown2706]

Stable is a great compliment, even if it doesn't sound like it 😂😂😂. It means she feels safe, secure, and supported by you. I proposed to my wife at the end of a dirt driveway in front of some llamas. Just a ring and no fancy prep. It went great. She did suspect something because as we were walking I had a stupid grin. Anyway- if she wants to marry you and is expecting a proposal, and you want to marry her, propose now. Waiting when you have indicated to her you want to get married and she agrees will just create anxiety. Just find a place of significant value to you both and propose.

[@matthewlund7807]

Sara's lack of football knowledge proves Joel has healthy work-life balance. Very stable!

[@robboyce6636]

Great segment with Mrs Klatt. Hope to see her again someday. I would love to hear more about her Christian journey and how you guys raise your kids with the Lord. Joel, my son is a freshman at Colorado Christian University. He played football for 10 years through his Sr year in high school. He played various positions over the years but ended up specializing in the Long Snapper position as he was very good and helped his high school team to win some huge games with final second field goals. Very exciting. We never told him that it would end and we always encouraged him to do what it was that he wanted to do. In the end, he was burnt out on football and therefore didn’t really pursue it for college even though some schools showed interest in his abilities. In fact, Colorado Christian University doesn’t even have a football team. But, his helmet now put away, he skied 50 or 60 times over this winter. This is his new athletic love. Now, dad (me) on the other hand really misses those football days and watching him play. It was awesome. But now I can fill that need with the excitement of traveling to Colorado from Nashville and skiing with him. Maybe someday my son will have his own son who will play football. By the way, my wife and I really love CCU. It’s a great university and a wonderful place for our son to get an education.

[@gerrytuji6117]

Didn’t think it was possible to like Joel Klatt anymore than I already did. Bro crush confirmed. Then his wife came on… now I love her and him even more .. that was amazing! Yall are incredible

[@jamiebritt7329]

This show was sooo much more than just about football! It was about life. Identity is soooo crucial. And we were designed to have our identity in Christ! Thank you for this episode Joel.

[@garyrayford1201]

Sarah has NO idea about the football question, that was BEAUTIFUL....Joel how blessed you are my man!! What a great episode!

[@Zdloze]

Awesome content Joel! Much Love from Norman

[@touchdownusc9781]

Joel, you married up big-time. Sara, you are a good sport to guest star on the show. I really enjoyed it!

[@orionlion9838]

Joel, thank you for not being afraid to talk about your love for Jesus Christ and how He helped guide you in life. Your wife is absolutely gorgeous! ❤ You are a very blessed man and I really enjoy watching your shows.

[@bonnielarsen7022]

I love the way Joel talks about faith, family and football. His passion for, and devotion to, all three is evident. ❤

[@treydezellem27]

Thank you Joel for your perspective and wisdom. Also thank you for you and Sara sharing your faith and identity in Christ. Keep up the great work!

[@Robert-xr1yn]

Gary Klatt was my favorite teacher at Pomona High!

[@RadicallyOptimistic]

All of last year people said “Pac 12 is soft, wait til Oregon plays in the big 10”. Middle of this year they will say “Big 10 is soft, wait til they play an SEC team”. After the playoffs they will say “but that SEC team was mid, wait til they play an NFL team”.

[@CertifiedClapaholic]

Nah. Pac 12 teams are soft. Oregon got lucky with Lanning. They're the only new Big Ten team that will be able to hang in the trenches and not fall apart by season's end.

[@RadicallyOptimistic]

Pac 12 teams are soft, I’ve never liked the conference, but I’m glad you understand that a conference doesn’t define a team. Put Georgia in the Pac 12, they still the best team in football.

[@ericopheim2565]

Such good advice to find your identity outside of what you do and to focus on who you are (in Christ).

[@roberthudson5001]

This was cool to see a different side of Joel, he changed up as soon as she sat down lol and not in a bad way just interesting to see the human side. First time watching a full episode and looking forward to more

[@shartmartin3066]

It’s nice that your kids can watch this one day and smile

[@samuelokelly4941]

Great show I would love your wife to be on your show more often ! She makes it fun !! 😀 my wife not a football fan loved this show !

[@spaydoutdoors]

Joel Klatt, the Man American Needs!

[@hutsal01]

@joelklattshow, out here preaching!!! Joel, I love seeing how your gift is making room for you. Be encouraged and sharing that wisdom my brother, God still has greater for you. I hope a devotional/book is in the works (sports related preferably)

[@MegaSlowe]

God bless you, Joel. You too, Sarah.

[@ko2890]

many smiles at this one!!

[@user-fx3zk3lw3v]

This is the greatest show you have ever done Mr. Klatt

[@SteveZ-fc6vz]

Happy Belated Mothers Day Mrs Klatt. Your husband is a godsend to college football so thanks for sharing with us fans.

[@gilnetter]

Very nice! Joel, you're my favorite CFB obvserver: smart, wise, entertaining and your opinions just resonate. I wouldn't have thought you'd have a better half, but Sara is just that. I thought her advice to the last guy with a Q was perfect; it took me back to age 21 when I had no business proposing to Liz....but I loved her and wanted to get married asap. Fortunately she agreed, and here we are 45 years later. Maybe I'm just stable. In any event, Sara is delightful, way to go Joel!

[@kylemalachowski]

Adam’s question is such a good question. My Dad said the same thing your dad said, Joel (expect I played soccer). But he also convinced me that I could go be great in something else. Soccer (and playing any sport) is amazing and a wonderful thing to have, but at some point you have to transition some of the passion to something else. Honesty in parent to kid relationships is of the utmost importance. As you said tho, there is some nuance there. Not everything is black and white

[@grantstanfield6636]

Just love this episode! Your wife is awesome 😎

[@terrytabor4466]

The best show in the history of great Joel Klatt shows!

[@hankiuyi]

Joel, I thought you had started with Fox; I was not aware of your earlier days as broadcaster. Good to see you successful at it.

[@richardgonzales4685]

Good advice Joel on parenting more parents should follow it.Keep up the good work.

[@pasheriff4992]

Whiteout is the second most special game experience I've been to, only behind Army Navy.

[@Montuckz]

thx for toughing it out at the taco bell and low rent pod. you are my favorite analyst and sugar coat nada. best in the biz. you and Gus are crushing it!! GO BLUE

[@WesUC24]

Dropping dimes!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@dakotaflowers0]

I always knew joel had himself a gem of a wife, and finally, my assumptions have come to fruition. Love your family joel (and sara) best mailbag yet.

[@natanl]

love you joel. you got me into cfb!

[@CeBeAy]

Sara is great! You’re a lucky man Mr. Klatt

[@DeshCanter]

3rd and 4 we’re faking the handoff to Henry and hitting the TE on a quick out.

[@shawnstewart9958]

This is too funny congratulations to you both 💪🏾🙏🏾

[@burkqul]

This was great Klatts

[@soxfan1045]

Wow. Sara is so beautiful and smart! Klatt is blessed. What a wonderful family

[@whitflix30]

For hardest places to play Auburn would have to be there but I would see why u would leave them out cause they have not been go in a few years

[@TY9941_]

Michigan alumn here. I agree with your B1G rankings.

[@orionlion9838]

I think they're accurate for the B1G, but idk how you leave Neyland Stadium out of the national top 5.

[@edwinsantos3231]

Sad to see Joel will never be able to have another guest on his podcast. They will all be compared to the first 😂

[@mattrapp3044]

Lol love it she has know idea about football! Opposites attract! So true. I bet she loves those football paycheck!!! 😂 great episode

[@AlexMartinez-nq4cw]

I love this idea with your wife speaking today!❤❤❤ it was great to hear from her about her experiences.

[@paxpax23]

I’ll tell you sneaky place that’s good is Texas A&M Kyle field LSU Tiger Stadium, Florida State, and Alabama

[@docjoe999]

Wow Joel! I did not see this side of you from your football calls. Great stuff! I really like the athlete part and walking away from it. You showed your wisdom there. I also liked how your wife helped you see the other world away from football. I can see that you are a good couple and have mutual respect and fun together. It is nice to really see two people happily married!

[@jareddull193]

Joel is the Steve burns from blues clues of college football and Im not mad at all. ❤

[@jasonarreguin5315]

Joel is laughing because he knows he will be just like his father 😂😂❤️

[@edstrokestark3869]

Big fan man

[@michaelkemph5838]

This was an excellent mailing. I fully appreciate your answers to identity. I also identify as a follower of Jesus Christ. For this who haven't accepted Him, it may be difficult to appreciate the freedom that comes with acceptance of Jesus. It changes perspective on what is most important in life and after it. I hope your listeners who haven't taken the opportunity to get to know Him will after hearing this program. It was an outstanding non threatening witness opportunity. Thank you and may God continue to bless your life.

[@KidCudisthegoat]

17:09 smiling through the pain 😂

[@jackhiggins9340]

No Iowa is wild mab

[@TheSandMan9119]

a 7-2 or 6-3 late October Iowa team at Iowa is a nightmarish hellish environment to play at!

[@floridapmi]

Joel out kicked his coverage! Good job Joel!

[@gridirongodsNetwork]

A warm cup of coffee and hand-picked flowers go a long way with the wife. You give us so much good info; might as well return the favor. I got you big bro.

[@nicholaswoods4055]

1 is clearly Georgia and I’m a buckeye fan

[@Downontheredclay]

Sara: Just put me in the game coach, I'm clutch.

[@MegaSlowe]

FWIW, Urban Meyer has coached at both Penn State and LSU for night games, and I remember him saying Penn State was the toughest place he's been to at night.

[@user-xp6qd4sk1j]

My guess is urban was coaching in columbus at the time. urban had a very small window of coaching a game in tiger stadium. Three games to be exact. First was a day game in '05. Second was a NIGHT game in '07. That's the night LSU was 5 for 5 on FOURTH down conversions. It was truly a NIGHT to remember. The third game in '09 not sure of kickoff. It was the ONLY game urban won in tiger stadium. His boy Tebow said LSUs tiger stadium was the hardest place to play in as a visitor. He still couldn't talk right the thursday after the game.

[@conmaz]

Love your show ❤️❤️

[@PoisedHD]

you keep your ball card for havin lsu at 1, just had to check

[@Montuckz]

i don't blame ya for marrying a smile like hers even with the lack of Ball knowledge! love how she said yall were getting killed in the b12 title game and she prayed for it to end. lmao

[@georgejonson9463]

💯

[@ODUCKSFAN1]

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers. GO DUCKS 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

[@lukelowry3181]

Georgia is top 5. they’ve broken decibel records, they hold 90k, the fans are relentless, georgia hasn’t lost a home game in 5 years and since Kirby has been a head coach you can count on one hand the amount of time Georgia lost at home and they play SEC ball unlike Oregon and Clemson

[@firescoutgaming_yt6712]

Preach joel preach

[@bschmid100]

JOEL!!!!!!! Throwin out the gospel of our lord and savior. YEAHHH!!!!!!!!

[@bschmid100]

That just got me so pumped up

[@Downontheredclay]

Stable

[@LadyWolverine18]

You and Sara are so cute!

[@MegaSlowe]

Camp Randall is a bear to play at when Wisconsin is good. Wisconsin can beat anybody at home when they're good.

[@johndodd6843]

Georgia has lost one (1) game at home in 7 years (43-1, vs ranked teams 13-0, against top 10 ranked teams 6-0)

[@RyanDaysBeard]

As an Ohio State fan... Penn State is near the top

[@countryboy85100]

Klatt is dam good. Who do you think the Denver Broncos should trade for.

[@RGATX]

Joel “Stable” Klatt

[@XXsupervisor]

I root for the QB too!

[@keving3982]

Alabama is the tuffest place to play why we always win at home and we always win at lsu cuz that's easy. Roll tide!

[@user-sn1nh4hg2v]

Sara is tremendous.

[@ethanwerner6196]

The big house, Washington, Penn State, Tennessee

[@ethanwerner6196]

Florida too

[@conmaz]

Being an Oregon Alum(‘67) and a total DUCK fan Autzen Sadium is an awesome venue. Especially at the start of 3rd quarter when the loud speakers place “SHOUT” and the crowd goes nuts. You’re got to be there to experience it. GO DUCKS 🦆🦆🦆🦆

[@bradlonfalls9711]

I would have to say Alabama

[@B.Piercesports]

Joel how'd you get Sarah you lucky dog.

[@hjluke4807]

Well, he was a college quarterback 😂

[@B.Piercesports]

@@hjluke4807 lol

[@owenherndon3794]

Under rated place to play is Cincinnati. Loudest small stadium

[@colepriceguitar1153]

How is Kyle field not on this list

[@BB-xy5nd]

The Big House, end of story

[@willeubanks4957]

Tennessee not in the top 5 is insane

[@MGOBACK2BACK2BACK]

Joel Klatt takes no L’s

[@perfectsense3240]

Michigan hasn’t lost at home since 2020

[@EdwardMann13]

AUBURN?!?!?!

[@benjaminrobbins8458]

Man… Joel… have you never been to Kinnick? Leaving them out of the top 5 is a bold statement… I am just going to assume you have never been there for a big game.. ask Penn State about playing at Kinnick

[@voiceofreason2674]

@4:50 Bama is not that tough of a place to play. As an Lsu fan, the difference is Bama fans expect the best they dont have fear. Ive seen Auburn and Florida get WAY louder and more chaotic. One thing i will give the Bama fans / staidum for is their Band. They havent taken away seats from them whereas several SEC teams including Lsu have shrunk the band at times. The million dollar band brings firepower every time

[@nolandavis9040]

Kyle Field is 3x louder than Bama. The crowd was so loud that Alabama had multiple false start penalties at the start of the game. I’d take Kyle Field, Florida, and LSU before Bama

[@vidpie]

@@nolandavis9040 Saban: “When we went on silent, the guard taps the center. And as soon as the guard tapped the center, they’d stem and move the front- which is not illegal. It was perfectly a good thing for them to do on their part. And we had numerous times where guys flinched. Because, when you go on silent, there is no snap count... we obviously need to practice it more so our players don’t get spooked by a moving defense because everybody’s got to sort of go on the ball.” Alabama had two false starts in Tuscaloosa last year vs Texas.

[@samlacrosse]

:)

[@dastarr286]

Joel had a really really good season last year. But his off season takes have been pretty bad. I hope he proves me wrong. I agreed with a lot of his takes last year. And most were correct except for whatever reason he keeps favoring osu. But this off season I’m not really agreeing with most his takes. It’s like he’s making guesses to see if he can stand alone.

[@JB-nx6jb]

Penn State the toughest?!?! Yea right 🤣🤣🤣

[@themoneyman1752]

Penn St #1 & #2 overall but they NEVER can beat Ohio St or Mich, so its not that great of a home field advantage #overrated

[@lawrencematthes8948]

Are you serious? Don't let your west coast fanhood blind you from reality. Washington tougher than Wisconsin? They have one good year and they are a tough place to play? Ask yourself this:. How many people would rather play in Madison Wisconsin than playing the huskies over the last 2 decades? Maybe 20percent. MAYBE....

[@treydezellem27]

UW is only a good atmosphere maybe two games a year. Most overrated fan base in major college football.