97.9 The Hill’s Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell chat on Friday, Jan. 16 ahead of the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship game coming up on Monday. As Miami takes on Indiana in the Hurricanes’ home stadium, what storylines are we following on and off the field? What would a Miami win mean not just for the program, but for the ACC? And is Indiana football’s turnaround in these past two seasons among the best stories in sports history? Debby says why she thinks it deserves an asterisk.
Dr. Deborah Stroman — who is a consulting professor for UNC and Virginia, sports businesswoman, former basketball player, and columnist — chats with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell each week about headlines from the world of sports. Covering both local and national stories, Stroman specializes in connecting the on-field product to the impact of sports on business, culture and society. Listen to their past conversations on Chapelboro, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
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UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts Named to College Football Playoff Board of ManagersCarolina will have a say in the College Football Playoff. But it’s not in the way hopeful Tar Heel fans may have anticipated. UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts was named to the CFP’s Board of Managers last week, replacing retired Clemson University President Jim Clements. The CFP Board of Managers is comprised of 11 university presidents […]
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Mensah v. Duke Reflects Ongoing Professionalization of College Sports — Stroman On Sports (Jan. 23, 2026)The Hill's Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell chat about Darian Mensah being sued by Duke football for trying to enter the portal.

Chansky's Notebook: Farcical FieldIndiana’s dramatic season and win over Miami proved the CFP should include only teams that have a chance to win the national championship.

Chansky's Notebook: Hail to the UImagine you were a bettor and put money on the College Football Playoff coming down to Indiana of the Big Ten and Miami of the ACC.
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Where the UNC Basketball Programs Stand as 2026 Starts — Stroman On Sports (Jan. 9, 2026)With both UNC basketball programs coming off losses early in conference play, Debby Stroman discusses the narratives around both teams.

Chansky's Notebook: Rich Get RicherAfter another first round filled with blowouts, the College Football Playoff has become a predictable joke.

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Previewing The ACC Title Game and Discusses its Disaster Scenario — Stroman On Sports (Dec. 5, 2025)Deborah Stroman chats with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Friday, Dec. 5 ahead of No. 17 Virginia facing Duke for the ACC title.

N.C. State Buries UNC Football Along With The Heels' 2025 Season — The Carolina Football Hour (Dec. 1, 2025)UNC ends its season with a blowout loss to N.C. State, 42-19. 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh debrief the game and year.

Art's Angle: What is Next?Carolina’s one-sided 42-19 loss at N.C. State on Saturday was a microcosm of the season that has mercifully ended at 4-8, UNC’s worst record in football since 2018.
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