Two Point Conversion with BYU Football: A Gospel Discussion Podcast

Latest Episodes:

2 Kings 2-7 with Professor Ken Alford Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

What do a Cold War Army colonel, a BYU religion professor, and an NFL wide receiver have in common? More than you'd think. This week, Connor Pay and Chase Roberts sit down with Professor Ken Alford — a retired U.S. Army colonel, West Point computer science professor, and now BYU Ancient Scripture instructor in his 19th year — to dig into 2 Kings 2–7 and the ministries of Elijah and Elisha. In this episode, Ken traces his remarkable dual career: from commanding troops in West Germany during the Cold War, to managing $5.5 billion in government IT contracts, to teaching church history at BYU. The trio also discuss the meaning behind the names Elijah ("Jehovah is my God") and Elisha ("God shall save") — and why that matters. And what does it really mean to receive a "double portion" of the Spirit? Plus, a deep dive into the story of Naaman: what a million dollars in silver, a dirty river, and seven baths teach us about humility, obedience, and stopping at wash number six.

1 Kings 12-13; 17-22 with Professor John Hilton III Jun 29, 2026

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Connor Pay is joined by his brother Trevor, a current offensive lineman at BYU, and special guest Professor John Hilton III — BYU religion professor and Scripture Central contributor — for a deep dive into 1 Kings. John guides Connor and Trevor through the division of Israel under Rehoboam and Jeroboam, the strange tale of the two prophets at dinner, the Widow of Zarephath's extraordinary faith, the iconic showdown between Elijah and the priests of Baal, and the courage of the forgotten prophet Micaiah. Along the way, the conversation weaves in real-life parallels: the weight of peer pressure, what it means to truly "burn the ships" in discipleship, how Coach Kalani Sitake used a President Nelson quote to rally BYU before a comeback win over Iowa State, and why Trevor chose to serve a mission even when it meant possibly never playing alongside his brother Connor — and how God honored that choice anyway.

2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 6-9; 11 with Professor Ross Baron Jun 22, 2026

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Connor Pay and Chase Roberts are joined by BYU Ancient Scripture professor Ross Baron for a deep dive into one of the Old Testament's most sobering stories — the fall of King David. They unpack how a man of towering faith could unravel so completely. Professor Baron brings the Hebrew text to life — revealing that David wasn't just "walking" on the roof; he was pacing, a caged lion far from where he was supposed to be. The group traces the small and simple failures that preceded David's great sin, the cover-up that followed, and Nathan's masterful parable that exposed it all. But this episode isn't just ancient history. Connor opens up about his own personal battle and the redemption he found through Christ. Chase reflects on life as a Raiders rookie in Las Vegas — and how the same temptations David faced are alive and well in every generation. Professor Baron closes with a powerful testimony anchored in the Savior's words from the cross: "It is finished."

1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26, 2 Samuel 5-7 with Prof. Robbie Taggart Jun 15, 2026

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Connor Pay and Chase Roberts are joined by BYU religion professor Robbie Taggart for a memorable episode about David and punk rock. Before diving into the scriptures, Robbie shares his remarkable backstory — from playing bass in punk bands alongside the future members of The Used, to serving a mission that changed everything, to eventually earning a PhD and landing his dream job teaching religion at BYU. The conversation then turns to this week's Come Follow Me material covering the story of David. Going far beyond the familiar David and Goliath account, Professor Taggart walks through the full arc of David's life — the jealous Saul, the loyalty of Jonathan, the wild wilderness years, and the stunning Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7. He unpacks how God's persistent, unrelenting love (hesed) carried David through his greatest triumphs and his most devastating failures, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of that ancient promise. Chase also reflects on how David's faith connects directly to his own experience as an NFL free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders — giving the battle to the Lord and finding peace in the process.

1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-16 Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Connor and Chase are flying solo this week for a shorter, more personal episode diving into 1 Samuel 8–10, 13, 15, and 16 — the chapters that set the stage for one of Scripture's most iconic stories: David and Goliath. This week, the guys reflect on the powerful theme that whom the Lord calls, He qualifies — and what it means to feel unworthy of a calling but show up anyway. Connor shares his own experiences with feeling unqualified, from his mission to his recent calling in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how these chapters brought real comfort. Chase draws a compelling parallel between Saul's call to be king and the mindset of Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose quiet dedication to doing "everything he can" every day reflects the heart-centered discipleship the scriptures teach. This episode is an open invitation: Connor and Chase want to hear your favorite takeaways from this week's Come Follow Me. Head to their Instagram or drop a comment on YouTube.

Ruth, 1 Samuel 1-7 with BYU Religion Professor Tyler Griffin Jun 01, 2026

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BYU religion professor Tyler Griffin joins Connor Pay and Chase Roberts for a deep dive into the Book of Ruth and the opening chapters of 1 Samuel. What begins as an overlooked four-chapter story becomes a rich exploration of loyalty, redemption, and what it means to trust God in seasons of uncertainty. Professor Griffin unpacks the powerful symbolism woven through Ruth's story — how Naomi represents the House of Israel, Ruth represents each of us, and Boaz serves as a type of Jesus Christ — the ultimate kinsman redeemer. Together, they explore how Ruth's loyalty, Boaz's loving kindness, and Hannah's praise in 1 Samuel all point to the same truth: when we put the Savior at the center, life becomes something worth trusting — even when we can't see where it's going.

Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16 with Josh Matson May 25, 2026

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Connor Pay and Chase Roberts are joined by BYU professor of ancient religion Josh Matson for a rich discussion on the Book of Judges as part of this week's Come Follow Me study. Josh shares his winding journey to BYU — from being cut from his high school basketball team, to a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada, rejected job applications, a week in Hawaii that led nowhere, and ultimately landing at BYU on his fourth try. His story sets the tone for the episode's central theme: God calls people not because of what they've done, but because of what He needs them to do. Together, Connor, Chase, and Josh explore the cycle of sin, captivity, and deliverance that defines the Judges era and ask an uncomfortable question: are we really that different from the ancient Israelites? Connor walks through his own personal list of modern "false gods" — money, status, social media, political tribes — and Chase draws a powerful parallel between the NFL's zero-tolerance for repeated mistakes and God's infinite patience with His covenant people. Josh brings the text to life with stories of left-handed Ehud, the unlikely warrior Jael, and a laugh-out-loud mission story that led to a baptism — proving that God works through our unique personalities, quirks, and even our sense of humor.

Joshua 1-8; 23-34 with Ammon Montenegro May 18, 2026

Show notes

Connor Pay and Chase Roberts welcome BYU cheerleader and social media personality Ammon Montenegro to the podcast. Chase kicks things off with an inside look at life as an NFL rookie — grueling OTA schedules, thousand-page playbooks, and the constant pressure to perform every detail flawlessly. Then Ammon shares his remarkable journey: growing up as one of eleven kids in Las Vegas, playing football and wrestling, walking on at Snow College, serving a mission in Liberia, and ultimately feeling called to cheer at BYU — where he's now a three-year captain leading a team full of women with a whole new kind of courage. The crew digs into Joshua 1–8 and the themes of strength, obedience, and taking a step of faith. They explore why God repeatedly told Joshua "be strong and of good courage," what it means that the River Jordan didn't part until the priests' feet hit the water, and how all three of them have had to walk into the unknown — whether that's a dusty road in West Africa, a new NFL playbook, or learning to lead in an entirely different way.

Numbers 11-14; 20-24; 27 with Kyle Sfarcioc May 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, hosts Connor Pay and Chase Roberts are joined by BYU offensive lineman Kyle Sfarcioc for a conversation that covers football, faith, and the journey in between. Chase shares his exciting news: he just signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and is heading to mini camp immediately after recording. Kyle opens up about his remarkable first year as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From his early skepticism when he arrived at BYU, to reading the Book of Mormon on planes flying home to be with his father, who was battling terminal illness. Kyle shares how faith gave him peace through one of the hardest seasons of his life and how that foundation has shaped who he is today. The episode ties into the Come Follow Me study of Numbers 11–14, 20-24, and 27. The group unpacks the Israelites' patterns of complaining and fear, as well as how those same tendencies can show up in our own lives. The brazen serpent becomes a powerful symbol: sometimes all it takes is simply looking to the Savior.

Exodus 19-20; 24; 31-34 with Aaron Behm and Scott McKinney Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode, Connor and Chase sit down with American Fork head football coach Aaron Behm and his father-in-law, Scott McKinney, retired pastor of CenterPoint Church, for a conversation that moves from high school football to the Ten Commandments. The group reflects on a "love first" mentality in high school football, shaping young athletes in an increasingly wicked world and the success story of the growth of Christianity as a whole in our society leads to a discussion about Exodus 19 and 20, focused on the Ten Commandments being a blueprint for a close relationship with God and a way to glorify him in our doings with our actions and talents.

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