Big Ten, ACC Announce 2026 Schedules, Darian Mensah Settles With Duke & More!

Summary

Podcast Summary: Cover 3 College Football – “Big Ten, ACC Announce 2026 Schedules, Darian Mensah Settles With Duke & More!”

Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Chip Patterson, Danny Kanell (w/ Tom Fornelli and Bud Elliott referenced)
Podcast: Cover 3 College Football, CBS Sports

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Overview

This episode focuses on three major themes:

• The release and big-picture impact of the 2026 football schedules for the Big Ten and ACC conferences.
• The saga of Darian Mensah’s transfer, settlement with Duke, and move to Miami, setting off a wide-ranging debate about the state of player movement and NIL in college football.
• In-depth schedule analysis with predictions, team-by-team implications, and highlights of the juiciest matchups for the coming season.

The conversation is upbeat, humorous, and takes an insider-y approach familiar to die-hard college football fans.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Coaching Tree Banter and CFP Structure

• Todd Monken’s move to the Browns sparks a tailgate question: Does Kirby Smart have a better offensive coaching tree than Lincoln Riley?
  • “I think the core is that he has one more than Lincoln Riley does. I don't even know if Lincoln Riley has anybody that's stemmed from his staff offensively.” — Danny Kanell [04:03]
• Quick debate on coaching legacies, with tongue-in-cheek jabs about Mike Bobo and Dan Lanning.
• Discussion of the current College Football Playoff (CFP) structure, particularly the “highest-rated Group of Six” provision and its implications.
  • “This provision, the way that I read it, makes it impossible to get two group of six teams into the field ever. Right?” — Chip Patterson [06:41]

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2. Darian Mensah/Duke/Miami Transfer Drama

[08:00–13:55]

• Full Transfer Saga Recap:
  • Darian Mensah, Duke’s former star QB, settled legally with Duke and promptly transferred to Miami after a Miami visit.
  • Debate over weakened contractual protections and the theme of “guardrails” in college football — the rules are no longer solid, just suggestions.
    • “I hate that it is one more aspect of our sport which looks like it has no protections...every guardrail, which I think is the term they've used, is really only suggestions.” — Danny Kanell [08:04]
  • Sympathy for Duke, left with a depleted roster after thinking they had a title-contending core.
• The “Future of Transfers” Discussion:
  • More programs are acting “player-forward” to maintain reputation for future NIL targets.
    • *“Being more player forward is a way to be able to allow yourself for future players...They want to at least make sure that they seem very much in the corner of the player for the future players.”— Chip Patterson [10:49]
  • Realism about the forces of money, opportunity, and “cynicism” in NIL-era football.
• Fan and Industry Reaction:
  • This saga drew more attention due to actual litigation (unlike similar stories), and is described as a “stress test” for the transfer system.
    • “It was a stress test for the system. The Damond Williams never got to that point. So...this did get more attention...because of the length of how long the saga went on and because of the steps that it went to get there.” — Chip Patterson [12:36]
  • Consensus: The “system failed” and poaching will only increase.

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Miami Outlook with Mensah [15:00–19:00]

• With transfer additions (Mensah at QB, loaded RB/WR rooms), Miami is “ACC champs or bust.”
  • “They'll be the preseason ACC favorite…this is a great move for Miami.” — Danny Kanell [16:01]
• Mensah’s stats (34 TD, 6 INT) praised, and his potential to win titles with three teams is highlighted as a 2026 storyline.

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3. Big Ten Schedule Analysis

[24:56–46:58]

• Top-Level Impressions:
  • The 2026 Big Ten schedule is loaded with high-stakes matchups and brutal stretches; both Indiana and Oregon face Ohio State and Michigan back-to-back.
    • “This Ohio State schedule is, is kind of a monster...five to six top 25 teams all on that schedule. For the Buckeyes.” — Chip Patterson [27:28]
• Ohio State’s Gauntlet:
  • Versus Texas, at Indiana, at USC, at Iowa, hosting Oregon and Michigan. One of the toughest slates in years.
    • “If you're nine and three and you beat the right ones and one's a tough loss, I think they could be in that conversation for a three loss team.” — Danny Kanell [28:06]
  • Chip’s Bold Prediction: “I do not think a Big Ten team will be 12-0 at the end of the season.” [29:00]
• Tier Rankings and Team-by-Team Angles:
  • Top tier: Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana. Next up: Michigan, USC.
  • Favorable schedules: Penn State’s set-up is the year’s easiest (no OSU/Oregon/Indiana).
    • “I think Penn State has the most favorable schedule in the Big Ten.” — Chip Patterson [30:44]
  • Rutgers dodges all West Coast road trips (possibly for financial reasons, humorously noted).
• Travel Schedules as a Key Factor:
  • Oregon and Northwestern have especially punishing travel and bye situations.
• USC’s Playoff-or-Bust Year:
  • Smart bye placement, high expectations for Lincoln Riley and the new defense.
    • “You got rid of the Notre Dame game specifically to challenge for the playoffs....if you’re not 10-2 or better. I think it's an extremely disappointing season for USC.” — Danny Kanell [35:48]

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Top 5 Big Ten Games (Countdown Format) [36:53–44:44]

1. #5: Indiana at Michigan — A test of program identity with Whittingham vs. Signetti, possible “trap” game. [37:01]
2. #4: Oklahoma at Michigan — September showdown, Saban’s successor’s impact. [38:01]
3. #3: Oregon at Ohio State — Clash of elite QBs, preview of the conference title race. [38:47]
4. #2: Ohio State at Texas — Arch Manning’s revenge vs. Julian Sayin, “should be better than last year.” [39:59]
5. #1: Ohio State at Indiana — Big Ten title game rematch, Indiana defending home turf with a “target” on their back. [41:33]
   • “If you don't think the world famous Ohio State Buckeyes are rolling into the champ's house with a chip on their shoulder, I mean that is a walking your trap kind of game.” — Chip Patterson [41:33]

Honorable Mentions: Ohio State vs. Michigan, Oregon at USC.

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Schedule Winners and Losers:

• Wisconsin and Illinois get more favorable draws after brutal prior years.
• Northwestern and Oregon cited with particularly rough stretches.

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4. ACC Schedule Analysis

[48:12–62:08]

• Title Game Moves to Saturday Afternoon:

  • General approval – avoids competition with Big Ten, gives ACC more standalone exposure.

• Friday Night Games as Showcase Events:

  • Miami opens with three early season weeknight games, despite Mario Cristobal’s opposition.
    • “Three Friday night games for the Miami Hurricanes. But I do, I think this is smart for the ACC to try to feature some of their bigger brands on Friday night.” — Danny Kanell [50:13]
  • Friday games cited as high ratings drivers, referencing FSU/Virginia as most-watched.

• Miami’s Title Path:

  • Noted tough late stretch after a well-timed bye: Florida State, Pitt, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke.
  • Duke game is a “revenge”/narrative match after the Mensah transfer.

• Virginia Tech’s Outlook:

  • Discussed as James Franklin’s first year; three tricky road games, but manageable rest-of-slate.
  • “I would think 9 and 3 would be a phenomenal start for James Franklin's career at Virginia Tech.” — Danny Kanell [53:56]

• Favorable ACC Schedules:

  • Louisville has a strong shot for a title run, avoiding Miami and Clemson in-conference.

• Toughest Schedules:

  • Florida State: Described as “rough,” with Alabama, Louisville, Miami, Clemson, Pitt, Florida. [56:27]
    • “Florida State schedule is not the type you would be looking for if you were coach sitting on the hot seat.” — Danny Kanell [57:08]
  • North Carolina: From a cupcake schedule in 2025 to a murderers’ row with Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami, and tough road games.

• Other Notable Notes:

  • NC State: Schedule sets them up for a possible dark-horse start if they navigate early tests.
  • SMU: Tough start with FSU and Louisville, dodges Miami and Clemson.

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Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On the transfer chaos:

  • “It just really puts them in a tough spot. They had one of the better quarterbacks in the ACC, if not the country, for two weeks of the transfer portal. I'm sure they were a little bit worried and keeping aware of the situations.” — Chip Patterson [10:05]

• On Miami’s high-octane offense:

  • “ACC champs or bust, right?” — Chip Patterson [16:01]
  • “I think he's better than Carson Beck...I think this is a great move for Miami.” — Danny Kanell [16:01]

• On challenging schedules:

  • “This Ohio State schedule is a monster. I've seen some Ohio State fans mention it is one of the toughest schedules that Ohio State has faced in years.” — Chip Patterson [27:28]

• On likelihood of an undefeated Big Ten team:

  • “I do not think a Big Ten team will be 12-0 at the end of the season.” — Chip Patterson [29:00]

• Miami Friday games:

  • “Mario Cristobal is on the record...He does not like [Friday games]...and what do you reward him with? One Monday and you get three Friday night games for the Miami Hurricanes.” — Danny Kanell [50:13]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:35] Coaching tree question & discussion
• [04:13] College Football Playoff structure “auto-bid” debate
• [08:00] Darian Mensah–Duke–Miami legal saga
• [15:36] Miami loaded offense with Mensah/ACC title chances
• [24:56] Big Ten 2026 schedule release—overall impressions
• [28:06] Ohio State’s brutal slate analysis
• [36:53] Top 5 Big Ten games for 2026
• [48:12] ACC schedule drop & analysis
• [50:13] Miami’s TV draw & challenges with weeknight games
• [55:15] Louisville’s favorable draw
• [57:08] Florida State’s punishing schedule
• [59:54] North Carolina’s daunting turnaround
• [61:48] SMU’s schedule and dark-horse status

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Conclusion

This episode is a comprehensive, engaging rundown of all the off-season developments shaping the 2026 college football landscape. The hosts combine sharp analysis, inside information, and lighthearted banter, delivering both expert schedule breakdowns and a candid look at the real impact of transfers and NIL. If you want to preview 2026’s storylines, matchups, controversies, and which teams and coaches face a knife-edge year, this episode is a must-listen.

Transcript

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[Danny Cannell]

Welcome Back to the COVID 3 podcast with your hosts, Chip Patterson, Tom Fernelli, Danny Cannell and Bud Elliott.

[Tom Fornelli]

It's your call for the best college.

[Danny Cannell]

Football coverage from national signing day to the national championship and CBS Sports presents.

[Tom Fornelli]

The COVID 3 Podcast.

[Chip Patterson]

And welcome back to the COVID 3 Podcast here on CBS Sports. That's Danny Cannell. I'm Chip Patterson coming to you [e-mail] cover3 and everywhere. I get your podcast on demand. Thanks for hanging out. Smash that. Subscribe smash that like and come and join us in the chat, aka the COVID 3 tailgate, where we got a little bit of breaking NFL news and an interesting question from our friend Jackie dk. So I guess we've got Todd Monken to the Browns is the breaking news. So Jack, Jack, excuse me, Jack asks, does Kirby Smart have a better offensive coaching tree than Lincoln Riley?

[Danny Cannell]

He might hold on.

[Chip Patterson]

It's just Todd. Hold on. Offensive coaching tree would be Todd Monkin. And then I guess you're just obviously cover three tailgate. Big fans of Mike Bobo, you know. Yes, we know that. Who else would be on the offensive coaching tree for Kirby Smart? If we're just gonna say coaching tree, then we also include Dan Lanning in that one as well.

[Danny Cannell]

Right?

[Chip Patterson]

What. What do you think's at the core of. Does. Does Riley even have a tr. That's.

[Danny Cannell]

That's. I think the core is that he has one more than Lincoln Riley does. I don't even know if Lincoln Riley has anybody that's stemmed from his staff offensively.

[Chip Patterson]

He's fired coaches. You know, that. That been able to get it. So maybe so. Yes. Also, Joshua, happy birthday to you. You jumped in early. And then at 8:59am Eastern Time, our guy Ray jumped in with an interesting comment. He said, did we actually find a sweet spot with basically the College Football Playoff? Basically six auto bids, counting Notre Dame is one with the special exemption and then the one for the group of six. Could this actually be the new standard moving forward? It is essentially a six plus six. I would say that Ray probably thought about this, Danny, because we also got the less discussed group of six angle yesterday that even some group of six administrators did not understand that you do not even have to be the conference champion to make the College Football Playoff. With the special group of six exemption. It is simply the highest rated. What'd you make of that revelation? I was not aware of that before yesterday.

[Danny Cannell]

I was not either. I don't think it makes a ton of sense, do you think? Well, I was trying to think of scenarios where you would have that actually unfold and I'm struggling to come up with one. I guess it protects. If you had a team like Tulane this year, which would have. If they would have gone undefeated, let's say they would have beaten Ole Miss and Northwestern and Duke and they were undefeated and ranked, you know, in the top 10 potentially, if that was the case and then they lose in a rare upset to Memphis or wherever. A two loss team in the, in the group of say, you know, in their American championship game. I still think that you would probably drop out and they would find another conference champion. I guess it's just so you're not forced and you want the best team possible. I guess I'm just trying to find a scenario where it would actually come into play.

[Chip Patterson]

I think that it is the idea that one of the at large bids could be taken by a team like a two lane, you know, like or a Boise State or a team up there. It is almost protection of. Okay, so let's say it was the year, the year 2024. Boise State's up in the top 10. They're a one loss team. Their only losses to Oregon could have made the College Football Playoff on their own merits. Ended up getting in as the Mountain west champion and as the conference champion. So if they had lost in the conference championship game, they would have been thrown into the at large pool which would have taken an at large spot from the SEC or the Big Ten. So I think that's what the protection is essentially. This provision, the way that I read it, makes it impossible to get two group of six teams into the field ever. Right.

[Danny Cannell]

And if that's the read, then that is a good protection of it. I don't think anybody wants to see a second group of six team in there ever again for their safety. Clearly, you know, we want to make sure that we get one team to get hurt. Safety.

[Chip Patterson]

Call OSHA Bud Elliott, the Department of Safety. He will send you your safety vest. Some a little bit to get to today, including reacting to last night's release of the Big Ten schedule. Monday we got the ACC schedule a little bit wonky. The eight game, nine game, we'll get into that as well. But we also have some finality. We've got some an actual settlement as Duke. Former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has settled with Duke. That came out on Tuesday. Then later in the day after taking a visit to Miami, he committed to the Miami Hurricane. So now this is all settled. This is behind us. How are you moving forward? As we start to think about the saga that was between Darian Mensah, Duke and the Miami Hurricanes.

[Danny Cannell]

I feel a little bit torn talking about this because as a Florida State guy, I think, you know, you could have assumptions that I wouldn't want to see this or I would have this take because it benefits Miami. But I hate this for our sport. I hate this for college football. I hate that it is one more aspect of our sport which looks like it has no protections against like you would think in theory, that you've got a contract, a two year deal that should protect a school from losing a player. And yet here we are, Duke comes out and they have this statement that they put out and essentially it sounds like they were like, you know what, it's not really worth it. We're probably going to lose anyway. So let's just. They will do what's best for the student athlete. Right. But that is clearly not what went on. They had, they weren't going to win and they knew it. So it just to me makes it more murky where everything we've got, every guardrail, which I think is the term they've used, is really only suggestions like, good luck, let's try to buy, abide by these. But if you're a school that really needs a quarterback and you're a little bit desperate and you got extra money to spend, then by all means shop away wherever you want. And this really does put Duke behind the eight ball. I know they went out and signed a quarterback, but this just really puts them in a tough spot. They had one of the better quarterbacks in the acc, if not the country, for two weeks of the transfer portal. I'm sure they were. I'm sure they were a little bit worried and keeping aware of the situations.

[Chip Patterson]

But ultimately, listen to Tom Fornelli. They, Tom Fornelli told you, if you have a quarterback, they.

[Danny Cannell]

Yes, we all said that, like, but I don't even think any one of us were like, Duke is a viable option because he was getting $4 million over, you know, 8 million, doll. I think all of us would have been like, well, thankfully for Duke, they can feel pretty good. Well, as we've learned now, I don't think anybody should sleep safe like, and sleep comfortably. Feeling like your roster is completely set. It's a mess.

[Chip Patterson]

Cooper Barkate also took the visit with him. So that means if you are Duke to your point, you thought you had Darian Mensah, you thought you had Nate Shepard, the very talented young running back. You thought you had Cooper Barkett, you thought you had a core as the reigning ACC champions to be able to go into 2026 to try to go make a run at it again. Now it's a very, very different outlook. And I do wonder if some of this is, you know, for the future. I've, I've heard bits and pieces of this, that when a player is deciding to leave in this world of freedom of movement, that sometimes being more player forward is a way to be able to allow yourself for future players. Like you're saying, okay, look, we are going to show that we are on your side. And that's what the statement read to me. You know, like, yeah, you've always been in support of players being able to capitalize on themselves. It's them trying to save face to make it look like, hey, don't go to Duke because you know they're going to go crazy and sue you and take all your money if things don't go well. They want to at least make sure that they seem very much in the corner of the player for the future players that they're going to be trying to attract with nil.

[Danny Cannell]

And I remember the first year of nil when there were some question marks about what it would look like. And Bud has been one that's been all over it since day one was like, what school wants to sue your own player? Like, to prevent him from going somewhere else? Because it is a bad pr. Look, I think schools are getting more aggressive. I think they're trying again. I think this is more about Duke realizing they couldn't win. So they said, let's just cut ties, and then you save face. But at some point, somebody's got to step up and do the quote right thing and fight one of these players. And I just think Duke realized it was a fight they couldn't win, so they said, let's just cut ties. It stinks. It just really does. Do you think there is more, or do you think there was more outrage over Demond Williams and Washington because of the rumors around Lane Kiffin? Or do you think. Or do you think this is getting the same attention? I feel like that situation got a lot more buzz. Maybe it's because it was early in the portal. It was, you know, before the national championship game. This one was. There was. There was a lot of news surrounding it, but I feel maybe that's because it was Lane Kiffin. But this one, I feel like most people are like, ah, player left Duke. Like, no shock in football, like to go play at a better football program. But I almost feel like it's become accepted now that, yep, this is how it is.

[Chip Patterson]

I think that this one actually has gotten more run, and I am biased, of course, you know, because of where I am. But I think it's gotten more run because of the litigation and how long this, like, it started when you were still at the national championship game a week ago. Right. You know, so this was a story that has continued to have other layers and other steps all the way to the. The final commitment to Miami, which is where I think a lot of us thought that it was going to be eventually. I think that this one was more informative. The Damond Williams spiked in interest because it was lsu, because it was early in the Portal because of Lane Kiffin and all those things. But this one, I think, was a little bit. Got more attention because it actually involved going to court. It actually involved, you know, let's. Let's pull these things out. Let's see what's possible. What's the word? A stress test. It was a stress test for the system. The Demond Williams never got to that point. Right. So it was. I would say that this did get more attention than Demond Williams, but only because of the length of how long the saga went on and because of the steps that it went to get there. It. It unfortunately leaves us in that sort of cynical position. Like you said as a fan, I was like, okay, well, I guess if you're the little bank, you're just screwed, right?

[Danny Cannell]

And the stress test failed. Like, I guess that's what you would say. Like, your stress test failed. The system once again proved to be absolutely manipulated by money and programs that have more power and more status. And then the next thought that comes to my mind, because I just want these to be done, you know, we're all like, the portal's closed. Okay, this is it. Let's put it to bed. In my mind, I'm like, who's going to be prevented if it's not working out in spring ball with whatever quarterback you spent millions on and he gets hurt or he's not happy, or you have a quarterback that you were banking on, but he. Something happens. Who's to say that somebody doesn't get plucked from a roster that's a starter group of six or power four, and you just say, well, we're willing to pay. Let's just fight it again, like, that's. My mind. Goes to immediately, like, prepare yourself for more of these types of situations. If a team is in desperate need for a player, they'll figure out a way to go get one.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah. That we spent some time. Obviously, the Nico story was a big one, but we did spend some time with that Spring Portal window last year. We do not technically have a spring portal window, but like you said, technically, technically, we'll. We'll see what ends up coming out there. Okay? Now if we can, we have to compartmentalize Right. I mean, that's just. It's what we have to do in our job. So let's shut that. And we're going to talk about, you know, Miami schedule and the ACC schedules in a little bit. But if I'm to shut that door and just. Look, Miami's got a really Fun offense for 2026.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

You got Mark Fletcher back. You've got Malachi Tony back. You've got Darian Mensah running the offense. You've got. We talked about Cooper Barkate. I mean, the whole wide receiver room is really, really loaded. Pringle jumped in the Portal but ended up coming back. So he's going to be back a very talented young running back. I mean, I. ACC champs are bust, right?

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah, absolutely. They'll be the preseason ACC favorite. I think they're upgrading at quarterback. I think he is better than Carson Beck. I think it's similar because he has struggled with some turnovers at times, but I think he has less baggage in big games than Carson Beck did. He doesn't have the injury history that Carson Beck did. I think he'll be able to execute this offense at a very high level. He's already played in two different offenses and excelled in both of them. I think this is a great move for Miami. I think he's one of the top quarterbacks in the Portal that were available.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah.

[Danny Cannell]

You know, and I would.

[Chip Patterson]

I don't.

[Danny Cannell]

When we talked about the quarterbacks in the Portal, I was like, I don't know if I really love any of them. Darren Mentum might have been my favorite quarterback in the Portal. Like, from what I've seen with him playing with less around him.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah.

[Danny Cannell]

Over Soresby, over Levitt, who I think are good players. But if in a quarterback class, which no one really blows me away, I would say Darian Metz is right up there. I really like Mesta Maker a lot. Course, his story was kind of already written, him going to Oklahoma State with Eric Morris. But I think Mensah's my top guy coming out and Miami was able to land them. And I also think. I mean, this has been what a lot of schools have done, but clearly Miami has had no problem getting one and done. Like guys just to come in for one year. We'll spend all that money, but we know there's probably a floor on what you're going to bring. Like the bottom's not going to drop out, will build around you and try to do it again, run it back. And it's a formula that's worked you know, this would be the third year that they'll be trying to do it. And you could argue in Cam Ward's year, they, they were right there for the College Football Playoff and the ACC championship and collapse down the stretch. But it's worked. This will be the third year in a row if it does, and I think it will.

[Chip Patterson]

Darian Mensah, with 34 passing touchdowns on the season that was tied for second only behind Fernando Mendoza and, and Danny, like you, I some. I had to do the check here because he had some very inopportune turnovers. But the full season body of work, because like, we remember the UConn game. Right, right. That's the one where you just, you can't get it out of your mind. But the full season body of work, only six interceptions, 34 and six. Mendoza was 41 and six. You know, like he's, he did it. Had a very, very good season and he had to, you know, in that offense, I think probably throw a lot and do a lot more. Kind of like what you're saying. This will be a different approach for him, but to know that he can go out there and be a playmaker and put the offense on his back. I'm excited. Like, I'm legitimately excited. I think the Miami Hurricanes are going to kind of be like a little bit of a rock star type team to follow because of the run they went on. What, you know, what it means moving forward. I think there's going to be a buzz about this group that's going to make it very, very fun to follow in 2026 as they try to win the ACC title, which. And someone in the tailgate pointed, that pointed this out earlier. Darian Mensah could win three conference titles in three different conference. Three conference titles with two. With three different teams in two different.

[Danny Cannell]

There you go. Yes. Which would be pretty insane. That's 2026 in a nutshell. In college football, it will not be easy to replace three first rounders, you know, with mauigoa and Bane and Mezador, but they've done a really good job recruiting. I say, I think the edge rushers, I think Bane and Mezador will be challenging to replace, but I think you've got to feel good about the job Corey Heatherman did. You know, again, it helps to have two guys who wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, but they've done a great job recruiting and reloading, and I would expect them to be right back in the mix.

[Chip Patterson]

The defensive line, Reuben Bain actually had some fun Comments discussing, you know, Lightfoot, remember we saw came in with that really big hit in the national championship game. But if you go and you look at the way that they've recruited, it's not a surprise whatsoever. The players that are stepping up are really, really good players, and I think that's what they're excited about, moving forward. So one quick thing before we hit a break and then start to get into some schedule discussion. This morning, the lead story on CBSSports.com was about a college football coach, not for college football reasons. The lead story on CBSSports.com was about North Carolina's head football coach getting snubbed for the hall of Fame. And the question was posed last night, you know, in our college football editorial workroom. What is the college angle here? Saw Michael Lombardi making some statements as well, you know, coming out like, shocker. Lombardi's coming out here with some supportive guy. Yeah. Supporting his guy. Do you think there will be any impact? Motivation, edge discussion like, what's. How will the hall of Fame snub of Bill Belichick bleed over into North Carolina's 2026 season?

[Danny Cannell]

I don't think it has any impact.

[Chip Patterson]

Okay.

[Danny Cannell]

Like, I, I'm sure other than Bill Belichick and his girlfriend being pissed off. And anytime they can take a shot at the NFL hall of Fame voters, I think they will. They'll take that opportunity. But, like, is there a chip on the shoulder of those players?

[Chip Patterson]

No, not of the players.

[Danny Cannell]

Right. Like, I don't think they have it. So I don't know what impact it has, if any, on North Carolina's football season. I think it's ridiculous that he didn't get in, which is about as close to a unanimous decision or opinion that I've seen. I haven't seen one person really stand up and boldly make the case why he shouldn't be a first ballot. Have you like, I like. The only person I've seen that was suggested was Bill Polian because he was supposedly the voter that was, you know, saying it was Spygate. And are we sure we want to do this? But he came out already and denies like, it wasn't me. Now, if you believe him or not, it's something else. But no one even wants to put their name to it. They just voted for it or against it. And now you've got this scenario that's unfolded. I'm probably more surprised. And if you have looked at the retreads that have been hired in the NFL coaching cycle, I am probably more surprised that Belichick is not back in the NFL, and it does make me wonder if he maybe regrets going to North Carolina because if he just kept doing TV for another season, I think he would have absolutely had a job in the NFL. But because of what transpired in Chapel Hill, the debacle that's unfolded with his girlfriend, the amount of power that she's had in his decision making as a head coach, I think that's why he's not in the NFL, because you cannot tell me, was it nine teams in the NFL needed new coaches.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah.

[Danny Cannell]

And you've had guys, again, retreads, you know, young coaches with no track record getting opportunities. I think Bill Belichick absolutely would have had a job if he would have just stayed in television and not taking the college gig. So from that standpoint, for your question, I wonder if deep down, if Bill Belichick is like, man, I should have just waited it out. I would have been back and been able to chase the record.

[Chip Patterson]

Yep, will be very interesting. The North Carolina Tar heels begin their 2026 campaign in Ireland against TCU. Coming up on the other side, we turn our attention to the Big Ten 2026 schedule, including the Buckeyes have quite a road to travel. All that and more nukes.

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[Chip Patterson]

COVID 3 podcast and on Tuesday night we got our first look at the 2026 schedule for the Big Ten Conference. Lots to be able to get into here. We'll before we get out of here, we'll highlight some of our favorite games. But I was curious Danny, where, where would you like to start in terms of the story lines? Like what, what really stood out to you in terms of the big picture? Overarching thoughts with what we learned on Tuesday.

[Danny Cannell]

So I would say I would start with the national champion, the Indiana Hoosiers, who have had a very, you know, easier, I wouldn't say very easy, easier path than most. It's, I think it's significantly harder this year. The non conference is not. Remember this was the year I think we were supposed to get Virginia, which I would have loved to have seen just for another non conference challenge that Indiana backed out of a year ago, paid their way out of. So the non conference is easy and it starts off easy. But Ohio State, Michigan back to back weeks and then usc, Washington in your two out of your last three I think is a more significant path for the Hoosiers this season.

[Chip Patterson]

Interesting note here. So Indiana and Oregon face Ohio State and Michigan in back to back weeks. That's tough. Yeah, those are, those are two, those are two Big Ten title contenders in Indiana and Oregon. Maybe the among Ohio State as well. Both of them have to do it for Indiana. For those of you who are not watching on YouTube.com cover three, Indiana will play host to Ohio State in week seven before traveling to Michigan in week eight. The Oregon Ducks are away to Ohio State in week 10 before hosting Michigan in week 11. So those games a little bit later on in November. I, I tell you what, this Ohio State schedule is, is kind of a monster. Obviously we've got the return visit with Texas. That is going to be one of the biggest games in college football of the entire year. They're going to be top five teams once again. But then you start to really break it down and you've got a road trip to Indiana, you've got a road trip to usc, you've got a road trip to Iowa, you have Oregon coming to Columbus, you've got Michigan coming to Columbus. So between Michigan, Oregon, USC, Indiana, maybe Illinois, Texas, I mean we're talking five to six top 25 teams all on that schedule. For the Buckeyes. I've seen some Ohio State fans mention it is one of the toughest schedules that Ohio State has faced in years. I think that's a fascinating landscape for Ohio State in a year where year three, Jeremiah Smith, right, Julian saying trying to bounce back and the Buckeyes in general trying to bounce back after going from 120 to 12 and 2 and out of the College Football Playoff.

[Danny Cannell]

Did you mention Iowa on The road. Yeah, yeah. I mean like that there's five or six easily. I think teams that probably will finish in the top 25. It's brutal. I think the question will come up like what record gets you in? I think 10 and 2. You are safely in to the College Football Playoff. And I think it's one of those schedules that if you're nine and three and you beat the right ones and one's a tough loss, I think they could be in that conversation for a three loss team. And I'm sure Buckeye fans are like, hey, we're going to cruise again. We're just going to run the table. Which maybe they do, but that is going to be. And I think Texas will be a much tougher matchup than it was last year. That was Arch's first game. Arch is much improved. This one's on the road. So yeah, I think Ohio State clearly has one of the better tougher schedules out there.

[Chip Patterson]

I also sort of. On that note, I don't think.

[Danny Cannell]

Bold.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah. January 28th. Bold prediction. I don't think. I do not think a Big Ten team will be 120 at the end of the season.

[Danny Cannell]

Boy, you're just. You're just giving click boy like bulletin board material for Kirk Signetti right now.

[Chip Patterson]

I do not do it.

[Danny Cannell]

Good for you to say good. I agree with you. I do think it will be harder than ever to run the table and be undefeated. I would agree with you.

[Chip Patterson]

Now all these schedules look brutal because who would you. Where would you draw the tier for the top tier?

[Danny Cannell]

For what? Like record wise?

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, like when you're trying to stack them. Like I. For me, I think I would say Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana and then maybe draw the line and then get into a Michigan, USC type conversation.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

But those three are the ones that when I'm really trying to say who could go 12 0. Those are the teams I would consider and a lot of them all play each other and I just, I don't see one being able to truly separate from the package.

[Danny Cannell]

Agreed.

[Chip Patterson]

The state.

[Danny Cannell]

I do think it's a pretty manageable schedule for Penn State, Matt Campbell's first year. That's why I thought this job would be very attractive and you know somebody who could step in and win right away. Once again, the non conference is very doable. USC will be at home. Michigan on the road, but you know the back end, Washington on the road will be tricky but Purdue, Minnesota, Rutgers, Maryland to finish it out. Like if you can just get to your with one loss and maybe undefeated like you're looking at a really good situation to finish off the season with the.

[Chip Patterson]

I, I'm glad you mentioned Penn State. I think Penn State has the most favorable schedule in the Big Ten. I think that's like for Matt Campbell to be able to walk in and have the warmup of Marshall, Temple, Buffalo. Then your first conference game is Wisconsin at home. Your. Your road trips before, before you get to Washington, which is fair. But before you get to Washington, your road trips are Chicago for Northwestern, Ann Arbor. Get a. Buy Purdue. I mean, the fact that Penn State goes through and they don't play Indiana, they don't play Ohio State, they don't play Oregon. Those are the three teams that I just mentioned as the top tier. Right. That screams to me as almost Indiana 2024. You know, where you're gonna have like a, a high total and everyone's gonna be screaming about them like, wait, no, they haven't played anybody. That's. That is the challenge for Matt Campbell. Because if Matt Campbell goes 7 and 5 or 8 and 4 against this schedule, it's going to be a disappointment. Yeah, Matt Campbell with the Penn State, Iowa State Cyclones needs to be able to find a way to stack a bunch of wins because of the strength of schedule. Schedule.

[Danny Cannell]

What also is going to be interesting about it is that James Franklin could never get past the top five opponents. You know, which were in large part Ohio State and Michigan. And depends on how Michigan starts the season, I don't think they'll be top five when Penn State plays them. So you might be able to just keep racking up wins and never have that stat come up to compare it against James Franklin.

[Chip Patterson]

You ready for a few more interesting quirks from this schedule?

[Danny Cannell]

Yep.

[Chip Patterson]

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights. 0 West Coast Road trips. They are the only team with zero west coast road trips. Rutgers road games are to Chestnut Hill to College Park, Maryland to Chicago to play Northwestern, to Madison and to Happy Valley to play Penn State. All those years that. It's so funny. All those years in the Big Ten East. Rutgers seems to be saving. Actually, I did read Rutgers is in a little bit of financial trouble recently.

[Danny Cannell]

Oh yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

Maybe we're saving on saving money. No west coast road trips. Good job, Big Ten. Looking out for our guys.

[Danny Cannell]

That would actually be funny if that was a reason why they didn't they. $177 million in debt. Yeah. Way to go.

[Chip Patterson]

Oregon ducks to two buy related quirks. Kind of early bye week. They get the buy in Week 5 after playing Boise State, Oklahoma State, Portland State and USC. That's eight games in a row, including the stretch of at Illinois. You got the Northwestern at home, then back east to go play in Columbus against Ohio State, then back west against Michigan, then east to go play Michigan State, then back west for Washington.

[Danny Cannell]

That is brutal. That is a rough stretch of games. And the travel will be nightmarish for.

[Chip Patterson]

The Ducks with no breaks, too. Yeah, that's, that's a tough go of it for Oregon and. But if you thought that was tough, did you, did you take a gander at Northwestern? Northwestern's got a buy in week two.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

That means 11 games in a row. They'll get their warm up. I believe that's South Dakota. South Dakota State, right. Yeah.

[Danny Cannell]

The Jackrabbits. Yep.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah. And then after that it is 11 games in a row. Tough, tough stuff along the way. Any other big.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah, yeah. The other quirk that I was surprised. I know we're going to talk about the acc. The ACC has several teams playing week zero. And I've actually looked at this trend and been like, I was expecting the Big Ten to maybe take advantage of that opportunity. Instead, you have one team that still hasn't even announced their week zero opponent. It is usc. Of course, the Notre Dame game was the one that's out. I'm sure it'll be some juggernaut in week zero. But the advantage of two bye weeks for them, that's the week zero advantage. You get that game early. They have two buys within there. If you're a USC fan with. Considering what's coming back, bring in Gary Patterson in to run the defense like this year, supposing to be a big step forward. You mentioned playoffs or bust. I think if it's not the playoffs for usc. I know there's already some fans who are sort of split on Lincoln Riley. I think there'll be some very, very understandably frustrated USC fans. You got rid of the Notre Dame game specifically to challenge for the playoffs and up that one loss. What if we were 10 and 2? Like if you're not 10 and 2 or better. I think it's an extremely disappointing season for usc.

[Chip Patterson]

Well, timed buys, too.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah. Oh, they're perfect. Yeah, it's great.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah. Usc, they, they've got the, the Oregon game, which I think is honestly like one of my, one of my favorite games. Just because it's so early in the season to be able to get things rocking and rolling. They follow that up with Washington. So Oregon and Washington both come to the Coliseum, Week four, week five, then they head out to Happy Valley to Play Penn State. So Oregon, Washington, Penn State, break. Then they go play in Camp Randall against Wisconsin, return home for the Ohio State game. That's obviously massive. Break, reset, and then they play Indiana. So that means a break between Ohio State and Indiana, a break after the Oregon, Washington, Penn State run. So in terms of trying to figure out the rhythms of the season, another thing that we always like to. Another thing we always like to look at, then. Then that would say that that's an advantage here for the Trojans.

[Danny Cannell]

Huge advantage. Big year for them.

[Chip Patterson]

Do you have. I've got a list of my favorite games.

[Danny Cannell]

Oh, what you got?

[Chip Patterson]

Okay, you want me to go. You want me go 5 to 1 or 1 to 5?

[Danny Cannell]

5 to 1. I want some drama to build up.

[Chip Patterson]

All right. My number five favorite game on the 2026 Big Ten schedule, Indiana at Michigan. I like Indiana at Michigan. This game's on October 24th, because the Hoosiers are going to get to not only go to the Big House, but this is a really good coaching matchup between Kyle Whittingham and Kurt Signetti, two coaches that are very much going to be trying to establish an identity and a culture. And this is going to be a good test against each other. For Indiana, I think that you have a little bit of a trap spot because it is the week after you play host to Ohio State. So win or lose, are you either going to get caught on the other side of it? So I like that as a good test for the Hoosiers. Indiana at Michigan, October 24th is my number five.

[Danny Cannell]

Love it. I think it's an outstanding game for number five. Curious to see where you're going with four.

[Chip Patterson]

Oklahoma at Michigan, Sooners coming to town, return visit. You know, the. The idea that that game ended up meaning so much to Oklahoma by the end of the season, really helping them be able to get into the College Football Playoff. Can Michigan, with Kyle Whittingham, be able to get that same kind of Success? And also September 12th. Let's go. Early season. I need it, you know, need it along the way. Absolutely.

[Danny Cannell]

And the game was not that far off last year in Oklahoma with Bryce Underwood, another year of experience under his belt. You mentioned Kyle Whittingham. I think the coaching staff will be better. Huge opportunity for them at the big house.

[Chip Patterson]

Number three. November 7th, Oregon at Ohio State. We remember the classic two years ago when the Buckeyes went out to Eugene, you know, the day in laning rule put into place because of the 12 man on the field. What are we going to see from two teams that are absolutely going to be competing for the Big Ten title. Julian Saying against Dante Moore. One of the topics that we'll have coming up a little bit later on, who are the best returning starting quarterbacks? If Julian Saying and Dante Moore are not very high on your list of the top returning starters in all of college football, then you're going to be like, sorely, sorely mistaken. So I've got Oregon at Ohio State in the shoe as my number three. That's November 7th.

[Danny Cannell]

Love it. I have high expectations for Oregon. I have high expectations for Ohio State. I mean, and if it does, one of them is going to take an L. It gives you that less room for any sort of leeway going down the stretch. That's a really good one.

[Chip Patterson]

No 12 0, Danny, I'm telling you, there will not be a single 12, 0 team in the beach.

[Danny Cannell]

I'm gonna find one. I'm gonna find one.

[Chip Patterson]

Number two. Yeah, I, I, I think it, I, I'm just gonna say it. I think it's two. I think it's two. It's in Austin. It's also on September 12th, it's the Buckeyes going to play against Texas. And while we are talking about the Big Ten schedules here, it is undeniable that the Texas side of this is so intriguing. Yeah, I mean, the all or nothing opportunity. Arch Manning looked overwhelmed the first time that he played Matt Patricia's Ohio State defense. Now he gets a second look at him. Steve Sarkeesian gets a second look at him. Texas has gone into the transfer portal. They have loaded up on talent to surround Arch manning in the 2026 season. With the best chance possible to make a run at a national championship. Ohio State believes it should be right back in the mix for the national championship. Both of these teams should be in the College Football Playoff next season. So, yeah, I, it seems like I'm getting low hanging fruit. But yeah, my number two is Ohio State of Texas. September 12th.

[Danny Cannell]

I think it'll be a better game than last year because Julian Satan didn't light it up either. He was making his first, first start too. Now you've got two experienced quarterbacks with a lot of weapons around them. I think that game will be better than last year's game.

[Chip Patterson]

Pick a winner. January 28th.

[Danny Cannell]

I'll go Texas at home, Texas at home.

[Chip Patterson]

That would be, that would feel proper for the split.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah, I think so.

[Chip Patterson]

I'll.

[Danny Cannell]

Trust me, I wouldn't be surprised at all if Ohio State one. But I do think, I don't Know though it's gonna be, I mean, Texas will be favored. Do you think that's safe? Yeah, two and a half points, something like that.

[Chip Patterson]

Just a home field. I mean the, the place is going to be absolutely bonkers. But my number one, it is a rematch of the 13 to 10 Big Ten championship game. The fact that we get Ohio State in Bloomington on October 17th. If you don't think the world famous Ohio State Buckeyes are rolling into the champ's house with a chip on their shoulder, I, I mean that is a like walking your trap kind of game. Like they, like they want to take that game over. They want to make a statement. The villainy of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2026 will be on full display. And the Indiana Hoosiers, no longer the upstart, plucky underdogs, no longer the band of misfits, The Indiana Hoosiers with a target square on their back right in the middle of October, having to defend it against Ohio State, I think it's going to be emotional. I think it's going to be hard hitting. Just the way the Big Ten title game was fired up for that one. That's my number one game on the Big Ten schedule.

[Danny Cannell]

So no Ohio State, Michigan?

[Chip Patterson]

Nope.

[Danny Cannell]

Greatest rivalry in the sport. Didn't even make it.

[Chip Patterson]

Did not make it. The other one that just was Oregon at USC.

[Danny Cannell]

Those were my 6 and 7, I would say. Is it. I mean, it's kind of, which is kind of crazy how fast this has evolved. We've seen rivalries develop in the sec, kind of ebbs and flows with lsu, Bama, you know, at times, you know, Tennessee, Bama. You see these different rivalries kind of ebb and flow with. I don't think we've ever in history seen Ohio State, Indiana as a rivalry.

[Chip Patterson]

Right.

[Danny Cannell]

But for the third year, kind of having split the first couple times and having Will Howard with the cigarette and stomping it out and then losing that opportunity, undefeated season and a great spot in the College Football Playoff. Yeah, I think this, when you wrote it down, when you had Indiana Michigan at 5 in my notes, I was like, Indiana, Ohio State is not going to make the list. So I'm glad you had it at one because that was my first reaction. I think it's awesome.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, the, the Iron bowl has at times, like, remember when we were like, the Iron bowl some years is a regular game. And again I, I said that it was sixth. I had, I've listed them, like about putting them together because I was going to Do a conference only and a non con included.

[Danny Cannell]

Right?

[Chip Patterson]

I was non con included. I added a couple extra but Michigan at Ohio State was my 6. Oregon at USC was my 7. And the other part of that too is I kind of like the mid October date in terms of a check in a tone setter that that Ohio State Oregon game was in early like October 12th a couple years ago. And think about how that was so fun to be able to set the course for both of those teams and eventually set up the rematch in the Rose bowl that the Buckeyes were able to get their revenge with.

[Danny Cannell]

It's good to see Wisconsin. Now the schedule is not easy but for back to back seasons they had maybe one, two or three as far as toughest schedules in the country because they had Bama both of those. Now they still get Notre Dame. That will not be easy week one but I do think it is more manageable for Luke Fickle without Ohio State without Penn State or they do have Penn State without Michigan. I think this is an opportunity for Luke Fickle to save his job for another season. I think they're going to be better.

[Chip Patterson]

Great. Great call. I'm glad that you mentioned that because I actually think Wisconsin outside of Penn State jumped out to me as one of the more manageable. They miss the Wisconsin Badgers miss Ohio State, they miss Oregon, they miss Michigan, they miss Indiana. You mentioned the Notre Dame game that's at Lambeau field. You know 5050 split on that one. But that's that that is a nice reprieve from having one of the most difficult schedules in the entire country as Luke Fickle tries to tries to salvage this thing. Another one that looks a little bit not like not overwhelmingly manageable but the Illinois fighting a line I you've got Oregon coming to your place. Your west coast trip is out to play Bob Chesney's UCLA Bruins. You've got a very like middle, middle of the season bye week play Ohio State but no Indiana, no Michigan, no no usc. It's not a. It's an okay draw there for the Illini.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah, it's not bad at all. Tom's got to be pretty excited about that.

[Chip Patterson]

I mean at 120 I think a line I buy a billion anybody who's.

[Danny Cannell]

A surprise who dodges, you know Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon. But now you can't dodge Indiana. Like there's just there aren't that many easy ones. I like your call. And the no. 1 defeated. Yep, I like it.

[Chip Patterson]

Anything else on Big Ten before we hit a break and pivot to the ACC?

[Danny Cannell]

I don't think so.

[Chip Patterson]

All right, coming up on the other side ACC schedule, it's going to have you scratching your head a little bit. We'll try to explain and more next.

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[Chip Patterson]

Back here on the COVID 3 podcast. Yes. On Monday we got the ACC schedule released which included conference title game, moving to Saturday afternoon. I like it.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah. And I wonder, do you think there was any negotiating as far as who got Friday night? Because the Big 12 is moving to Friday night and the Big 12 had the noon slot on Saturday. Do you think that was because, and I'm sure we'll talk about this, but there are a lot of ACC games on Friday nights which I kind of like. I know some coaches don't, but I almost, I don't know, I'd rather have a prime time Friday night leading into than noon. But I think anything is better than going to go up against the Big Ten, you know. So anything to get out of that window I think is attractive for the accident.

[Chip Patterson]

I think that. So the Friday first of all, I'm glad that we have one of them on Friday night. Yeah, I remember the Pac12 was on Friday night then you know, Pac12, Paxil's coming back but you know, in a, in a very different form. So the Big 12 moves into that spot like on Friday night this year I was thinking there should be a power conference. I mean it was great. Would we have the American on Friday night this past, this past year. But to be able to get the Big 12 on Friday night. I think that the ACC moving into that spot will be, it'll be a proper spot for the ACC just to get everything started. Also, maybe, maybe not quite as cold and damp.

[Danny Cannell]

Right. And it'll have a little bit of the feel of the round of playoffs when we get the one Friday night game and then you get noon for eight. Like it's kind of nice for college football fans to be able to just focus on, you know, one great game at a time. Yep.

[Chip Patterson]

So let's go, let's start again with, with the schedule sort of big picture, overarching. What were some of the things that stood out to you?

[Danny Cannell]

So similar. I'll start with the team that lost in the national championship. And now I think this is a theme greater than Miami. But I just mentioned the Friday night games. Mario Cristobal is on the record. He didn't interview. I forget who it was. We played it back. But he does not like, he likes football on Saturdays, which I think we all do. We all like college football on Saturdays. I think he said, I don't want any of them. And well, what do you reward him with? One Monday and you get three Friday night games for the Miami Hurricanes. But I do, I think this is smart for the ACC to try to feature some of their bigger brands on Friday night. The Florida State, Virginia game, the overtime game, which was wild, was the highest rated Friday night game ever for a college football game. I think you'll see that trend continue. It's a great opportunity to get the most eyeballs to showcase your better brands and if you get great games, of course it helps. So I'm sure Mario doesn't feel great about it, but I think it's great to showcase these, you know, your best products in a mostly unobstructed window. There will be. I know Fox is taking some Friday night games and there's a couple others on there. It used to be, I, I used to call this game with ESPN and that was the big sell to the broadcasting team was you are the only game on now there's a couple. But for the most part if you're a Power 4 brand and you're playing on a Friday night, almost everybody's watching, which I think is great.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, the, the Stanford opener at Stanford will be Monday. Right. And then they continue on with, with the FAMU comes back then the Wake Forest game, then also the Virginia Tech game. So Mario will get his wish in the fact that the Clemson game on October 3rd, the Florida State game, the Pit Game, North Carolina, Notre Dame. I mean, they've got a run of Saturday games.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

It's just at the front. They will be put very much on display as. As. As the conferences. You know, the conference jewel that is the Miami Hurricanes here in 2026. What do you make of. What do you make of the way the schedule lays out for the Hurricanes? I think the bye week between Clemson and Florida State is obviously very nice, but that Florida State pit. North Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke, Virginia Tech. That stretch.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

Is they. That. That's when they need to be their healthiest and playing some of their best football.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah. So you get geared up before that. You do get two of those at home before going on the road. I mean, is it kind of crazy to think that possibly the most trigging, intriguing games out of those. I mean, clearly Notre Dame is going to be huge, especially the way the narrative went this year with that game meaning so much. And maybe it does again. I mean, I could see a scenario where. Where you could have 11 and one Miami and 11, one Notre Dame again, and the winner or loser of that one is jockeying for position that could come into play again. But I think it's also the Duke game is really interesting because of what happened with Darian Mensah, his old team. Manny Diaz's history with Miami. That game is very intriguing as well. And then, of course, Virginia Tech. I think we all think it's going to be a much tougher out for everybody this year. So I would include Miami in there.

[Chip Patterson]

What do you make of James? Yeah, we. We haven't. James Franklin's Virginia Tech Hokies. Remember, Like James Franklin's Virginia Tech Hokies. What do you make of the. The Hokie slate there? They're gonna go to smu. That's another weeknight game. They've got the two Miami weeknight game. They go to Clemson. So those are three tough road trips, but I'm looking at the rest of it. I think. I think that they should be in a decent position to have a good season.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah, I do too. I think it should be. And especially considering the investment they've made in the roster. There's going to be a ton of turnover, but I do think this is one. I don't think if I would. You know, I'm sure they might be a trendy pick to win the ACC, but I would think 9 and 3 would be a phenomenal start for James Franklin's career at Virginia Tech.

[Chip Patterson]

What any other. What. What about. I've got a toughest nomination for you two of them actually. Any. Any easiest nominations.

[Danny Cannell]

Let me see, who did you have.

[Chip Patterson]

For the easiest schedule? I think. I think that my answer is the. If you are willing to look past the non con against Ole Miss. I think that Louisville avoiding Clemson and Miami and obviously they can't play themselves. They do host smu. I think it was setting. I think it sets up well for the Cards in conference play overall. Strength of schedule, you have to take in the Kentucky and Ole Miss SEC opener and closer. That's going to be a little bit. Add some difficulty points to the score.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

But in terms of trying to make it to the ACC championship game, I think the Cards have a decently favorable schedule and in a decently favorable sort of like way that it all lays out. I mean your road trips are to Raleigh, they're to Syracuse, they're to Georgia Tech, they're to North Carolina. You don't have. You don't have anything too crazy. So as Jeff Braum is looking to try to, you know, win a few more games this year, get back to that 9, 10 win standard, I think the Cards got a pretty decent draw.

[Danny Cannell]

I think so too. Stanford, although their travels brutal and they do have Notre Dame. Scratch that.

[Chip Patterson]

It's tough to do Stanford or Cal at all just because of what it's going to be. I mean like think about Cal week one playing UCLA Week two, you're all the way out to go play Syracuse, then you're back. Then Clemson comes to town. You know, then. Then you've got unlv. That's not far. But then. Yeah, I don't know.

[Danny Cannell]

That house isn't bad.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, Cal's not bad. Let's go Tosh. Let's. Let's get a good one in there. All right. Now the toughest. Toughest. Who is it?

[Danny Cannell]

I mean I love my guy Mike Norvell, but it is not an easy slate for the Seminoles this year. No, I already I. You know, it's. I see them on Instagram, I follow the Florida State and they put out the schedule and I just saw the comments strolling in probably from Florida State. Fans are like, yep, three and nine, here we go. No, it's either that or there's the over optimistic fans. But Florida State schedule is not easy. SMU on a. Is that Monday night?

[Chip Patterson]

Is that the Monday night or is that the Sunday night that I think.

[Danny Cannell]

I can't read on my thing. I think it says 97 which would be Monday night, right?

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, so I guess.

[Danny Cannell]

And then they have to go to Alabama in a revenge game for Bama. They have Louisville, who's not going to be easy. Virginia was 10 and 2. You know they're not going to be easy. Miami on the road, Clemson, Pitt on the road, which is never easy. And then the Florida Gators to finish it out on Black Friday. Florida State schedule is not the type you would be looking for if you were coach sitting on the hot seat.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, I would say that Virginia, Louisville might, or let's throw in the Alabama.

[Danny Cannell]

Oh, golly, it is rough. It is a rough, rough slate. But you know what, there was a time Florida State said we'll play anybody, anywhere, anytime. That's what they're getting.

[Chip Patterson]

Siri.

[Danny Cannell]

I do think they are. I, and I do think that the amount of week zero games I love, I mean I, I, I was surprised we didn't have any Big Ten except for usc. We do have several teams playing and I do think the double buy is something I would sign up, say give me week zero and give me an extra bye week. So they have the first two games, they get a buy before Alabama and you got a pretty rough stretch in there at five games. Then you get to buy before Clemson. Like I do think the buys are the one thing you could take away and be like, all right, at least we catch our breath, get healthy series.

[Chip Patterson]

Set a notification for October 18th for a mike Norvell emergency pod that would be going into the off week for Florida State after they've played Alabama, Virginia, Louisville and Miami in a five week run.

[Danny Cannell]

And that Louisville game is Friday night, I believe. So that'll be on the national stage. A lot of eyeballs on it.

[Chip Patterson]

I mean the Miami game will be on a national stage.

[Danny Cannell]

Yeah, but I'm just saying like going into that one, if you lose that one, then the conversation could get heated. I'm going to stay optimistic though.

[Chip Patterson]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, listen, we, can, we, can we just try to be prep. We're trying to prepare along the way. Yes, the North Carolina Tar Heels had an advantageous schedule in, in 2025. That's why their win total was set at six, seven and a half. They finished four and eight. And now things have turned. They played Clemson last year. It was not competitive. They'll play Clemson again this time in Death Valley. But now they're also going to welcome Notre Dame. They go to Pitt, they go to Duke. They welcome Miami, they welcome Louisville. They also have to go to Virginia. And then of course they will play NC State at the end of the season. I'm, I'm Looking out here, Danny.

[Danny Cannell]

I.

[Chip Patterson]

Mean it's, it's gonna be tough.

[Danny Cannell]

You mentioned Clemson wasn't competitive. The TCU game sort of set things off on the wrong page from the get go. And they start off with them again. Week zero national stage. Is that one in Ireland, that one overseas? Yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

Yep.

[Danny Cannell]

So that always gets like it's early in the day, so a lot of people be watching. That is not great. You know, schedule is pretty manageable as NC State.

[Chip Patterson]

Yep.

[Danny Cannell]

You know, I think you mentioned them, but just looking at it again, you know, Vanderbilt, Post Diego Pavia, you know, we'll see how good they are, but I think their schedule is pretty manageable. Most of the home games, games you'd probably want at home. I think NC State has a pretty good schedule.

[Chip Patterson]

NC State has a. One of your very classic. When they test themselves against those early tough opponents, if it goes well, it will very quickly get exciting. Like the Virginia, Vanderbilt, Louisville. Right. Like if all of a sudden you get through that, what, two and one or even three and. Oh, but if you get through that and you're all of a sudden a one loss team, now we're going to start to look up because from there to your point, it does open up where, you know, Wake. Stanford, Cal, a Duke team that just got raided, Syracuse, you know, you could string together a couple of wins and set yourself up looking down the barrel at the end of the season where Florida State and North Carolina, who knows where those teams are by the time you get to the end of November. It's, it's, it's a year, you know, it's a year with C.J. bailey in the Wolf pack. If they're, they're able to string it all together, it'll be something to be able to watch. Let's see. Any other ones stand out? I think that's about it. Smu, let's see. Smu's got no. My, no Miami, Right?

[Danny Cannell]

Yep.

[Chip Patterson]

No Clemson.

[Danny Cannell]

They do have Notre Dame.

[Chip Patterson]

They do have Notre Dame.

[Danny Cannell]

They do have Florida State to kick off the season and they must win for Florida State. Yeah, but that'll be interesting. Who's going to be favored?

[Chip Patterson]

I think it's.

[Danny Cannell]

I know. I mean it probably should be. Yeah, yeah.

[Chip Patterson]

SMU and Louisville in two of the first three games. So SMU, SMU's ACC title hope certainly tested right out of the gate. All right, so on Thursdays, you know, tomorrow, and certainly a lot of Thursdays moving forward, a big part of the conversation is going to be you. It's going to be the tailgate getting involved, both live and also from wherever you are. So what we want you to do is jump in YouTube.com cover 3, be able to get the conversation started early. Or if you want to reach out to us individually, either on social media or On Twitter at Cover 3, podcast your mailbag questions. We'll be tackling some of your questions Thursday. Mailbags. The big old bag of mail is back. We are fired up for it. So come and hang out Thursday, 11am Eastern Time. And you can follow him on Twitter at Danny Cano. You can follow me at Chip Underscore Patterson. Gentlemen, thank you very much.

[Danny Cannell]

See you. Pluto TV has thousands of free movies and TV shows.

[Chip Patterson]

This is the mindset. Like Joe Dirt, pixels, Survivor and SpongeBob SquarePants free. This is the mindset.

[Danny Cannell]

You're welcome.

[Chip Patterson]

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